Wednesday, April 24, 2024

How Expensive Are Kitten Shots

Don't Miss

What Cat Shots Does Petsmart Offer

Kitty Expenses – Cat Connection

PetSmart offers vaccines that provide immunity against most illnesses that are likely to affect your cat throughout its life.

Your cat should be fully vaccinated by the time they are four months old and, after that, backed up by annual booster shots.

These are the four diseases your cat must be vaccinated against:

  • Feline panleukopenia virus/ feline distemper
  • Feline calicivirus infection affects the cats upper respiratory tract
  • Feline rhinotracheitis virus infection
  • Rabies

These other diseases are less common, and their vaccinations will be administered upon the recommendations of your vet:

  • Feline leukemia

The FVRCP shot immunizes against three of the four diseases your cat must be vaccinated against.

Screening for and vaccinating against feline leukemia is highly recommended.

How Much Does A New Kitten Cost Everything You Need To Budget For Your Kitty’s First Year

Alex Photo / Adobe Stock

  • What Is the Average Cost of a Kitten?

  • 6 Expenses That Impact How Much a Kitten Costs

  • How Can I Save on Kitten Expenses?

  • There’s no doubt that kittens are cute: They purr, they pounce, and they cuddle like champs. And they’re usually less pricey than dogs. But even if someone offers you one for free, there are still expenses that come with having a cat. If you’re thinking about getting a new feline friend, it’s essential you know how much a kitten costs, Andrea Woroch, a personal finance expert for Rover.com says. Understanding what you’ll have to shell out to provide proper care is an essential part of pet parenthood.

    How Often Do Kittens And Cats Need Vaccinations

    Kittens need two sets of initial vaccinations. One when they are nine weeks old and a second booster at three months old. Some kittens may also need a third injection at 15 weeks. A kitten will be fully protected three to four weeks after its final injection and you should keep your kitten indoors and away from cats outside of your household until then.

    After this primary course, cats usually need booster vaccinations once a year. You should receive a vaccination record from your vet to remind you when the next course is due.

    Don’t Miss: Why Do Kittens Chase Their Tails

    Does Cat Insurance Cover Vaccinations

    Most pet insurance policies dont cover vaccinations or other preventative medicine without purchasing a rider . This means your premium will go up, and they may only cover the core vaccines and not any additional ones, Dr. Bonk said. Be sure to read the fine print on any pet insurance policy before purchasing.

    While pet insurance policies usually dont cover vaccines, having pet insurance can help tremendously if your cat were to have an emergency and require surgery.

    Pet insurance can also help older cats who might be diagnosed with a disease and require special medical care.

    Cat vaccinations are an important part of owning a happy and healthy cat. Always consult your veterinarian to make sure youre keeping up with your cat’s shots and that shes getting the ones she needs.

    • Cookie Settings

    What Diseases Can Vaccinations Protect Against

    Low Cost Dog and Cat Shots in Northern California Persian Cat gets ...

    Cats are commonly vaccinated against:

    • Cat flu
    • Feline infectious enteritis
    • Feline leukaemia virus

    Your vet can advise which vaccinations your cat or kitten will need to help protect them from infectious diseases. When you get your kitten, one of the first things you should do is register them with a local vet, who will be able to carry out the vaccinations your kitten needs.

    You May Like: Is Blue Buffalo Wet Food Good For Cats

    Protecting An Unvaccinated Cat

    Full immunity develops around 3-4 weeks after the final injection in a primary course of vaccinations, but until then you will need to keep your feline friend indoors and away from cats outside of your household. Youll need to keep your cat entertained and stress-free during this time especially if they have previously been used to going outside.

    What To Expect And Why When It Comes To Vaccinating Your Pet And How Much It Costs

    One of the last things most people think about when they bring home a new pet is the cost of vaccinations, but any long-time pet owner knows that yearly boosters can add up, especially if you have more than one animal.

