Vaccinations for Kittens
Congrats on welcoming a feline friend into your home! Aside from preparing your home with toys, food and other gear, one of the first key steps to help keep your new family member healthy is to make sure they get all the vaccines they need. Once this has been taken care of, you can focus on socialization, creating a stimulating environment for your new kitten, and of course, enjoying their company! Call us now to book your kitten’s next appointment, where we can create a health care plan and determine the best medications for their unique condition.
When should kittens get their first vaccination?
Generally, kittens receive their first round of vaccines at 6 and 8-weeks-of-age. Then, they must continue on an individualized booster schedule until they are fully vaccinated, which usually happens at 16 weeks. Like the name suggests, booster shots help improve and strengthen the efficacy of each vaccine. Your kitten’s immunity is especially vulnerable during this time. But do not worry, with the help of our team, your young cat will get all the vaccines they need at the correct intervals.
How often does my kitten need to be vaccinated?
After their initial series of booster vaccinations, your kitten will need to see us and get vaccinated every one to three years, depending on the vaccine. Your kitten’s unique lifestyle and environment will determine the diseases and parasites that they are more likely to be exposed to. Therefore, different types of cats will require different kinds of medications. For example, kittens who spend most of their time outside will need different treatments compared with kittens who live mostly indoors. In any case, all kittens need to be vaccinated.
Does my kitten only need core vaccines?
No. Once fully examined by your veterinarian, your kitten may be prescribed other vaccines in addition to their core set of shots. Feline friends who are often outdoors may need added protection from several transferrable diseases. That being said, all kittens, regardless of their unique situation, must be given the rabies vaccination. In fact, this is mandated by law in most places. The other “core” vaccine for cats is a combination vaccine which protects against the following common viral conditions of cats: feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.
Vaccinations for Cats
Even if they have grown into strong adults, all cats still need protection. Their immunity needs to be boosted all throughout their lives, so that they continue to live a long and well. Through a consultation with our veterinarians, we can help you decide and alter your cat’s vaccination plan as they move through different stages of their development, based on your shared routine and environment.
Does my indoor cat need to be vaccinated?
Absolutely. Even if your cat spends most if not all of their time within four walls, they still need to be protected. Disease and parasites can enter your home in various ways, at all times of the year. All cats in our region are also legally required to be kept up-to-date on their rabies vaccination.
How often does my adult cat need to be vaccinated?
Your cat’s vaccine schedule will depend on your unique lifestyle, preferences and home environment. With convenience and efficiency in mind, our team uses the longest acting vaccines available so that you and your pet can spend less time in our veterinary office, and more time with each other. The best thing to do to guarantee that your cat has the optimal vaccine program is to take them to our centre for regular examinations, even in years when vaccines are not due.
Are there any risks associated with cat vaccines?
Yes. With any type of treatment or medication, there is always a certain level of risk involved. There are incredibly rare instances where a pet may develop an allergic reaction to a vaccine. These reactions are usually mild (e.g. skin rashes, lethargy) and subside after a few hours. As always, we invite you to contact us to address any questions you have about vaccines, and other aspects of your cat’s health.