Cat or Kitten Vaccinations - Everything You Should Know About

Kitten Vaccinations

When a kitten is younger than six months old, they are most vulnerable to infectious diseases. Because of this, it's crucial to provide your kitten with the necessary immunizations and kitten vaccinations for protection.

 

During nursing, mother cats transmit maternal antibodies through their milk. The body's response to vaccination is also hampered or even inactivated by these antibodies, even if they do provide some degree of protection against illnesses.

 

In light of this, core (recommended) kitten vaccinations are started at 6-8 weeks of age and continued every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 16-20 weeks old. One year following the original series, the core vaccinations should be boosted.

 

What precisely are cat or kitten vaccinations?

• A vaccine is an injection of a combination of chemicals designed to aid in triggering an immune response against a particular disease.
• The rabies vaccine is one of the most popular ones. Parts of the rabies virus, not the full virus, are contained in the rabies vaccine.
• It's not a live or active virus; rather, we inject pieces of it into your cat along with other substances to help it start producing antibodies, guard it against rabies exposure, and keep it safe.
• We also have immunizations for a wide range of feline ailments.

 

Kitten Vaccinations: Core vs. Non-Core

Two types of vaccines are available for cats:

 

• Core kitten Vaccinations: All kittens and adult cats should receive the core kitten vaccinations, which guard against highly prevalent and/or severe diseases. For example, FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia) and Rabies.
• None Core Kitten Vaccinations: Only cats who are at a high risk of infection should get non-core vaccines. Your veterinarian will examine your cat's lifestyle in the event of non-core vaccinations to ascertain whether the risk of disease is higher than the risk of immunization. Examples include Bordetella and FeLV (Feline leukemia virus).

 

Are kitten vaccinations recommended by law?

• In Florida, the only immunization for cats that is mandated by law is the rabies shot.
• This is partly because of the danger that rabies poses to people and how quickly it may spread.
• Although further immunizations for cats and kitten vaccinations are not legally necessary, they are nonetheless crucial since they shield your cat from dangerous diseases.

 

Kitten Vaccinations Needed For Cats

All kittens need to have two vaccinations, and some veterinarians strongly advise the third one as well.

 

FVRCP

• Every kitten should be immunized against feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus, and feline rhinotracheitis (FVRCP). These conditions are widespread among cats in general. A combination vaccine often offers protection from all three of these viruses.

• Feline Calicivirus: One of the most frequent viral causes of feline upper respiratory infections is feline calicivirus.

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis: Cats can spread feline viral rhinotracheitis quite easily. It is caused by feline herpes virus type 1, which is also a significant contributor to upper respiratory infections. Cats who contract the infection will always be carriers.

• Feline panleukopenia: which is brought on by feline parvovirus, is also extremely contagious among cats.

 

FVRCP kitten vaccinations can start as early as 6 weeks of age. Kittens receive vaccinations every three to four weeks until they are 16 weeks old or older.

The majority of veterinarians advise starting the vaccine at 8 weeks of age, followed by boosters at 12 and 16 weeks of age, to minimize over-vaccination.

 

Rabies

• The other essential kitten vaccination is rabies. Rabies is a lethal illness that can strike cats, as well as many other animals and people.
• Depending on state regulations and the veterinarian, your kitten may have a rabies vaccination as early as 12 weeks of age.

 

FeLV

• Some veterinarians prescribe the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine for all kittens, while others only suggest it for kittens that are at risk for the disease.
• Based on your pet's lifestyle and a conversation with your veterinarian, a decision should be made.
• It is possible for kittens to contract the viral illness of feline leukemia from their mother or from close contact with other diseased cats.
• Before vaccination, kittens should be screened for FeLV.
• Immunization can start from 8 to 12 weeks of age and needs a booster shot that is administered 3–4 weeks later.

 

When should I schedule vaccinations for my kittens and cats?

• As soon as you bring home your new kitten, make an appointment for your kitten's vaccinations.
• No of its age, you should schedule an appointment with a vet as soon as you can for your new kitten.
• Setting up a preventive health care program that includes immunizations, deworming, and flea control is crucial.
• In addition, we will spend time discussing behavioral training to make sure your kitten develops good behaviors and becomes a great pet.
• Plan on spending at least thirty minutes on your first visit.
• This is a great time to get all your questions answered on kitten care and discuss the recommended preventive program with our veterinary team.
• One year after the kitten vaccination plan is finished, a schedule for adult cat vaccinations that includes periodic booster shots will be set.
• A cat vaccination schedule should be followed exactly, just like any other immunization routine, in order to guarantee your cat's lifelong health and well-being.
• While not all health problems are under our control, the majority of infectious diseases are preventable with the right vaccination schedule.

 

Kittens vaccination schedule

The general schedule for kittens' vaccinations is as follows:

 

6-8 weeks:

• FVRCP necessary
• FeLV is strongly advised.

 

10-12 weeks:

• FVRCP necessary (second in series)
• FeLV is strongly advised.

 

14-16 weeks:

• FVRCP necessary (third in series)
• A legal requirement for rabies
• FeLV is strongly advised.

 

1-year booster:

• FVRCP booster is necessary.
• Law requires rabies vaccination boosters

 

Cost of Kitten Vaccinations

• Depending on the brand and where you reside, each vaccine might cost anywhere from $25 to $50.
• To ensure that your kitten is healthy enough to receive vaccinations, they typically need to undergo a physical examination as well.
• The veterinarian typically does the initial examination, and a certified technician or the veterinarian typically conducts the follow-up exams.
• The initial exam can cost anywhere between $40 and $60 on average. With a technician, the cost of the follow-up visit can be reduced.

 

Kitten Vaccination Side Effects

There are occasionally unexpectedly severe reactions to immunizations, but they are generally minor in nature. These potential problems ought to be discussed with you by your veterinary team so you know what to watch out for.

 

Among the mild side effects are:

• Tiredness
• Slight fever
• Bruising at the injection site
• Lump at the Injection Site

 

Among the moderate side effects are:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite

 

Severe side effects include:

• Swelling of the face
• Hives on the body
• Difficulty breathing
• Shock

 

If you see any serious adverse effects, visit an emergency veterinarian.

• Contact your veterinarian or take your pet to the clinic if you have any worries about your kitten following vaccines. They can advise you whether it is safe to proceed with the vaccination series and can even suggest giving your cat an antihistamine beforehand.

 

Adult Cat Vaccination

• Your cat will receive vaccinations one year following the conclusion of the kitten series. FVRCP, or feline distemper, FeLV for cats at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus (cats left unattended outside), and rabies, must be administered annually as required by law.
• A combination vaccine protects against the calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and feline distemper.
• The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners state that most diseases may not require yearly booster injections in cats who are at minimal risk of disease exposure.
• When you go to the vet for your next appointment, ask about the best immunization plan for your cat.
• Remember that advice varies depending on the cat's age, breed, and state of health, the likelihood that the cat may contract a disease, the type of vaccine, whether the cat is used for breeding, and the region that the cat resides in or may travel to.

 

Summary

In this article there is a detailed description of kitten vaccination.Types of vaccination, vaccination needed for kittens, schedule of kitten vaccination, and side effects of vaccination have been elaborated.

 

References

• Kitten Vaccinations Schedule and Costs [1].

• Cat Vaccinations - Everything You Should Know [2].

• Cat Vaccination - What to Know About Kitten Vaccinations [3].

 

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