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Vaccination Schedule and Protection for Cats in Singapore

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to keep your cat healthy throughout their life. Modern vaccines provide excellent protection against serious diseases, giving you peace of mind and your cat the best chance at a long, healthy life.

Research shows that proper vaccination programs have dramatically reduced feline disease rates, with most vaccinated cats enjoying excellent protection against once-common illnesses. Understanding Singapore’s vaccination protocols helps you make informed decisions about your cat’s healthcare.

This blog will explain vaccination schedules, disease protection, and how to work with your vet to create the right plan for your cat.

Cat Vaccines in Singapore and What They Protect Against

Studies show that most properly vaccinated cats maintain protective immunity, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern vaccination programs. Singapore’s “core vaccines” protect against three important viral diseases:

Feline Panleukopenia (Cat Parvovirus): This virus affects the immune system and digestive tract. Vaccinated cats develop strong immunity that typically lasts for years. The vaccine is highly effective, providing excellent protection when given according to schedule.

Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1): Causes respiratory and eye symptoms. While some cats may carry the virus after exposure, vaccination significantly reduces illness severity and frequency. Most vaccinated cats live normal, healthy lives even if exposed.

Feline Calicivirus (FCV): Affects the mouth and respiratory system. Vaccination provides strong protection against serious forms of the disease. The vaccine helps prevent severe complications that can occur in unprotected cats.

πŸ‘‰ Good news: Today’s vaccines are more effective than ever. Antibodies from proper core vaccination often persist for over 3 years, showing the lasting value of vaccination investment.

Cat Vaccination Schedule

Core Vaccination

For Kitten (8-16 weeks)

  • First vaccination: 8 weeks old
  • Second vaccination: 10-12 weeks old
  • Final vaccination: 14-16 weeks old

For Adult Cat

  • First adult booster: Within 12 months of final kitten shot
  • Ongoing boosters: Annually or based on antibody testing

This schedule ensures kittens develop strong immunity as maternal antibodies naturally decline. Most cats respond excellently to this proven protocol.

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VacciCheck Testing: Checking Your Cat’s Immunity Levels

VacciCheck blood testing measures your cat’s actual immunity levels, providing results within an hour. This modern approach offers several benefits:

  • Personalized care based on your cat’s actual immunity
  • Flexible scheduling that matches your cat’s needs
  • Cost-effectiveness by avoiding unnecessary vaccinations
  • Informed decisions supported by scientific data

VacciCheck represents the future of vaccination – personalized medicine based on your individual cat’s immunity status rather than one-size-fits-all schedules.

Want to discuss the best vaccination plan for your cat? Schedule a consultation at Vets for Life to create a customized approach based on your cat’s needs.

Non-Core Vaccination

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

FIV vaccination may benefit cats with specific risk factors.Β Consider FIV vaccination for:

  • Outdoor cats who may encounter aggressive strays
  • Multi-cat households with unknown FIV status
  • Cats in areas with known FIV-positive populations

What to know:

  • Pre-vaccination testing ensures your cat is FIV-negative
  • Vaccination may affect future FIV testing results
  • Your vet will help assess whether benefits outweigh considerations

πŸ‘‰ FIV vaccination works best when tailored to your cat’s actual lifestyle and risk factors. Vets for Life can help you make the right choice – contact us if you need more information about this.

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Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

FeLV vaccination provides valuable protection for at-risk cats. Consider FeLV vaccination for:

  • Cats with outdoor access
  • Multi-cat households
  • Cats who will board or visit groomers

Simple protocol:

  • Pre-vaccination FeLV testing
  • Two initial doses 3-4 weeks apart
  • Annual boosters for continued protection

Although the decision depends on your cat’s lifestyle and exposure opportunities, FeLV vaccination is particularly valuable for social cats or those with changing lifestyles. It’s an excellent investment in long-term health security.

Additional Options

Chlamydia: Often included in combination vaccines, it protects against bacterial eye infections. Particularly useful in multi-cat environments.

Rabies: Not routinely needed in rabies-free Singapore, but required for international travel. Your vet will guide you if travel plans develop.

Read more: Dog Vaccinations

Possible Vaccine Reactions in Cats

Normal Responses

Most cats experience mild, temporary reactions, showing their immune system is responding properly:

  • Brief tiredness or reduced appetite (24-48 hours)
  • Small, temporary swelling at the injection site
  • Slightly quieter behavior for a day or two

These normal responses resolve quickly and indicate successful immune activation.

When to Contact a Vet

While uncommon, some reactions warrant veterinary attention:

  • Persistent lethargy beyond 48 hours
  • Significant injection site swelling or discomfort
  • Loss of appetite lasting more than 2 days
  • Any breathing difficulties or facial swelling

Serious vaccine reactions occur in less than 0.5% of cats, making vaccination very safe for most cats.

πŸ‘‰ Safety first: Modern vaccines have excellent safety profiles. The vet should monitor for any unusual reactions and provide immediate support if needed.

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Special Cases for Cat Vaccination

Normal Responses

Many wonderful cats come to us with unclear vaccination backgrounds. The approach is straightforward:

  • Treat as unvaccinated for safety
  • Complete initial series (2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart)
  • Establish a normal adult maintenance schedule

This conservative approach ensures complete protection regardless of previous history.

Breeding and Pregnancy

Well-vaccinated breeding cats pass protective antibodies to their kittens through nursing:

Best practices:

  • Update vaccinations before breeding
  • Maintain good immunity during pregnancy
  • Resume normal schedules after weaning

This approach protects both mothers and babies during vulnerable periods.

Health Considerations

Sometimes vaccination timing needs adjustment for health reasons.Β Temporary delays may be appropriate for:

  • Cats recovering from illness or surgery
  • Those under medical treatment
  • Cats experiencing significant stress

A few weeks’ delay for health reasons doesn’t compromise long-term protection.

πŸ‘‰ Flexible approach: Good veterinary care will adapt vaccination schedules to your cat’s individual health needs while maintaining effective protection.

Read more: 9 Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Pet Clinic in Singapore

Working with Your Vet on a Vaccination Plan

Open Communication

Share relevant information with your vet:

  • Your cat’s lifestyle and living situation
  • Plans that might affect risk (moving, new pets, boarding)
  • Any concerns about vaccination or previous experiences
  • Budget considerations for ongoing care

Asking the Right Questions

Helpful questions for your vet:

  • Which vaccines does my cat specifically need?
  • What’s the best schedule for our situation?
  • How will we monitor vaccine effectiveness?
  • What should I watch for after vaccination?

Building a Partnership

  • Following recommended schedules consistently
  • Communicating any concerns promptly
  • Updating protocols when your cat’s situation changes
  • Maintaining regular health checkups

πŸ‘‰ The best vaccination outcomes come from good communication between you and your veterinary team, ensuring your cat gets exactly the right protection for their individual needs.

Conclusion

Our experienced team at Vets for Life follows Singapore’s official vaccination guidelines and creates personalized protection plans that fit your cat’s lifestyle and your family’s needs. Contact us today for a consult on cat vaccination.