    When you get the bill after a routine visit to the veterinarian, its easy to wonder where exactly the total came from. There are a lot of factors that go into determining that final bill, and several things to consider as you decide where to take your pet for his or her yearly shots.

    Read Also: 16 Year Old Cat In Human Years

    What Other Vaccines Are Recommended For Cats

    Your vet may also recommend other vaccines for your cat, depending on your area and whether or not your pet goes outdoors:

    So, the total cost of the recommended vaccines is around $155, according to veterinary clinics. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you if these vaccines are necessary, depending on the clinical examination he will do and your cats lifestyle.

    How Often Should Booster Vaccinations Be Given

    Low cost Dog Vaccinations and Cat Vaccinations by licensed veterinarians near you.

    In the past, veterinarians recommended booster vaccinations for cats on a yearly basis. However, as we learn more about, and improve vaccines, recommendations regarding booster frequency continue to evolve. The appropriate interval for boosters will vary with individual lifestyle.

    “If your cat is at higher risk for exposure to a disease, the more frequent vaccination schedule may be recommended.”

    Most adult cats that received the full booster series of vaccines as kittens should be re-vaccinated every one to three years based on a lifestyle risk assessment. That is, if your cat is at higher risk for exposure to a disease, the more frequent vaccination schedule may be recommended. It is important to thoroughly discuss your cat’s lifestyle with your veterinarian and determine the appropriate vaccinations and vaccination schedule for your cat.

    The AAFP vaccination guidelines recommend that low-risk adult cats be vaccinated every three years for the corevaccines, and then as determined by your veterinarian for any non-core vaccines. Some vaccine manufacturers have developed approved three-year vaccines for many of the core vaccines. It is important to note that feline leukemia virus vaccine is recommended by some AAFP members as a core vaccine, while other experts classify it as a non-core vaccine. Your veterinarian is the ultimate authority on how your cat should be vaccinated.

    Read Also: Training A Cat Not To Bite

    No Cost Spay & Neuter Program

    All previously scheduled appointments for this program are now canceled, and indefinitely postponed. If you have any questions please contact 311.

    We offer a No Cost Spay/Neuter Program which provides free spay and neuter surgery for companion cats and dogs of eligible low income Calgarians. This program is not available for breeders. All applications for this program are referred through The Citys Fair Entry Program.

    What Vaccinations Should I Make Sure My New Kitten Has

    Vaccinating your kitten helps protect their health, making it vital they are placed on the right vaccination programme at the appropriate age.

    There are several vaccines available, and in general terms they can be split into two categories:

    • Core vaccines
    • Non-essential vaccines

    Core vaccines are recommended for all kittens and cats regardless of their lifestyle, whilst non-essential will be recommended depending on the risk of exposure to the specific disease or virus.

    Your vet is the best person to recommend the most suitable vaccination programme for your kittens lifestyle.

    Read Also: How To Keep A Cat Off Your Car

    Do All Kittens Have Worms

    Not all kittens have worms , but most of them do. The same milk that protects nursing kittens from disease and provides nutrition also carries intestinal worms, so drinking mothers milk can transfer worms to young kittens shortly after birth. Infection can occur even earlier – before kittens are born – because some intestinal parasites are transmitted to kittens through the blood stream while they are still in the womb. Since kittens can become infected so early and since intestinal parasites can cause severe illness, treatment needs to begin when the kitten is only a couple of weeks old.

    A microscopic examination of a stool sample will identify which worms the kitten is infected with so a specific treatment plan can be prescribed. Since many kittens are infected with the more common intestinal worms, your veterinarian may routinely administer a broad-spectrum dewormer that is safe and effective against several species of intestinal worms. This medication, which kills adult worms, is given every 2-3 weeks to target the most susceptible stage of the worms lifecycle. For other types of intestinal parasites, different medications and treatment intervals are required.

    “Not all kittens have worms, but most of them do.”

