Vaccinating your cat is essential to protect them from a wide range of debilitating and potentially fatal feline diseases. At Coronado Pet Hospital, we provide all the cat vaccinations Rio Rancho cat lovers need to keep their cats healthy and happy.
Is Cat Vaccination Required By Law?
Vaccination laws for pets vary from state to state. Many states require your cat to be vaccinated for rabies, but most do not have any other cat vaccination mandates. In New Mexico, a licensed veterinarian must administer rabies vaccinations in all cats over three months of age. The vaccination then must be kept current, either yearly or every three years.
What Vaccinations Does a Cat Need?
The three cat vaccinations commonly recommended are rabies, feline leukemia, and a three-way vaccine against calicivirus, feline herpes, and panleukopenia (feline distemper). A vaccine schedule for kittens should begin at 8-9 weeks old. Kittens require a series of boosters of the leukemia vaccine and the 3-way vaccine. Rabies is given as young as 12 weeks. As your cat ages, boosters are recommended either yearly or every three years.
Are There Risks Associated With Cat Vaccinations?
The most common risk associated with feline vaccines is the possibility of your cat developing a cancerous lump at the injection site (ISS). For this reason, Coronado Pet Hospital uses non-adjuvanted rabies and Feline Leukemia vaccines designed to minimize the cat’s immune response at the injection site, hence lowering the risk of developing ISS. We also vaccinate as low on the leg as possible, away from the shoulder and neck area. Please feel free to discuss this risk with your veterinarian prior to vaccination.
What Cat Vaccination Side Effects Can I Expect?
Administering cat vaccinations can cause some minor side effects, though the vast majority of cats experience no side effects at all. Symptoms that may be a sign your cat is having adverse reactions to a vaccine include:
- Fever
- Severe lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Swelling and redness around the injection site
If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms after receiving a vaccine, contact us or an emergency hospital right away.
Contact Coronado Pet Hospital for cat vaccinations Rio Rancho pet owners trust.
We understand that pet owners want the very best for their companions. That’s why at Coronado Pet Hospital, we offer the most comprehensive cat vaccination services in Rio Rancho. Call us at (505) 771-3311 to make an appointment today!
AAHA-Accredited Animal Clinic and Animal Hospital in Rio Rancho
Coronado Pet Hospital is the modern animal clinic and animal hospital Rio Rancho pet owners trust. We’re dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary services for all household pets. Our group of caring, knowledgeable doctors has over 50 years of combined veterinary experience. From general veterinary services to surgery and dental care, our state-of-the-art AAHA-accredited facility has every resource available to offer your family pet the finest comprehensive medical care in Rio Rancho.
Your Rio Rancho Veterinarian
Coronado Pet Hospital is located at 4192 State Highway 528 NE in Rio Rancho. Our animal hospital is conveniently located near the 528 and 550 State Highways and nearby Whataburger. Call us at (505) 771-3311 to schedule your pet’s appointment with our skilled veterinary team.