Pet Care & Wellness

Vaccination Schedule and Parasite Control in Cats

1. Mandatory and Recommended Vaccines for Cats
Mandatory vaccines provide essential protection against contagious and deadly diseases:

  • Combination Vaccine (FVRCP): Protects against feline distemper (panleukopenia), viral rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus.

  • Rabies Vaccine: Legally required and very important for human health as well.

Recommended vaccines vary depending on the cat’s lifestyle:

  • Feline Leukemia (FeLV): Especially recommended for cats that go outdoors.

  • FIP, Bordetella, and other vaccines may also be considered by the veterinarian based on risk factors.

Kedilerde Aşı Takvimi ve Parazit Kontrolü

2. What Should the Vaccination Schedule Be?

For Kittens:

  • 6–8 weeks: First combination vaccine

  • 9–11 weeks: Booster combination vaccine + (optional) FeLV

  • 12–14 weeks: Rabies vaccine

  • 16 weeks: Final booster of combination or FeLV if needed

For Adult Cats:

  • Annually: Rabies and combination vaccine boosters

  • FeLV and others: Only for cats that go outdoors

Note: A full health check should be performed before vaccination, and parasite treatment should be completed first.


3. Internal Parasite Control
Internal parasites include intestinal worms, giardia, and coccidia. They threaten both your cat’s health and yours.

Treatment Plan:

  • Kittens: From 2 weeks of age, every 2–3 weeks with deworming treatment

  • Adults: Every 3 months with internal parasite medication

Symptoms:

  • Swollen belly

  • Weight loss

  • Diarrhea or constipation

  • Rice-like parasite traces around the anus

Regular internal parasite control also prevents zoonotic diseases (transmittable to humans).


4. External Parasite Control
External parasites include fleas, ticks, lice, mange mites, and ear mites.

Common Types:

  • Fleas: Cause itching, allergies, and anemia

  • Ticks: Feed on blood and may transmit various diseases

  • Mange and ear mites: Cause black discharge in the ears and intense itching

Prevention Methods:

  • Monthly spot-on drops, sprays, or tablets provide effective protection

  • Anti-parasitic medications should never be used without veterinary approval

Kedilerde Aşı Takvimi ve Parazit Kontrolü

5. Points to Consider in Vaccination and Parasite Treatment

  • Vaccines must always be stored in a cold chain and administered by professionals.

  • Mild fatigue and loss of appetite after vaccination are normal, but if they last longer than 48 hours, consult a veterinarian.

  • Parasite medications must be given in the correct dose according to age and weight.

  • If there are multiple pets at home, all of them should be treated together.


Conclusion
For your cat to live a healthy and peaceful life, vaccination schedules and parasite control are essential. When carried out regularly, these practices prevent many serious diseases.

Remember: A healthy cat means a happy home.