    There are other less common parasites that can infect kittens, such as coccidia and giardia that require special treatment. Both of these parasites can be identified with a stool sample examined under the microscope.

    What Other Vaccines Should I Consider

    Low Cost Dog and Cat Vaccinations

    Your vet may also discuss the rabies vaccine with you. Whether this is necessary will depend on your kittens lifestyle and if you have any plans to travel with them. For example, if you wish to travel with your kitten within the EU, the rabies vaccine is mandatory.

    Making sure your kitten has the right vaccinations at the right age, is one of the most important things you can do to protect their health throughout their life.

    Recommended Reading: What Does It Mean When A Cat Smacks Its Tail

    Why Should You Spay Or Neuter Your Cat

    There are numerous reasons to spay or neuter your cat, including community, behavior, and health reasons. Cats are able to have four litters a year, which rapidly leads to overpopulation and, consequently, millions of euthanized cats yearly, says Dr. Meghann Kruck, D.V.M., of Kindest Cut, a low cost spay and neuter clinic in Minnesota.

    Sarah Humlie, executive director of the Pensacola Humane Society in Florida, agrees that overpopulation is a problem and explains that getting cats spayed and neutered is one of the Societys missions.

    Coming from the shelter side of it, we see spaying and neutering as a humane and pro-active way of trying to reduce the number of animals who are going to come into the shelters and possibly have their lives threatened or ended because of overcrowding, says Humlie.

    Spaying and neutering can also prevent unwanted behavioral issues, says Dr. Adam Corbett, V.M.D., and Director of Shelter Operations and Surgery at the Pennsylvania SPCA. He says unaltered male cats tend to spray urine in the house and try to get outside more, which could lead to injury due to fighting with other cats or getting hit by a car. Unaltered female cats also have behavioral issues, such as yowling when theyre in heat and also trying to go outside to find a mate, he said.

    How Old Does A Cat Have To Be For A Spay Or Neuter Procedure Can You Spay A Cat In Heat

    According to the ASPCA, cats can be spayed or neutered as young as eight weeks old. They recommend scheduling the procedure before your cat is five months old to avoid urine spraying behavior and eliminate the chance of pregnancy.

    The ASPCA also states that female cats can be spayed while in heat. Of course, it is always advised to speak with your vet to figure out when it would be best to spay or neuter your cat.

    Don’t Miss: How To Stop Cat From Scratching Door

    Comparing The Costs Of A Puppy And A Kitten

    Whether you see your pet as a friend or family member, chances are you would do almost anything for them. But before picking a pet to take home, be prepared to budget for the associated costs.

    Coming in at approximately $1,418 less than a dog, a cat is easily the cheaper option when choosing a pet at least certainly in the first year. While cats and dogs do share a lot of the same expenses, some of the necessary costs differ.

    Here is a side-by-side comparison of essential pet costs.

    *The figures are as posted on the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association website forpuppiesandkittens.

    Core Vaccines For Cat

    Low cost Dog Vaccinations and Cat Vaccinations by licensed veterinarians near you.

    The core vaccines are required for every cat, and they include:

    • Rabies
    • Feline herpes virus
    • Panleukopenia

    Fortunately, the last three come in a combination shot called the feline distemper vaccine. They should receive one to three shots three to four weeks apart of this combo and then a booster one year later, Dr. Bonk said. After the booster, this combo is good for three years.

    Rabies is given after 12 weeks of age, a booster after one year, and then every three years after, Dr. Bonk said.

    The cost for these core vaccinations ranges from $40$80 in total for the first year and then $20$50 for each booster shot after that.

    You May Like: Savannah Mix Cat

    How Much Do Cats Cost Feline Food Vet Expenses Toys And More

    Cat ownership brings joy to many households, with a kitty providing warmth, love and a mischievous sense of fun.

    But anyone new to having a feline in their lives may initially feel a little overwhelmed with the responsibilities and costs involved.

