A Cat Vaccination Guide for New Pet Owners in Dubai

Vaccinations play a critical role in your cat’s health. They serve as the foundation of preventative care. For new cat owners in Dubai, it’s vital to understand the importance of these vaccines to ensure a long and happy life for pets.

In this guide, you’ll learn the critical facts about cat vaccination and why it’s necessary for pet owners in Dubai.

Why Cat Vaccination is Necessary

Cat vaccination is necessary for many reasons when you’re a pet owner in Dubai. Here’s a summary of the most essential benefits of administering these vaccines.

1. Prevents Serious Diseases
   Like all living things, cats are susceptible to life-threatening diseases. Vaccinations can shield your cat from fatal viruses and bacteria that threaten your cat’s life. For instance, your cat can acquire rabies, which leads to severe, devastating symptoms.
   
2. Builds Your Cat’s Immunity
   Vaccines activate your cat’s immune system, producing protective antibodies against infections. A strong immunity against diseases is vital to help your cat live a long and healthy life.
   
3. Protects Public Health
   Cat vaccination helps prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases that can spread to humans. By vaccinating your cat, you contribute to the safety and health of your community.
   
4. Ensures Compliance with Law Mandates
   In Dubai, vaccinations like rabies are required by law. You may be penalized if you do not comply with this mandate, so keep your cat’s vaccination schedule up to date.
   
5. Offers Economical Benefits
   Investing in vaccinations can save you significant veterinary costs in the long run. Instead of paying for vet treatments that may cost up to thousands, spending a few hundred dirhams for cat vaccination is a better choice.

Vet-Recommended Cat Vaccinations in Dubai

There are two kinds of cat vaccinations–core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are essential for all cats regardless of lifestyle. These vaccines protect your cat against the common viruses that it can acquire. Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, are recommended based on a cat’s unique risk factors.

Here’s an overview of the core and non-core vaccines vet clinics in Dubai recommend.

Core Vaccines

• Rabies Vaccine: This vaccine is legally required in Dubai and protects your cat against rabies. This fatal and viral disease can affect humans and other animals, so vaccinating your cat for rabies is essential for public safety.
• FVRCP Vaccine: This combination vaccine shields your cat against three diseases.
  • Feline Rhinotracheitis: It’s a highly contagious virus that causes upper respiratory infections in cats.
  • Feline Calicivirus: This virus causes oral ulcers and respiratory disease in cats,
  • Feline Panleukopenia: This disease, also known as feline distemper, is common in young kittens. The virus attacks the immune system, causing severe gastrointestinal issues.

Non-Core Vaccines

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccine: This vaccine is recommended for cats who love to roam outdoors and live in a house with multiple cats. FeLV can lead to severe conditions like cancer.
• Bordetella Vaccine: Cats that come in contact with others need this vaccine as the Bordetella virus or feline kennel cough is highly contagious.
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Vaccine: This vaccine should be given to cats that like to spend time outdoors because the FIV can compromise the immune system, shortening a cat’s lifespan.

Cat Vaccination Schedule From Kitten to Adult

You must strictly follow a cat vaccination schedule to ensure your cat is well-protected against viruses and bacteria. Your veterinarian should guide you on the ideal vaccination schedule for your cat during its first kitten visit.

Here is the typical cat vaccine schedule that most veterinarians recommend.

Kitten Vaccination Schedule

A cat is most vulnerable during its kitten phase of life. Like a newborn child, kittens are fragile, and their immune systems are weak, so they are vulnerable to most diseases. Because of this, a veterinarian administers a series of vaccine shots until they reach 16 weeks of age. 

• 6-8 weeks: The first vaccine that kittens receive is the FVRCP vaccine at 6 to 8 weeks after their birth. Depending on certain factors, a vet might also recommend the FeLV vaccine.
• 10-12 weeks: The next FVRCP shot will be given when the kitten reaches 10 to 12 weeks of age. The vet will also administer the second dose of the FeLV vaccine if the first dose has already been given.
• 14-16 weeks: At this age, your kitten should receive the rabies vaccine, the third FVRCP booster shot, and the third shot for FeLV if the first two doses were given.

Adult Cat Vaccination Schedule

Once your cat transitions to adulthood, the vaccination schedules will be less frequent. After the initial vaccinations, your cat must get rabies booster shots every 1 to 3 years for its health and compliance with the law. 

Your cat must also be administered the FVRCP vaccine annually to maintain immunity against the three deadly viruses. Other vaccines, such as FeLV, Bordetella, and FIV, remain optional.

Your veterinarian might tailor a vaccination schedule for your cat depending on its unique lifestyle, age, exposure risk, and health condition.

Cat Vaccination Key Takeaways for New Pet Owners

New cat owners should prioritize vaccinations at an early age to shield their kittens from harmful diseases. Following the recommended vaccination schedule will ensure your feline friend is healthy.

Work closely with your veterinarian to create a tailored cat vaccination plan. Each cat has unique needs based on age, health status, living conditions, and lifestyle. Don’t skip your cat’s routine check-ups to ensure that your cat receives the right vaccines as scheduled.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do cat vaccinations cost in Dubai?

The cost of cat vaccinations in Dubai can vary depending on specific vaccines administered and the vet clinic services. Generally, cat vaccines cost around 150 AED to 500 AED for kittens and around 100 AED to 300 AED for adult cat booster shots.

Is it necessary to vaccinate indoor cats?

Yes, it is necessary to vaccinate indoor cats even though they have lower exposure risks to diseases. They may still contract diseases from other animals, contaminated surfaces, or human contact.

Do cat vaccines have side effects?

Most cats that receive vaccines don’t experience any side effects. However, they might have mild reactions like temporary lethargy or slight fever. The worst-case scenario is that your cat might be allergic to the vaccine and show severe side effects. When this happens, contact your vet immediately for emergency care.

Where can I find vet clinics that administer cat vaccinations in Dubai?

You can find vet clinics that administer cat vaccinations in Dubai through online searches. Most clinics have websites listing the services they offer. You may ask for recommendations from other cat owners as well.