Feline Shelter Vaccines

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) vaccine guidelines for shelter cats and kittens are:

* "FVRCP" vaccines cover the first three viruses.

The Rabies vaccine is considered "optional" for shelter felines. The AAFP guidelines recommend that a 1 year rabies vaccine be administered to all cats according to age-appropriate guidelines at the time of discharge from the shelter. AAFP acknowledges that the timing may be different in shelters where animals stay long-term.

Types of Vaccines

Many types of vaccines are available, and more being developed and introduced to the market. A shelter must choose wisely based on the needs of the animals as well as the shelter.

For shelter felines, the AAFP recommends the following types of vaccines:

FVRCP:

• Modified live vaccines provide quick onset of immunity.
• Injectable subcutaneous FVRCP vaccines instead of or in addition to intranasal are best able to provide panleukopenia protection in contaminated environments.

Rabies:

• This vaccine is available as a recombinant or killed injectable product. Either is appropriate.

When to Vaccinate