Vaccinations for Kittens and Cats
As you may already know, vaccines are an easy and inexpensive way to protect your furry friend from all types of diseases. As a responsible pet owner, making sure that your pet has all of the vaccines they need, and that they do not fall behind on their vaccine schedule is of the utmost importance. That being said, there is no need for you to worry – our team is here to help you stay on top of all of this. As always, you are welcome to reach out to us with any of your questions and to schedule your next consultation.
Vaccinations for Kittens
When should my kitten get their vaccines?
It is often recommended that kittens receive their first round of vaccines when they are approximately 8, 12 and 16-weeks-old. A series of vaccines or “booster” shots are given at this frequency because some kittens do not respond well to their initial vaccine.
Why are vaccines so important for kittens?
Vaccines will help boost your kitten’s immunity and protection against diseases such as rabies, calicivirus, feline herpes virus 1 and panleukopenia or feline distemper. These diseases can be potentially fatal and are costly and time consuming to treat. This initial set of vaccines can also be beneficial for kittens with poor milk transfer.
Do kittens still need vaccines once they are adults?
Yes! As time goes by and as your pet grows older, they still need to be protected. Their immunity needs to be boosted even when they have become adult cats.
Vaccinations for Cats
How often should cats be vaccinated?
Adult cats will usually need to be vaccinated once every year. Some may need to be vaccinated once every three years. The rate or schedule that will be prescribed to your furry friend depends on various factors such as their current vaccination status and the type of vaccine they are taking.
Does my indoor cat need to be vaccinated?
Absolutely! Just because your pet spends most or all of their time exclusively indoors does not mean that they are protected from harmful diseases. Your loyal companion may wander outside by accident or you and other members of your family may unintentionally bring diseases inside your home. If your pet is not vaccinated, they can be at greater risk of catching harmful conditions. For these reasons, indoor pets must still take core vaccines.