Cat Health FAQs: Vaccines, Indoor Life & Wellness
Expert answers to common cat health questions â vaccination schedules, indoor vs outdoor risks, behavioral needs, and preventive care. Based on AAFP and ISFM guidelines.
DerniĂšre mise Ă jour : July 2026. Sources : AAFCO, AAHA, WSAVA, AAFP, ASPCA
Cette page regroupe 6 questions fréquemment posées issues de nos guides et calculatrices.
Cat Vaccination Schedule
Aller Ă Cat Vaccination Schedule âWhich vaccinations does my cat need?
Core vaccines (required for all cats) include Rabies and FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia). Non-core vaccines like FeLV (feline leukemia virus) depend on your region and lifestyle. Our schedule follows WSAVA and AAFP feline guidelines.
Source: Cat Vaccination Schedule
When do kittens need their first shots?
Kittens start their vaccination series at 6-8 weeks: 1st FVRCP at 6-8 weeks, 2nd FVRCP at 10-12 weeks, 3rd FVRCP + Rabies at 14-16 weeks. The final dose is given at or after 16 weeks because maternal antibodies can persist until then â giving it earlier risks neutralization.
Source: Cat Vaccination Schedule
Does an indoor cat need the same vaccines as an outdoor cat?
Indoor cats still need all core vaccines (FVRCP + Rabies). FVRCP protects against airborne viruses that can enter through windows, and rabies is legally required in most jurisdictions. The difference is non-core vaccines: indoor cats typically do not need FeLV vaccination unless exposed to other cats.
Source: Cat Vaccination Schedule
Indoor vs Outdoor Cats
Aller Ă Indoor vs Outdoor Cats âIs it cruel to keep a cat indoors?
No â with proper environmental enrichment, indoor cats live longer, healthier lives. Key needs: vertical space (cat trees), scratching posts, puzzle feeders, window perches with a view, and 15-20 minutes of daily interactive play. This satisfies their core behavioral needs entirely. The average indoor cat lives 12-18+ years vs 2-5 years for outdoor cats.
Source: Indoor vs Outdoor Cats
What is a catio and does it help?
A catio is an enclosed outdoor structure attached to a window, deck, or freestanding that allows cats to experience the outdoors safely. Catios provide fresh air, sunshine, bird-watching, and sensory enrichment without the risks of free roaming. They are the single best compromise for outdoor access.
Source: Indoor vs Outdoor Cats
Toxic Food & Plant Checker
Aller Ă Toxic Food & Plant Checker âWhat plants are toxic to cats?
The most dangerous plants include True Lilies (Lilium/Hemerocallis â even pollen causes fatal kidney failure), Sago Palm, Azalea, Oleander, Autumn Crocus, Cyclamen, Daffodil/Tulip bulbs, Dieffenbachia, English Ivy, and Pothos. Lilies are the #1 danger â treatment must begin within 6 hours for survival.
Source: Toxic Food & Plant Checker
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Références et sources de données
Pourquoi faire confiance Ă petsMetrics ?
Tout le contenu de petsMetrics est basé sur des directives vétérinaires publiées par des sources faisant autorité, notamment l'AAHA, la WSAVA, l'AAFCO, l'AAFP et l'ASPCA. Nos calculatrices utilisent des formules évaluées par des pairs, et nos données de toxicité sont compilées à partir de la base de données du centre antipoison animal de l'ASPCA. Chaque affirmation est citée avec sa source originale pour une vérification indépendante.
Notre équipe comprend des professionnels vétérinaires et des chercheurs qui examinent tout le contenu pour en vérifier l'exactitude avant publication. Nous suivons une politique éditoriale stricte : pas de sources anonymes, pas d'affirmations non vérifiées et pas de biais commercial. Lorsque les directives vétérinaires évoluent, nous mettons à jour notre contenu en conséquence.