How Much Do Cat Vaccines Cost in the US?
If you’ve ever owned a cat and a dog throughout your life, you know that cats are more difficult to control. Our furry feline friends are often out and about, visiting strange places, eating strange things, and encountering strange animals. A number of deadly diseases can be contracted throughout their adventures, which is why cat vaccinations are so important.
Whether your cat is young or old, it’s never too late to protect them against ticks, distemper, and even rabies. But how much do these vaccinations cost, and does your location determine the price? We’ve answered all of your common cat vaccination questions right here.
Are Cat Vaccinations Expensive?
In total, all of the necessary cat vaccinations will set you back approximately $150. That’s because there are five main vaccines that are administered to cats, and each of them costs around $25 - $30 each. This does, of course, depend on your veterinarian since some are known to be more expensive than others (especially if the former operates in more affluent areas).
It’s always a good idea to take out medical insurance for a cat since vaccinations are covered in most policies. But if you’ve neglected to vaccinate your cat, or if you’ve adopted a cat that has never been vaccinated, cat insurance will cover any unforeseen problems down the line as well. Cat veterinary bills tend to be higher for cats than for dogs, so having insurance for your cat is a must if you want to keep them around without breaking the bank.
What Do Cat Vaccines Protect Against?
The five most common health problems faced by cats include:
Feline leukemia
Chlamydophila felis
Feline herpes
The feline calicivirus
Feline Parvovirus
The parvovirus, commonly referred to as cat distemper, is an especially deadly one, affecting kittens within hours of contraction. Many of these viruses are highly contagious, so it’s crucial to ensure that all of your cats are protected in case they come in contact with an unvaccinated cat.
The core vaccinations administered by veterinarians will counter these five, but there are other health problems that can be vaccinated against. Rabies, for instance, is less common in some areas than in others, so talk to your veterinarian about whether it’s necessary to protect your cat against it.
Does My Location Affect the Price?
The state you live in will have an effect on how much you spend on your cat vaccinations. Veterinarians tend to charge more in certain states compared to others, and of course different practitioners charge different prices depending on how their respective facilities are run. In general, you can expect to pay higher veterinarian fees in states like California and New York, but basic cat vaccinations shouldn’t cost you more than $150 - $200.
How Many Rounds of Vaccinations Are Necessary for a Kitten?
Kittens usually undergo three separate vaccination visits within the first four months of their new little lives. The first one takes place after eight weeks and includes the essential FVRCP vaccine, which will actually be administered again over the next two visits along with others.
The second round should take place four weeks after the first, which will consist of the second round of the FVRCP vaccine together with the Leukemia vaccine and sometimes the rabies vaccine. The latter is recommended, since it not only protects your cat but you and your family too.
The final round of vaccines concludes the FVRCP vaccine course, and also includes a second course of the Leukemia vaccine. These are the essentials, but others are often included based on where you live and what new diseases have been identified in cats within your area.
What If My Cat Never Goes Outdoors?
Many cats simply never venture outdoors, in which case they are less susceptible to contracting viruses from other animals. But there is a course specifically designed for cats that remain indoors, so don’t think you can completely neglect your cat’s vaccinations if they do. If you want a lot of time to create memories with your cat, be sure to check which vaccines are critical and which are unnecessary based on your cat’s lifestyle.
Remember that even if your cat rarely goes outdoors, you will need to give them the regular round of core vaccinations. An indoor cat is one that absolutely never goes outside, such as cats who live in apartments or those that are locked inside permanently.
Wrapping Up
Responsible cat owners ensure the safety of their feline friends as well as that of their families by staying on top of vaccinations. Find a veterinarian you can trust and ask them what your cat needs protection against. Cats generally live between 16 and 20 years if they’re looked after, so keep yours around for as long as possible.