may opt not to get this one, since mature cats are already somewhat immune to the disease.

• Bordetella – This bordetellosis vaccine is designed to prevent the respiratory tract disease that cats often develop in animal shelters (similar to kennel cough in dogs.) House cats can occasionally pick it up, too. This vaccine is best for a cat who's about to be boarded or who was bred at a cattery. For the average pet, opinions vary.

Owners are often worried about the possible side effects of vaccinations, which ca

Nobody likes needles – and if your four-legged feline knew what he was in for, he’d probably go scampering up a tree! Still, as a loving pet owner, it’s up to you to keep your cat’s shots current. But how many are they supposed to have? How often? Will they harm my pet? These are not easy questions. And many pet owners feel like they’re in the dark about what vaccines to give – or not give – their pets. After all, things are ever changing in the world of cat vaccinations!

Your best bet is to talk to your veterinarian about it, but here’s a little guide that should put you on the right track:

The Basics: Yearly Shots

• FVRCP – This is a standard vaccine which stands for feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus. (OK, so it doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue!) But all you need to remember is that the first two types of viruses cause upper respiratory illness, while panleukopenia is a life-threatening disease that leaves cats suffering with severe diarrhea as well as depletion of bone marrow and white blood cells.

• Rabies – Most cats should get this safe, life-saving vaccine every year or every third year. The only exception is a cat that lives exclusively indoors and couldn't possibly get out. In some states, even indoor-only cats have to get them (let’s face it, cats are known to slip out the door.) Just one “night on the town” and your cat could be exposed to the virus. Also, if your cat happens to bite someone and you have no proof of rabies shots, you might have to surrender your cat to have his brain tested for rabies!

Optional Vaccines

• FIP – This stands for feline infectious peritonitis, a viral disease that's almost always fatal, but thankfully, not very common.

• Ringworm – A non-core vaccine reserved only for cats at high risk

• FeLV – A feline leukemia vaccination that got a bad rap initially because it was frequently ineffective and many breeders believed it to increase the risk of FIP. Experts argue over whether this has changed much with time. The good news is that owners with older cats may opt not to get this one, since mature cats are already somewhat immune to the disease.

• Bordetella – This bordetellosis vaccine is designed to prevent the respiratory tract disease that cats often develop in animal shelters (similar to kennel cough in dogs.) House cats can occasionally pick it up, too. This vaccine is best for a cat who's about to be boarded or who was bred at a cattery. For the average pet, opinions vary.

Owners are often worried about the possible side effects of vaccinations, which can

n about it, but here’s a little guide that should put you on the right track:

The Basics: Yearly Shots

• FVRCP – This is a standard vaccine which stands for feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus. (OK, so it doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue!) But all you need to remember is that the first two types of viruses cause upper respiratory illness, while panleukopenia is a life-threatening disease that leaves cats suffering with severe diarrhea as well as depletion of bone marrow and white blood cells.

• Rabies – Most cats should get this safe, life-saving vaccine every year or every third year. The only exception is a cat that lives exclusively indoors and couldn't possibly get out. In some states, even indoor-only cats have to get them (let’s face it, cats are known to slip out the door.) Just one “night on the town” and your cat could be exposed to the virus. Also, if your cat happens to bite someone and you have no proof of rabies shots, you might have to surrender your cat to have his brain tested for rabies!

Optional Vaccines

• FIP – This stands for feline infectious peritonitis, a viral disease that's almost always fatal, but thankfully, not very common.

• Ringworm – A non-core vaccine reserved only for cats at high risk

• FeLV – A feline leukemia vaccination that got a bad rap initially because it was frequently ineffective and many breeders believed it to increase the risk of FIP. Experts argue over whether this has changed much with time. The good news is that owners with older cats may opt not to get this one, since mature cats are already somewhat immune to the disease.

• Bordetella – This bordetellosis vaccine is designed to prevent the respiratory tract disease that cats often develop in animal shelters (similar to kennel cough in dogs.) House cats can occasionally pick it up, too. This vaccine is best for a cat who's about to be boarded or who was bred at a cattery. For the average pet, opinions vary.

Owners are often worried about the possible side effects of vaccinations, which ca

te blood cells.

• Rabies – Most cats should get this safe, life-saving vaccine every year or every third year. The only exception is a cat that lives exclusively indoors and couldn't possibly get out. In some states, even indoor-only cats have to get them (let’s face it, cats are known to slip out the door.) Just one “night on the town” and your cat could be exposed to the virus. Also, if your cat happens to bite someone and you have no proof of rabies shots, you might have to surrender your cat to have his brain tested for rabies!

Optional Vaccines

• FIP – This stands for feline infectious peritonitis, a viral disease that's almost always fatal, but thankfully, not very common.

• Ringworm – A non-core vaccine reserved only for cats at high risk

• FeLV – A feline leukemia vaccination that got a bad rap initially because it was frequently ineffective and many breeders believed it to increase the risk of FIP. Experts argue over whether this has changed much with time. The good news is that owners with older cats may opt not to get this one, since mature cats are already somewhat immune to the disease.

• Bordetella – This bordetellosis vaccine is designed to prevent the respiratory tract disease that cats often develop in animal shelters (similar to kennel cough in dogs.) House cats can occasionally pick it up, too. This vaccine is best for a cat who's about to be boarded or who was bred at a cattery. For the average pet, opinions vary.

Owners are often worried about the possible side effects of vaccinations, which ca

ted for rabies!

Optional Vaccines

• FIP – This stands for feline infectious peritonitis, a viral disease that's almost always fatal, but thankfully, not very common.

• Ringworm – A non-core vaccine reserved only for cats at high risk

• FeLV – A feline leukemia vaccination that got a bad rap initially because it was frequently ineffective and many breeders believed it to increase the risk of FIP. Experts argue over whether this has changed much with time. The good news is that owners with older cats may opt not to get this one, since mature cats are already somewhat immune to the disease.

• Bordetella – This bordetellosis vaccine is designed to prevent the respiratory tract disease that cats often develop in animal shelters (similar to kennel cough in dogs.) House cats can occasionally pick it up, too. This vaccine is best for a cat who's about to be boarded or who was bred at a cattery. For the average pet, opinions vary.

Owners are often worried about the possible side effects of vaccinations, which ca

may opt not to get this one, since mature cats are already somewhat immune to the disease.

• Bordetella – This bordetellosis vaccine is designed to prevent the respiratory tract disease that cats often develop in animal shelters (similar to kennel cough in dogs.) House cats can occasionally pick it up, too. This vaccine is best for a cat who's about to be boarded or who was bred at a cattery. For the average pet, opinions vary.

Owners are often worried about the possible side effects of vaccinations, which can include everything from allergic reactions to something called “fibrosarcoma,” a cancerous tumor that cats can develop at the site of the inoculation. Because of these side effects, some experts have started to recommend giving fewer vaccines. Your best bet is to sit down with your vet and discuss whether the benefits outweigh those risks.

One thing most everyone can agree on is that your cat should have a wellness checkup and physical exam every year. So if it’s been awhile since your vet has canvassed your cat, it’s time to make that appointment! You can find out more information about this and minimum age requirements for vaccinations on PETCO’s website.