You’ve done your part as a responsible pet parent—taking your cat to the vet for all the recommended vaccinations, making sure they get the best care possible. But now you’re left wondering, despite all those efforts: Can a vaccinated cat still get sick? The short answer is yes, it’s possible. But don’t worry, it’s not as simple as it sounds.
In this guide from best animal hospital in Toronto, we’ll explore how vaccines work, why vaccinated cats might still get sick, and what illnesses they can be exposed to. You’ll also learn what steps you can take to keep your vaccinated cat healthy, even if there’s still a small chance they could get sick.
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How Do Vaccines Work? The Science Behind Protecting Your Cat
Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from specific infectious diseases. They work by stimulating your cat’s immune system to produce a defense against viruses or bacteria without causing the actual disease. Essentially, vaccines “teach” your cat’s immune system how to recognize and fight off potential infections.
There are two main types of vaccines for cats:
- Core Vaccines: These are vaccines that every cat should receive, regardless of their lifestyle. Core vaccines include protection against Feline Panleukopenia (Distemper), Feline Calicivirus, Feline Herpesvirus (Rhinotracheitis), and Rabies.
- Non-Core Vaccines: These are optional vaccines based on your cat’s risk factors and lifestyle. For example, if your cat spends a lot of time outdoors or in contact with other cats, vaccines for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) or Bordetella may be recommended.
Vaccines offer excellent protection, but they are not an absolute guarantee that your cat will never get sick. To understand why, let’s dive deeper into the reasons behind this.
Can Vaccinated Cats Still Get Sick?
While vaccines significantly reduce the likelihood and severity of illness, a vaccinated cat can still get sick under certain circumstances. Here are the most common reasons:
- Exposure to a Different Strain: Just like humans can still catch a different strain of the flu after getting a flu shot, cats can encounter strains of viruses or bacteria not covered by their vaccines. For instance, vaccines for upper respiratory infections (like Feline Calicivirus or Herpesvirus) may not protect against every variation of the virus, though they help reduce the severity of symptoms.
- Incomplete Vaccination Schedule: If a cat misses a booster shot or doesn’t complete the recommended vaccination schedule, they may not have full immunity. For example, kittens require several rounds of vaccines to build up proper immunity. If boosters are missed, their protection might weaken over time.
- Weakened Immune System: Some cats, especially older cats or those with underlying health conditions, may not respond to vaccines as robustly as a healthy, young cat. Their immune systems might be too weak to fully defend against infections, even after being vaccinated.
- Overwhelming Exposure: If a vaccinated cat is exposed to a large amount of a virus or bacteria, their immune system could become overwhelmed. This happens most often in environments where multiple animals are present, like shelters or boarding facilities, or when the cat is under significant stress.
✔️ Read related article: What Happens If a Dog Gets Vaccinated Twice?
Common Illnesses Vaccinated Cats Might Still Get
Even with vaccines, your cat can still be exposed to certain illnesses, though the symptoms are often milder than they would have been without vaccination. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): URIs are relatively common in cats, especially those who have contact with other cats. These infections are often caused by the Feline Herpesvirus or Feline Calicivirus. Even vaccinated cats may catch a mild version of these infections, but their symptoms will likely be much less severe than those of an unvaccinated cat.
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): FeLV is a contagious virus that can weaken a cat’s immune system and lead to severe infections or cancer. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk, but no vaccine offers 100% protection. If a cat is frequently exposed to infected cats, there’s still a small chance they could contract the virus.
- Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV): FPV, also known as Feline Distemper, is another dangerous virus that vaccines protect against. Vaccinated cats are much less likely to contract this virus, but in environments with a high concentration of infected animals, the possibility still exists, though it’s rare.
- Rabies: Though rabies is extremely rare in vaccinated cats, it is still a concern, particularly in areas where rabies is prevalent among wildlife. Infected animals like bats, raccoons, or stray dogs can expose even vaccinated cats to the virus. However, the rabies vaccine is highly effective in preventing this fatal disease.
How to Reduce the Risk of Illness in Vaccinated Cats?
Even though vaccines offer great protection, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep your cat healthy. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of illness:
- Regular Vet Visits and Booster Shots: Staying on top of your cat’s vaccination schedule is essential. Ensure your cat gets regular check-ups, and don’t skip booster shots. Your vet can also assess your cat’s overall health and detect any early signs of illness that might otherwise go unnoticed.
- Limit Exposure to Sick Animals: If your cat comes into contact with other animals frequently (for example, at a boarding facility or if they spend time outdoors), they’re at higher risk for picking up infections. Limiting these interactions can reduce their exposure to contagious diseases.
- Reduce Stress: Stress can weaken your cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illness. Provide a calm, comfortable environment for your cat, with plenty of cozy spots to relax. Changes in routine, travel, or interactions with new animals can all elevate your cat’s stress levels.
- Good Nutrition and Hydration: A well-balanced diet supports your cat’s immune system and overall health. Ensure they have access to clean water and high-quality cat food, which can help them fend off illnesses more effectively.
- Indoor Cats vs. Outdoor Cats: Indoor cats have a much lower risk of exposure to infectious diseases compared to outdoor cats. If possible, keeping your cat indoors can greatly reduce their chance of getting sick. If your cat enjoys outdoor time, consider supervised outings or using an enclosed cat patio (catio) to keep them safe.
✔️ Read related article: What Vaccines Are Needed for Traveling With my Dog?
What to Do If Your Vaccinated Cat Gets Sick?
If your vaccinated cat starts showing signs of illness, don’t panic. Vaccinated cats tend to experience milder symptoms and recover faster than unvaccinated cats. Here’s what you should do:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your cat’s behavior, appetite, and energy levels. Common symptoms of illness include sneezing, coughing, runny nose, lethargy, or loss of appetite. If symptoms persist for more than a day or two, or if your cat seems unusually ill, contact your vet.
- Call Your Vet: Even if the symptoms seem mild, it’s always a good idea to check in with your vet. They can assess your cat’s condition, run diagnostic tests if necessary, and provide any needed treatment to help your cat recover quickly.
- Follow Treatment Plans: If your cat requires medication or special care, be sure to follow your vet’s instructions closely. With proper care, most vaccinated cats bounce back quickly from minor illnesses.
- Quarantine if Necessary: If you have multiple cats, isolate the sick cat to prevent the spread of any contagious illnesses, especially if they’re showing symptoms like sneezing or coughing.
Sum Up
While no vaccine can offer 100% protection, they are an essential part of keeping your cat healthy and greatly reduce the risk of serious illness. Vaccines help your cat’s immune system fight off infections and protect against life-threatening diseases. Even if a vaccinated cat does get sick, their symptoms are likely to be much milder and easier to manage.
By staying on top of your cat’s vaccinations, providing a healthy environment, and working closely with your vet, you’re giving your furry friend the best possible chance at a long, healthy life.