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Is it safe to vaccinate cats with heart failure or a heart murmur?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 9 lbs

My 12 year old cat has just been diagnosed with heart failure and his brother of the same age has a grade 3 heart murmur, should I still give them there annual booster vaccinations?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on February 22nd, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Louie and Ozzy! I don't think vaccines will hurt their heart disease. But I would go over the pros and cons of vaccinating vs not vaccinating. For example if both are indoor cats and you aren't planning on getting any new cats then their risk is small. Rabies is required by law. I would recommend cardiology consults and echocardiograms so you have a diagnosis and medications can be started if needed. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!

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