Aapki Billi Ka Rakshak Tika: The Essential Cat Vaccination Guide 💉🐱

Bringing a cat (billi) home is a joy, but it comes with a huge responsibility (zimmedari): keeping them safe from deadly diseases. Vaccination, or getting the right tika (injection) at the right time, is the most crucial promise you make to your feline friend.

Viral diseases in cats are often incurable and fatal. By following a proper vaccination schedule, you build a powerful shield of immunity for your pet.

Why is Vaccination (Tika) So Important?

A vaccine is like giving your cat’s body a heads-up about a potential enemy. When the real virus attacks, their body knows exactly how to fight back. This is particularly important in India, where stray animal populations can increase the risk of disease spread.

The two most essential vaccines for every cat are:

1. The CRP (Core) Vaccine: Protects against three major feline viruses.
2. The Rabies Vaccine: Mandatory protection against a fatal disease.

Part 1: The Three-in-One Shield (The CRP Vaccine)

The CRP vaccine is a combination shot that protects against three highly contagious and often deadly viruses that target the respiratory system and the gut:

Disease	What It Attacks	Why It’s Dangerous
Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)	The white blood cells and gut lining (also called feline distemper).	This is a deadly virus, especially for kittens. It causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea and weakens the immune system, leading to high mortality.
Feline Rhinotracheitis (FRV)	The upper respiratory system (like a severe flu).	Causes coughing, congestion, and eye damage. It is a highly contagious virus common in multi-cat households.
Feline Calicivirus (FCV)	The mouth and respiratory system.	Causes oral ulcers (painful sores in the mouth), sneezing, and eye discharge. It spreads rapidly.

Part 2: The Mandatory Protection (The Rabies Vaccine)

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects all mammals, including humans. Once symptoms appear, it is 100% fatal.

• Crucial for All Cats: Even if your cat is strictly an indoor pet (ghar ke andar rehta hai), vaccination is essential. You never know when a bat, rat, or an infected stray might enter your home or bite your cat through an open balcony.
• Safety First: Since there is no cure, being proactive with the annual rabies vaccine is an act of love for your cat and protection for your family.

Kitten Vaccination Schedule (Chhote Bachchon Ke Liye)

Kittens are the most vulnerable! They need multiple doses to build strong immunity, just like human babies.

Age	Vaccine Dose	Notes
60 Days (Approx. 2 Months)	1st Dose of CRP (Feline Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus)	Start of the core vaccine series.
90 Days (Approx. 3 Months)	2nd Dose of CRP + 1st Dose of Rabies	The second CRP shot boosts immunity, and the rabies vaccine begins.
120 Days (Approx. 4 Months)	Final Dose of CRP + Rabies Booster	Completes the primary vaccination course.

Adult Cat Vaccination Schedule

Once your cat is one year old, they need annual boosters to maintain protection.

• Annual Boosters: If your cat has completed the kitten schedule, they need one booster shot of both CRP and rabies every year for the rest of their life.
• First-Time Adults: If you adopt an adult cat with no known history, your vet will likely give the CRP vaccine and repeat it 30 days later, along with the rabies vaccine, to ensure full coverage.

A Few Important Salah (Advice)

• Deworming First: Always deworm your cat before vaccinating. Worms can weaken the immune system, making the vaccine less effective.
• Cost vs. Cure: While the cost of the vaccine may seem like a small expense, remember that the cost and emotional stress of treating a viral disease like panleukopenia are exponentially higher. Prevention is always the cheapest and kindest path.
• Stay Organised: Keep a detailed health record or use an app to track the dates. Never miss the annual booster!