Cat Vaccines

Vaccination Policy

At Action 4 Animals Hawaii, protecting the health of the cats in our care is one of our highest priorities. We follow current shelter medicine recommendations to provide core vaccinations while cats and kittens are in our foster program.

Core Vaccinations

All cats and kittens in our care receive the Nobivac® Feline 1-HCPCh vaccine, a core vaccine that helps protect against common and potentially serious feline diseases, including:

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpesvirus)

• Feline Calicivirus

• Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)

• Chlamydia felis
   

Whenever possible, kittens receive at least two vaccinations while in our care before adoption. Depending on a kitten's age and length of stay, additional booster vaccines may be recommended by your veterinarian after adoption.
 

Why Don't We Routinely Vaccinate for FeLV?

Like many foster-based rescue organizations and shelters, Action 4 Animals Hawaii does not routinely administer the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccine.
 

The FeLV vaccine is considered a lifestyle vaccine, meaning the decision to vaccinate depends on a cat's individual risk factors, including:

• Whether they will live indoors or outdoors

• Whether they will have contact with unknown cats

• Whether other cats in the household are FeLV-positive

• Your veterinarian's recommendations
   

Because every home and every cat's lifestyle is different, we believe this decision is best made by adopters in consultation with their veterinarian.
 

Continuing Your Cat's Vaccine Schedule

Some kittens are still completing their vaccine series at the time of adoption. We encourage all adopters to schedule a wellness exam with their veterinarian shortly after bringing their new family member home.
 

Your veterinarian can recommend:

• Any remaining booster vaccinations

• Whether the FeLV vaccine is appropriate for your cat

• Ongoing vaccination schedules based on your cat's age, health, and lifestyle
   

Our goal is to give every cat a healthy start while empowering adopters and their veterinarians to develop a preventive care plan that best fits their new companion.

If your cat needs additional vaccines, there are several low-cost wellness and vaccination clinics across Hawaii Island. Learn more about Community Health Services HERE.