How Much Do Cat Vaccinations Cost? 2024 Pricing Update

With routine vet care, vaccines are a critical aspect to consider. Your kitten will get to know their vet very well in their first year of life. On top of a few vaccines, they will also need to see the vet for spay and neuter surgery, microchipping, and other aspects of routine care.

But if vaccines are heavy on your mind, you might want to know just how much to budget. In this article, we’ll explain the cost you can expect to see from veterinary offices and any additional costs you might consider before scheduling your cat appointment.

The Importance of Cat Vaccinations

Cat vaccinations are vital, especially in their early years of life. Vaccinations prevent many uncomfortable or even deadly diseases or illnesses your cat might encounter. These preventative measures make sure that your cat avoids contracting specific ailments to keep them strong and healthy.

Kittens under six months of age are especially susceptible to specific illnesses. These illnesses might not affect older cats the same way, but they can be detrimental to younger cats. That is why getting your cat vaccinated early helps to prevent avoidable illness.

How Much Do Cat Vaccinations Cost?

Cats don’t need a ton of vaccines, and these are separated into core and elective vaccines.

Low-Cost Options to Consider

There are ways to save on vaccination costs in almost every area across the United States. Many shelters offer low-cost vet care at a fraction of the cost of traditional vets. This could be in the form of mobile clinics or brick-and-mortar shelter locations.

They might also have savings programs to help you afford the treatment so your cat can get the medical care they need without the burden of high cost. Always check in your local area to see what the options are for you. Sometimes, these services require that you get on a waiting list.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

When your cat goes in to get their routine vaccinations, you might not be anticipating all of the vaccines they could need. On top of vaccines, your vet might determine that other avenues of treatment or care are essential.

If your cat is examined, your vet might have other concerns about its health. Most of the time, it will be a routine visit that will take only a few minutes once you’re back with the vet. But sometimes, we don’t anticipate additional issues that might come up.

To be on the safe side, always expect to spend a bit more than your area’s average cost of vaccines. This way, you have a cushion if your vet feels any additional testing is required.

How Often Should I Vaccinate My Cat

After your cat’s first year of life, it will need to come back in for annual or routine boosters – though some vaccines are a one-and-done. That means for some vaccinations, your cat will only need one shot. However, certain vaccines, such as rabies, occur yearly or every few years.

Many factors can affect how your veterinarian chooses to vaccinate your cat. One of the biggest factors is whether they are outdoor, indoor, or both—as it changes risk factors.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Cat Vaccinations?

In many cases, pet insurance does not cover preventative care. But that is not the case for every company. Some insurance companies have the option to include it in coverage for additional costs. If vaccination coverage or preventative care is something you want, make sure to see if the pet insurance company you were interested in has the option to add it to the policy.

What to Do for Your Cat After Vaccine Care

Most of the time, you don’t need to take any special measures once your cats return home. Vaccinations might make them a little sleepy or groggy at most. Although, some cats can have reactions to vaccinations. The circumstances are rare, but they can’t occur, and it’s best to know what you’re looking for. If you notice any significant reaction, it is important to inform your vet immediately.

According to PetMD, cats can react to vaccines called anaphylaxis, which can lead to death. This condition is extremely rare, accounting for one in every 10,000 vaccines. So, while it is very unlikely, it is still possible.

Another issue with cat vaccinations is an issue called vaccine-associated sarcoma. These are slow-growing aggressive cancerous masses that develop at the site of injection. Surgery is often a priority when this happens, though in some cases, it can be fatal.

Conclusion

Vaccinations are definitely a standard and routine part of that care. You should always include potential vaccination costs into your yearly pet care budget. Since most pet insurance companies do not cover vaccines, remember you’ll likely have to pay for them out of pocket.

You should spend the most on vaccine care in your kitten’s first year of life, and it should taper off drastically after that. Remember, the cost of that care varies depending on your area and the practice you visit.

See also:

• How Much Does It Cost to Spay or Neuter a Cat?
• Vet Visits for Cats: How Much Will it Cost?

Featured Image Credit: bmf-foto.de, Shutterstock