Vaccinations are an important part of your cat’s healthcare maintenance, as they protect him from potentially fatal diseases. If you aren’t current on these, you likely won’t be able to leave him in a pet hotel. Four of them are required for all cats. They include:

Feline Panleukopenia (Distemper or Ataxia)

A highly contagious viral disease primarily spread through contact with an affected cat’s bodily fluids, feces, or fleas. Symptoms include fever, lost appetite, dehydration, and vomiting. Distemper is the most destructive disease for an unvaccinated cat because it can cause severe intestinal problems. The mortality rate is 60–90 percent.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Feline Influenza or Coryza)

A contagious virus of the eyes, nose, and throat that can cause severe disease including death from pneumonia. FVR is transmitted through the air and through direct contact with an infected cat’s eye and nasal secretions. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, loss of appetite, and fever.

Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

A common viral disease characterized by upper respiratory symptoms, like pneumonia and mouth sores. There are multiple strains, some causing more severe symptoms. FCV is spread through contact with the bodily fluids and feces of an affected cat.

Rabies

A fatal nervous system disease caused by a virus that attacks the brain. Rabies is transmitted through a bite from a rabid animal. The disease has three stages: prodromal, which causes temperament changes, dilated pupils, and excessive drooling; excitatory, which occurs three days in and causes appetite changes and possibly seizures; and the “dumb” form in which you cat goes into progressive paralysis.

Kittens should be vaccinated for the first three at eight weeks old, followed by annual booster shots for a few years after that. The Rabies vaccine is usually done at 4–6 months old, with boosters ever 1–3 years.

Although pet hotels do not generally require the following vaccinations, they’re beneficial for cats that could be exposed to diseases (particularly outdoor cats):

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

A contagious virus that weakens the immune system and causes cancer. Approximately 2–3 percent of all cats are infected. FeLV spreads through saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk from infected cats. Symptoms include lost appetite, weight loss, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, gum inflammation, bladder and respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, and seizures. Vaccinations should start and 9–10 weeks of age, followed up with a second 3–4 weeks later and annual boosters.

Feline AIDS (FIV)

A contagious virus that suppresses the immune system; associated with neurologic disease, cancers, mouth and gum disease, respiratory conditions, diarrhea, and urinary disorders. FIV is most commonly spread through saliva and bite wounds, and mostly affects outdoor males. Approximately 12 percent of cats in the US are infected with Feline AIDS. Many veterinarians advise against the FIV vaccine—which is only 82 percent effective—because once vaccinated, your cat will test positive for the virus.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

A disease that causes stomach inflammation. Although not highly contagious or even common, FIP is progressive and almost always fatal. Cats that are at least 16 weeks old can receive vaccination in the form of nasal drops, with two doses given three weeks apart and annual boosters after that. The vaccination is 50–70 percent effective, and not generally recommended by the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

Ringworm

A contagious fungus that causes legions, most commonly on the head, ears, and tail. An injectable vaccination is available for cats over four months old. A second dose should be given 12–16 days later, and a third dose 26–30 days after that.