Cats make wonderful pets. They are also fun and amusing to watch—as the cat video phenomenon has proved. As they give us so much joy, it’s only fair we ensure they are as healthy as possible.
 
Cat vaccinations are pivotal when it comes to optimal feline health. Even if your cat lives indoors, he or she needs to be vaccinated. Different viruses and other health issues can hurt cats just as easily as they do dogs. Follow this guide to cat vaccinations to avoid preventable health problems in your furry friend.
Mandatory cat vaccinationsSome cat vaccinations are mandatory. Whether you adopt a cat or rescue a kitten, you must invest in the following vaccinations:  
 

• Rabies: In many states, the law requires you to give your cat a rabies vaccination. Rabies is a highly contagious health problem that can spread to humans. Cats can contract rabies through a bite from a fox, raccoon, skunk or bat, which then attacks their central nervous system. While there are vaccinations, there is no cure for rabies, which is why it’s a mandatory vaccination in most of America. Essentially, it keeps the community as well as your cat safe and healthy. 

 

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP): The Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (or FVRCP) vaccine also go by the easier-to-remember name of distemper. Feline distemper is another serious disease, or in this case, a group of diseases. Each of the viruses mentioned in the name can cause serious health problems in cats. Distemper is one of the top causes of cat deaths; a single-strand DNA virus which can spread through contact with an infected cat's saliva, urine, blood, nasal discharge, or feces. While often rapidly fatal, it is entirely preventable with a quick vaccination.

 
Optional cat vaccinations
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Some cat vaccinations are optional and can be provided on a case-by-case basis. Cats who spend unsupervised time outdoors or those that live in multi-cat households should be provided the following vaccinations:
 

• Feline Leukemia (Felv.): Feline Leukemia (or FELV) is typically recommended for outdoor cats. This viral infection requires close contact between cats to spread, but it only affects cats. This is a serious disease that kills around 85% of cats within three years of their diagnosis.
• Feline Immunodeficiency (FIV): Another serious viral infection that targets outdoor cats and those in multi-cat households is Feline Immunodeficiency (or FIV). FIV’s symptoms are similar to those of Felv.; however, the two are caused by different viruses. FIV severely weakens a cat’s immune system. It is mainly spread by deep bites, which is why this vaccination is essential for cats who spend any time outside.
• Bordetella: If you have dogs you may be familiar with the Bordetella vaccine. Bordetella is a virus that creates upper respiratory symptoms in dogs and cats. This virus is typically spread in boarding and daycare settings and is easily spread through contact (licking, nuzzling) or through the air. If you plan on boarding your cat or taking them to a groomer, you will likely need this vaccination.

 
The Feline Infectious Peritonitis vaccinationThe Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) vaccination is becoming more popular. FIP is almost always fatal, which is why the development of the vaccine is important.
 
However, the use of this intranasal vaccine is still somewhat controversial. It has also not shown to be 100% effective in preventing all strains of FIP. Discuss this vaccine with your vet if it has not already been provided. They will be able to provide the most recent research and tell you if it is essential for your cat’s health.
 
Timing of cat vaccinationsVaccinations of any species are typically started when the animal is a baby. This is true for humans, dogs, and cats. Most vets will begin vaccinating a cat at around 6-8 weeks. The first round of vaccinations will be completed when the kitten is about 16 weeks.
 
Some vaccinations, like rabies, require regular boosters. Your veterinarian’s office will provide you the proper vaccination schedule for your cat.Cost of cat vaccinationsCat vaccinations are not that expensive. At our veterinary clinic they cost around $15-$30 per shot, and this is typical pricing for vaccinations. If you adopt an adult cat, vaccinations will be very inexpensive. Whether you got your kitty from us at Gulf Coast Humane Society or another rescue shelter, your cat will have been provided the required vaccinations.
 
Final thoughtsCats need our help to live their best lives. Vaccinations are an important way to keep them happy and healthy. The vaccinations discussed in this article all prevent serious diseases and viral infections. Protecting your cat from these health problems should be your first priority.
 
If you have any other questions about cat vaccinations or if you’d like to make an appointment, give our friendly team a call today on 239-332-2719! You can also email us at clinic@gulfcoasthumanesociety.org or pop in to 2685 Swamp Cabbage Court, Fort Myers, FL 33901.
 
