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What Vaccines Does My Kitten Need?

Whether you adopt a kitten from a shelter, take in a stray, or if your own cat gives birth, it’s vital to get your kitten(s) the shots and vaccines they need to grow into strong, healthy cats. Vaccines work to provide immunity against the most widespread and dangerous diseases known to infect cats in their infancy.

cat kitten vaccine

Why Your Kitten Needs Vaccines

Your kitten’s immune system is not fully developed when they are first born. This means they are unable to effectively fight disease on their own. If your kitten was able to nurse from its mother following birth, he or she will have gotten antibodies from their mother’s milk that provide temporary immunity. The fact that the milk only provides temporary protection, coupled with the fact that it isn’t clear which specific diseases your kitten is vulnerable to when they are young, is what makes vaccines necessary for your furry friend in order to keep them protected from illnesses as they begin their life.

Vaccination Schedule for Kittens

There are six vaccines that your kitten should receive during the first few months to one year of their life: 4 core vaccines and 2 non-core vaccines. The following is a veterinarian-recommended schedule for your new kitten’s immunizations:

Rabies CORE VACCINE

Prevention is key to rabies, as there is no treatment or cure for this disease in felines, and it is 100% fatal to cats.

Initial Dose: 8 weeks or older

Supplementary Dose(s): 1 year after first dose

Recommended Booster: Annual or every 3 years (dependent on vaccine used)

Feline Distemper Core Vaccine

Distemper is a severe and contagious disease that can be fatal in kittens.

Initial Dose: 6 weeks or older

Supplementary Dose(s): Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age

Recommended Booster: 1 year after last dose (~16 months of age), then once every 3 years

Calicivirus Core Vaccine

This is a highly contagious upper respiratory condition that causes fever, anorexia, oral ulcerations, and joint pain in kittens.

Initial Dose: 6 weeks or older

Supplementary Dose(s): Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age

Recommended Booster: 1 year after last dose (~16 months of age), then once every 3 years

Feline Herpesvirus Core Vaccine

This virus causes Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), which is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection.

Initial Dose: 6 weeks or older

Supplementary Dose(s): Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age

Recommended Booster: 1 year after last dose (~16 months of age), then once every 3 years

Bordetella Non-Core Vaccine

Bordetella is contagious upper respiratory condition.

Initial Dose: 4 weeks or older

Supplementary Dose(s): N/A

Recommended Booster: Once every year

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Non-Core Vaccine

FeLV is an immunosuppressant that is transmitted via cat-to-cat contact and can cause feline cancer.

Initial Dose: 8 weeks or older

Supplementary Dose(s): 3-4 weeks after first dose

Recommended Booster: Once every year for high-risk cats, once every 2 years for low-risk cats

Where to Get your kitten vaccinated

Your local Maryland veterinarian is a reliable and professional source for getting your young or newborn cat the vaccinations they need. Catonsville Cat Clinic has a team of gentle and compassionate cat care specialists who are trained in feline health from birth all the way to old age. We can administer the vaccinations your cat requires throughout his or her life, as well as provide regular wellness check-ups and medical procedures if your cat is sick or hurt. Give us a call to schedule your kitten’s vaccinations today and give your furry friend the best start in life.

This entry was posted on Monday, February 3rd, 2020 at 1:48 pm. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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