Some infectious diseases such as panleukopenia and rabies can be effectively prevented through the use of vaccines while others such as herpesvirus can be minimised though not completely prevented. Still others like FIV have had vaccinations made for them but have proven so ineffective that we no longer recommend using them. The cats we vaccinate also vary widely in their risk of exposure and probability of developing the disease. With so many variables, we believe in vaccinating cats according to their individual needs rather than a strict general protocol. That can mean anything from vaccinating annually to every 3 years to, in rare cases, not at all.
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/vaccination-guidelines/ — this highly respected group offers a balanced and thorough guide to feline vaccination, and it is what we have chosen to base our own vaccination guidelines on.
- The Cat Groupwww.thecatgroup.org.uk/policy_statements/vacc.html — a collection of professional organisations dedicated to feline welfare through the development and promotion of policies and recommendations on the care and keeping of all cats, they have a particularly good policy on vaccination and several infectious diseases.
- American Association of Feline Practitionerswww.catvets.com/guidelines/practice-guidelines/feline-vaccination-guidelines — guidelines on vaccination endorsed by the International Society of Feline Medicine, and which guides feline vaccination practices in the US. They also have a good brochure on vaccination here: www.catvets.com/cat-owners/brochures
- International Cat Carewww.icatcare.org/advice/keeping-your-cat-healthy/vaccinating-your-cat — a good summary of vaccination in cats.