Don’t Forget Your Cats During National Immunization Awareness Month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and while it is generally directed at ensuring humans are protected from preventable illnesses, it’s a good time to make sure your cats are up to date on their vaccinations as well.

During National Immunization Awareness Month, the CATalyst Council, a national initiative comprised of animal health and welfare organizations working on behalf of cats, is urging cat owners to ensure their pets have received their required vaccinations. Properly vaccinating pets not only benefits their health, it can also protect the health of humans.

“Cats can get a number of potentially life-threatening illnesses that are completely preventable with vaccines,” said Dr. Jane Brunt, CATalyst Council’s executive director. “As an added bonus, when you get your cat vaccinated, you are also protecting your family by ensuring your cat doesn’t pass along preventable diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as rabies.”

Even if your cat is an indoor-only cat, it still needs vaccines. The American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners recommend what they call core vaccines—those considered necessary for nearly every cat. The core vaccines protect cats against rabies (required by law in most states), feline distemper (panleukopenia) and upper respiratory viruses. The use of other vaccines and the frequency of vaccine boosters are best determined by your veterinarian and will be based upon your cat’s individual health, risk status and lifestyle.

Taking time to speak with your cat’s veterinarian during National Immunization Awareness Month about what vaccines he or she recommends is an important step in ensuring your cat lives the longest, healthiest and happiest life it can.