View our gorgeous animals currently up for adoption here. 

How Much It Costs to Own a Small Pet
 
All pets cost money. There are a variety of costs associated with owning and caring for animals, even small animals. However, in general, a small pet will cost you much less than their larger counterparts. There are also a large number of small pets to choose from who make excellent furry, fluffy or scaley companions or family pets.
 
If you are on a budget, new to pet ownership and want to start small, or interested in adopting a small pet, the information in this article will help you.
 
Popular small pets and their associated costs 
Selecting a pet is a big decision. Cost is just one of the factors you need to consider. Yet, it is a factor that is often overlooked by potential pet owners. While all of the numbers presented below are estimates, they can give you a good understanding of the costs associated with owning a small pet.
 
Small pets come in a variety of wonderful shapes, sizes, and species. They can also be very costly or fairly inexpensive to own. Two main categories of cost are associated with small pet ownership: one time and lifetime.
 
One time costs are the ones you spend upfront. The cost of purchasing the small pet, vaccinating them, and initial equipment purchase. On the other hand, lifetime costs are ongoing. For the entire life of your small pet, you will need to spend money on food, vet visits, toys, treats, etc. Many small pets can live a long time, so the lifetime costs can add up quickly. Here we’ve broken down the costs for different animals:

Rabbits 

Rabbits as pets are growing in popularity. You can still purchase them relatively cheaply from a pet store, breeder, or adopt them from a rescue. As long as you purchase a common breed rabbit, it will likely only cost $20-$50 from a store. You need to purchase a good rabbit hutch as well, which can be considered a onetime cost.
 
Rabbits live between 8-10 years as pets. Often they will live much longer. The lifetime costs of a rabbit will be less than other long-lived small pets. But, you will still need to purchase food, treats, and pay vet bills.
A pet rabbit will likely cost around $300-$500 per year. 

Dogs 

Obviously, dogs come in a variety of sizes. A dog breed is considered small if it typically weighs less than 22 lbs. or stands shorter than 16 inches. There are currently ninety-four small dog breeds to choose from. We have some beautiful small and big dogs available for adoption - have a scroll through here.
 
Small dogs have some of the longest life spans of any dog breed. On average they will live from 15-20 years, sometimes more. The one-time costs for a small dog will depend on the breed. Some small dogs are very costly to acquire, some are more affordable. Vet costs also tend to depend on the breed. Your food cost will be less than with large dog breeds, but toys and treats will likely cost the same and potentially more when you factor in the dog’s long life.
 
Factoring in one time and lifetime costs, you are looking at around $700-$2000 per year.

Cats 

Cats are considered small pets. They typically cost much less than dogs. In fact, if you adopt a cat, it could cost you $75 or less. Purchasing a kitten from a breeder is similarly inexpensive; although, it may run between $100-$200.
 
Breed will make a difference in the lifetime costs of cats. Their lifespans are about the same as small dogs. Some breeds are more prone to health issues, which will raise your yearly vet bills. Most cat breeds, however, will not cost nearly as much as dogs per year. In general, you will likely pay between $500-$1000 per year to own a cat.
 

Ferrets 

A final extremely common small pet is the ferret. These fun-loving weasels make great pets. The price of a ferret can vary, but will likely be between $50-$250. They live between five and fifteen years as pets. You will also need to purchase a habitat for them to use when not supervised. They are just too inquisitive to be left unattended.
 
Ferrets generally have fewer lifetime costs than other small pets. You will likely pay between $200-$500 per year to keep them.
  
Final thoughts 

The variety and diversity of small pets make them ideal for any family. No matter the type of pet you are looking for, you can find it in this category. A major advantage of small pets is that they tend to be less expensive than large pets. As seen in the list above, costs vary by type. Make sure to research the one time and lifetime costs of owning your chosen pet. That way you can enjoy your pet without worrying about the associated costs.
 
 
Just rescued a beautiful new member of the family? Find out about our veterinary clinics and our low-cost spray and neuter centres.  Or, browse through our lovely pets currently available for adoption here.