Cost of cat vaccinations in Australia – Forbes Advisor Australia

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Cost Of Cat Vaccinations In Australia - Forbes Advisor Australia

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Cats are very popular pets. In fact 2022 research According to Veterinary Medicines Australia, they are second only to dogs, with 27 per cent of Australian households including at least one cat, compared to 40 per cent of households with at least one dog.

More than 60% of cat owners refer to their pet as a member of the family and most spend an average of 3-4 hours with their pet every day.

If you’re a cat owner, health comfort can be a top priority and one easy way to protect your cat from a variety of diseases is to keep its vaccinations up to date.

In this guide, we’ll see what you need to know about cat vaccinations, which ones your cat needs and when, and how much they might cost. If you are a dog owner, you can read our guide to dog vaccinations in Australia.

What vaccinations do cats and kittens need?

Cats in Australia need to be vaccinated against three main diseases:

  • Feline herpes virus (Feline Cat Flu and Feline Calicivirus): This causes symptoms similar to the human flu and flu, such as sneezing, runny nose, sore or watery eyes, fever, low energy, cough and sore throat. It can be serious and even fatal for cats, but is usually not serious for healthy adult cats.
  • Feline panleukopenia (also known as FPV, feline parvovirus and feline infectious enteritis): This is a disease that attacks the cat’s gut and immune system. It can also attack the heart. Young cats often experience more severe symptoms than healthy adult cats. Kittens from an infected pregnant cat may be born with brain damage.
  • Feline Calicivirus (FCV): This is a disease that causes upper respiratory infections and mouth disease in cats. It is very contagious and is commonly found in boarding facilities.

These vaccines are often grouped into one injection known as the F3 vaccine. According to the RSPCA, there are a number of other non-core cat vaccinations that can be given to your cat depending on its lifestyle, ie whether it is an indoor or outdoor cat. These Non-primary vaccinations They are mostly used for fighting.

  • Chlamydophila felis; This is a bacteria that causes eye infections and symptoms similar to cat flu. The cat usually only needs this vaccine if it has suffered in the past.
  • Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): FIV attacks the immune system, leaving the cat vulnerable to secondary infections. Cats with this disease may appear normal for years before suddenly becoming ill.
  • Feline Leukemia (FeLV): Cats infected with this virus often develop severe infection and disease. FeLV is the most common cause of cancer in cats, and can cause blood disorders or widespread immune deficiency, affecting the cat’s ability to fight infection.

If you’re not sure which vaccinations your cat needs, talk to your vet.

Related: The best pet insurance policies in Australia

How often do cats and kittens need vaccinations?

In Australia, cats require three primary vaccinations Greencross VetS:

  • Six to eight weeks: First vaccination (herpes, calicivirus, panleukopenia, (FIV))
  • 10-12 weeks: Revaccination (herpes, calicivirus, panleukopenia, (FIV), (leukemia, chlamydia)
  • 14-16 weeks: Last cat vaccination (herpes, calicivirus, panleukopenia, (FIV), (leukemia, chlamydia))

As the RSPCA notes, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) “recommends a booster vaccination at six months of age to induce a protective immune response in cats that may not have responded to any of the first three vaccinations.” . It is important to follow this schedule to ensure that the vaccines are effective.

The cat will be fully protected for three to four weeks after receiving the last injection, and until then you should keep the cat away from cats in the house and outside of your household.

After this initial course, cats usually need booster shots after 12 months and boosters every three years thereafter. You should get a vaccination record from your vet to remember when the next course is due.

Related: How much does pet insurance cost?

How much do cat vaccinations cost?

Prices vary depending on which vet you take your cat to, whether you have pet insurance, and whether your pet insurance covers routine care like vaccinations (many don’t).

According to a pet insurer, Bow Wow Mew, you can expect to pay between $80 and $150. with one injection In Australia.

If you have a choice of a few local veterinary practices, vaccination cost may be one of the factors you use to choose, along with other factors such as location and hours of operation, recommendations from friends and family, or staff and facilities.

Some veterinarians may offer a health care plan for your cat that allows you to spread the costs of preventative treatments such as vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and health exams. If you qualify for financial support, some animal charities, such as the RSPCA, can help with your pet’s bills.

Are cat vaccinations covered by pet insurance?

Pet insurance is designed to cover the high cost of an unexpected injury or illness. Therefore, scheduled routine care such as vaccinations, fleas, and deworming are often not covered.

However, if your cat is vaccinated you may get lower insurance premiums, while some insurers may require your cat to be up-to-date on their vaccinations to keep your policy valid – so always read the terms and conditions carefully and set reminders. In your calendar for vaccination dates.

Related: Review: Pets in my insurance review

What does pet insurance cover?

While pet insurance doesn’t cover your cat’s vaccinations, it’s worth taking out to give you peace of mind that you’ll be financially protected if your cat gets sick or injured. General cat insurance includes:

  • Veterinary fees for new illnesses, diseases and injuries
  • Purchase price if your pet dies due to accidental injury (usually there is an age limit for this)
  • Cat boarding fees if you have to go to the hospital unexpectedly.

Always read the terms and conditions of any policy you are considering carefully so that you are comfortable with what is covered. And don’t forget to shop around to find the best policy for your cat at the most competitive price.