Chloe Ramirez
It is recommended that cats are vaccinated before being spayed, primarily to reduce the risk of infection and promote rapid recovery after surgery. While some veterinary clinics and hospitals require cats to be vaccinated before spaying surgery, it is not obligatory and is not required by all clinics. Vaccinations are important for a cat's long-term health and well-being, and it is recommended that all necessary vaccinations are completed according to a detailed vaccination schedule.
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What You'll Learn
Recommended vaccines for cats
Vaccinating your cat is important as it helps to reduce the risk of infection and promotes rapid recovery after surgery. It is recommended that cats be vaccinated before being spayed. However, it is not obligatory, and some clinics may perform the surgery without prior vaccination. Nevertheless, it is crucial to inform the vet if your cat has not been vaccinated, as they may require additional precautions to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission.
The recommended vaccines for cats vary depending on their age, lifestyle, and geographic location. Core vaccines are recommended for all cats, regardless of these factors, while non-core vaccines are suggested based on specific risks. Here are some of the core vaccines for cats:
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia): This three-in-one vaccine protects against three highly contagious and infectious diseases: Feline Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus-1), Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (Parvovirus). It is usually given annually or every three years, depending on the cat's age, lifestyle, and veterinary recommendations.
- Rabies: Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted to humans, and is endemic worldwide. The rabies vaccine is recommended for all pet cats and is required by law in most regions. It is typically given every one to three years, depending on local regulations and the vaccine brand.
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus): The FeLV vaccine is recommended as a core vaccine for all kittens and adult cats with a high risk of exposure. It helps protect against feline leukemia, a potentially life-threatening disease.
Other core vaccines include those for Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), and Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV). Non-core vaccines, such as Chlamydia, are suggested based on the cat's exposure risk to specific diseases.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your cat, as recommendations may vary. Keeping your cat's vaccinations up to date is crucial for their long-term health and well-being.
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Vaccination protocols
The recommended vaccines for cats in the UK include those for cat flu, feline enteritis, and the feline leukaemia virus. A cat will require two injections for its primary course of vaccinations, usually before being spayed, and an annual booster to maintain protection.
Some clinics may require specific vaccines, such as the rabies and FVRCP vaccines, which cover cats for various infections, including calcivirus, panleukopenia, and rhinotracheitis. These clinics may also specify a timeframe for vaccinations, such as requiring the shots to be administered at least one week before surgery.
It is important to notify the veterinary practice if your cat is not vaccinated so that they can take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infectious disease spread. Some practices may require additional protocols, such as keeping your cat separate from other pets at the clinic.
If your cat has not been vaccinated, it is advised to seek veterinary advice about whether to complete the primary course before neutering surgery. A health check by a veterinarian is necessary before vaccinating or performing surgery on a cat. This ensures that the vaccination is effective and helps to determine the appropriate vaccination protocol for your cat.
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Pre-surgery requirements
The choice of whether to vaccinate your cat before spaying is ultimately yours. However, it is important to notify the vet practice if your cat is not vaccinated so that they can take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infectious diseases. Some clinics may require your cat to be vaccinated at least one week before the surgery, while others may vaccinate your cat on the same day as the surgery.
The recommended vaccines for cats include those for cat flu, feline enteritis, and feline leukaemia virus. A cat will typically require two injections for their primary course of vaccinations, usually completed before they are spayed. An annual booster is needed to maintain protection.
In addition to vaccinations, some hospitals and clinics have age and weight requirements for spaying. For example, your cat may need to be at least four months old and weigh a minimum of two pounds. It is also important to note that your cat will need a physical health check by a veterinarian before being vaccinated or undergoing surgery.
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Same-day vaccination
Vaccinating your cat before spaying is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Vaccinations help prevent your cat from contracting nasty illnesses and stop them from spreading to other cats. The recommended vaccines for UK cats include those for cat flu, feline enteritis, and feline leukaemia virus.
Some veterinary practices may refuse to perform surgeries on animals that are not vaccinated, as they have protocols in place to reduce the spread of infectious diseases in non-vaccinated pets. In such cases, you may be required to get your cat vaccinated and boosted before spaying.
However, if you choose to vaccinate and spay your cat on the same day, it is generally safe to do so. Many vets often provide both services simultaneously, especially in shelters, clinics serving fixed-income clients, and TNR programs. While this approach minimizes anesthesia exposure, it may cause mild stress or fatigue in your cat. As such, it is important to monitor your cat for symptoms like lethargy, swelling at injection sites, or decreased appetite, and provide proper post-operative care, including rest, limited activity, and pain management as advised by your vet.
Ultimately, the decision to vaccinate and spay your cat on the same day is yours to make, but it is always best to consult with your veterinarian to tailor the timing based on your cat's individual health.
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Post-operative care
First 24 Hours
During the first 24 hours after surgery, don't leave your cat unattended. Your cat's behaviour may be altered during this time; they may seem glassy-eyed, sleepy, nauseous, wobbly, vocal, shivering, or irritable. Offer them small amounts of water and their regular food later in the evening. Monitor them closely for excessive bleeding and issues with urination. It is normal for there to be a small amount of blood in their urine for the first day. However, if this persists or there are clots, seek veterinary attention.
Wound Care
Keep your cat's incision site clean and dry. A surgical suit or onesie can help protect the incision and keep your cat from licking or irritating the wound. Small amounts of pinkish or slightly bloody discharge and some redness at the incision site are normal for up to 24 hours after surgery. However, if you notice swelling at the incision site, contact your veterinarian, as this could be a seroma that may need to be drained or treated with antibiotics.
Activity and Rest
Limit your cat's activity for the first two weeks after surgery. Ensure they don't run, jump, or play rough, as this can lead to issues like wound reopening, bleeding, infection, or bruising. Encourage frequent movement indoors to aid in your cat's recovery from anaesthesia, but also allow them to rest uninterrupted to prevent prolonged recovery and potential complications.
Pain Management
Your veterinarian will likely send your cat home with pain medication to keep them comfortable during recovery. Continue administering these medications as prescribed, unless otherwise advised by your veterinarian. Pain in cats can be hard to detect, as they tend to hide signs of illness and injury. If your cat is prescribed antibiotics, ensure you complete the entire course, even if they seem to have recovered, to prevent antibiotic resistance and protect against recurring infections.
Diet
After limiting your cat's food for their first meal post-surgery, maintain a consistent diet. Avoid sudden changes, supplements, or human food, as these can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Veterinary Attention
Monitor your cat closely for potential complications. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Refusal to eat or drink for more than 12-24 hours after surgery
- Lack of stool or urine for more than two days after surgery
- Opening of the incision or redness at the surgical site
- Any signs of internal bleeding or injury to the urinary tract
Remember, appropriate post-operative care improves healing, lessens recovery time, and reduces the risk of additional surgeries or medications. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your veterinarian for the best care for your cat.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that cats are vaccinated before being spayed to reduce the risk of infection and promote rapid recovery after surgery. However, it is not obligatory, and the protocol varies between veterinary practices.
The recommended vaccines for cats include those for cat flu, feline enteritis, feline leukaemia virus, rabies and FVRCP. FVRCP vaccines cover felines for a variety of different infections, including calcivirus, panleukopenia and rhinotracheitis.
A cat will require two injections for their primary course of vaccinations, usually before they are spayed. An annual booster is then needed to maintain protection. A health check by a vet is also required before vaccination to ensure the vaccine's effectiveness.
Some spaying clinics do not require prior vaccination and may vaccinate your cat on the same day as the surgery. This is a common option with inexpensive spaying clinics, and the cost of vaccination may be included in the surgery price.
