What Vaccines Do Your Barn Cats Need?
Barn cats are an important element of most farms. They keep rodent populations under control, and they even help deter larger pests, like weasels, from coming into your barn. Even though they do not live in your home, barn cats do require proper vet care, and vaccination is an essential part of that care. Here are the key vaccines most barn cats need.
Rabies
Rabies vaccines are important for all cats, but especially for barn cats. Rabies can be contracted and carried by almost all mammals, and there is a fairly good chance your barn cats will come into contact with rabid wildlife at some point. Rabies is deadly, and it can also be passed on to humans, so you really need your barn cats to be protected. Young cats are usually given a one-year rabies vaccine, but after that, your cat can have a three-year vaccine, which means you only need to have them vaccinated for rabies every three years. The rabies vaccine is very safe and very effective.
Feline Panleukopenia
This disease is sometimes known as feline parvovirus. It is very common in outdoor cats, and your barn cats could catch it if they come into contact with feral cats or unvaccinated cats from nearby farms. The disease causes changes in the bone marrow and intestines, leading to progressive respiratory and digestive symptoms. Your barn cats should be vaccinated as soon as possible; cats can receive their first vaccine as early as 8 weeks of age, and they need several boosters to build full immunity.
Calicivirus
Calicivirus is a common cause of respiratory, cold-like symptoms in cats, and it is very common in feral cat populations. As such, it's only a matter of time before your barn cats are exposed to it. If they are vaccinated, they are unlikely to become ill. The calicivirus vaccine can be given to young kittens, and most cats need boosters every 3 years to maintain protection.
Feline Herpesvirus
Feline herpesvirus is another common disease in feral cats. It causes respiratory symptoms, eye ulcers, and bouts of general fatigue that can come and go multiple times in a cat's life. Barn cats who are having a herpes outbreak are vulnerable to predators as they're already ill, so vaccinating against this disease is important for your cat's ongoing health and safety. Cats or kittens need an initial series of 3 shots, followed by boosters every 1-3 years.
If you protect your barn cats with the above pet vaccinations, they'll continue protecting you from rodents for many years to come.