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.
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.