    Emma Herring, Senior Brand Manager at pet food suppliers Webbox, suggests the costs of owning a cat can vary a lot depending on a number of factors, “including their breed, pedigree, and health.”

    She told Newsweek: “Despite being relatively independent animals, cats are a major financial commitment, so make sure you can comfortably afford a furry friend before taking them home.”

    The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals vet Lynne James agrees, adding: “Of course, our cats are worth every penny, but it’s important to know what potential costs could be involved.”

    How much do cats cost? Newsweek asked the experts.

    Does My Kitten Need Injections Immediately After They Are Born

    At birth, kittens are protected by the antibodies passed on by the mother through her rst milk . They face a critical period when the concentration from the mother is no longer enough to protect against viruses but is still high enough to prevent effective vaccination. During this time a kitten is most vulnerable to infection.

    Recommended Reading: How Many Kcal Should A Cat Eat

    Vaccines Your Kitten Should Have

    tags

    Adopting a new kitten means going through many milestones together, including bringing your cat home for the first time, litter training her and introducing her to other animals to name a few. Other important first steps will take place in your veterinarian’s office. From vaccinations to spaying and neutering, being a new pet parent comes with new responsibilities.

    To help you prepare, here’s a list of the most common kitten vaccinations vets recommend and why they’re important for your new family member. Educate yourself first, and then work with your vet to create a vaccine schedule right for your family.

    Can You Get Individual Shots

    How Much Do Vaccinations Cost For A Cat

    Absolutely! If you want to pick and choose your vaccines, you dont have to pay for the entire package. The prices are as follows:

    • Rabies: $42
    • FeLV: $42
    • FVRCP: $42

    The FeLV and FVRCP require a booster shot 4 weeks after your cat has received the first vaccine. There is also an additional $3 charge added to each individual vaccine as a biohazard fee .

    Also Check: Cats Paw Swollen

    How Do I Set Up An Appointment For My Cats Shots At Petsmart

    If you wish to vaccinate your cat with Shotvet, you need to save yourself a spot by registering through the Shotvet website and searching by location.

    Alternatively, you can use the fast paws service to purchase the vaccinations online, save your spot, and fast-track through the paid line.

    You can call to reserve an appointment at Banfield hospital for your cats shots. Additionally, you can also make an appointment online.

    How Does It Work

    You need to register through the ShotVet website, where you can reserve a spot for you and your cat. You search by location, click on Save a Spot, and show up at the allocated time.

    You also have the option of using the Fast Paws service. Here, you can purchase the vaccinations online, save your spot, and fast-track through the already paid line.

    This way, you can get in and out much faster, making your cats exposure to the stressful environment of a vet clinic as short as possible.

    Don’t Miss: How Long Does Canned Cat Food Last Unopened

    Why Should I Have My Female Cat Spayed

    Spaying young cats offers several advantages:

    • Your cat will avoid heat periods, which usually begin at six to seven months of age and occur every two to three weeks in an unbred cat. During the heat period, female cats encourage the attention of male cats. The female cat will posture and vocalize, which can be annoying to owners so too can the presence of neighborhood male cats that mark the territory outside your house and fight off other suitors. Sometimes the natural urge to mate is so strong that your indoor cat will attempt to escape outdoors to breed.
    • Spaying prevents unplanned litters of kittens that often never find suitable homes.
    • Spaying prior to the first heat cycle greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer.
    • Spaying prevents cancers or infections of the reproductive organs.

    Spaying a cat may be a common procedure, but all surgery must be taken seriously. The correct term for spaying is ovariohysterectomy, and refers to the complete removal of the uterus and ovaries under general anesthesia. An overnight stay in the hospital may be advised to allow close monitoring during recovery and provide adequate pain control .

    More articles

    Popular Articles

    Brands Of Wet Cat Food

    Wet Cat Food For Kidney Disease