Research overview: antibody titer testing in feline vaccination decisions

Antibody titer testing measures a cat's existing immunity to diseases such as panleukopenia and can inform decisions about whether revaccination is needed, supporting individualized protocols that avoid unnecessary boosters. Titers correlate well with protection for some diseases like panleukopenia but less reliably for respiratory viruses, where mucosal immunity matters and serum antibody is an imperfect guide. This overview compiles the immunology literature rather than one citation, describing how titers reflect humoral immunity, why they are most useful for certain core vaccines, and the practical and cost considerations of titer-guided vaccination. It matters because titer testing is part of a broader movement toward evidence-based, individualized vaccination that protects cats while minimizing over-vaccination, though its applicability varies by disease.