When Do You Vaccinate Kittens

Vaccines Your Kitten Should Have

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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.

How Kitten Vaccinations Work

Kittens receive a series of vaccines over an 8- to 12-week period beginning at between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Some vaccines might be given together in one injection that is called a combination vaccine. At your kitten’s first veterinary exam, your vet will discuss a vaccination schedule as well as other treatments, such as deworming and beginning parasite prevention.

The vaccine injection itself is typically not very painful. Your kitten may feel a little pinch or sting, but many do not react at all.

At the first vaccine visit, your veterinarian will do an examination before vaccinating your kitten. Vaccines should never be given to a kitten with a fever or illness as the vaccine will not be effective. Giving a vaccine to a sick kitten can actually make her feel worse.

After a vaccine is administered, immunity is not immediate. It takes about seven to 10 days after the second vaccination to become effective. However, kittens with remaining maternal antibodies for that disease will not be affected by the vaccine. There is no way to be certain if a kitten still has maternal antibodies, so boosters are necessary. True immunity is uncertain until about 16 to 18 weeks of age, or until all kitten boosters are completed. Avoid exposing your kitten to unknown animals until all vaccinations have been given.

What Is The Difference Between The Various Types Of Vaccines

There are three major types of vaccine:

1. Modified live vaccines- these vaccines contain live organisms that are weakened or genetically modified so that they will not produce disease but will multiply in the cats body. Live vaccines induce a stronger, longer lasting immunity than inactivated vaccines. It is not advisable to use modified live vaccines in pregnant queens or cats whose immune system is not working properly , etc.).2. Killed vaccines these vaccines are prepared using fully virulent organisms or genetically modified organisms that have been killed by various treatments. Because, on their own, they do not give as high a level of protection as the live, replicating type of vaccine, killed vaccines may have an adjuvant added to enhance immune stimulation.3. Subunit vaccines these are more commonly called recombinant-DNA vaccines. These are vaccines in which the infectious organism has been broken apart and only certain parts are included in the vaccine. In some cases, this is achieved by using genetic engineering techniques prior to the fragmentation.

Many vaccines come as combinations, so that protection against more than one disease is achieved in a single injection or administration. Some vaccines are intranasal but the majority are given by injection. Your veterinarian will advise you on the most appropriate vaccines for your cat.

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Are There Kitten Vaccine Side Effects Or Risks

You may notice your kitten acting strangely after a vaccine shot, including walking with a limp, a lack of appetite, lethargy, nausea or vomiting, aggression, and crying.

However, most pet experts and veterinarians agree that the benefits of kitten vaccines far outweigh the possible risk of side effects, especially when in young animals the most at-risk population.

Basic Vaccine Schedule For Cats

Cat vaccinations can get confusing. Not only are there different schedules and needed vaccines for cats and kittens, but there are also some extra vaccines for different lifestyles.

Its difficult for pet parents to understand their cats vaccination schedulefrom which ones they need to how often they need them.

While there are certain mandatory, or core vaccines for cats, there are also noncore vaccines for different lifestyles or vaccines that are only recommended during the kitten years.

Your veterinarian is your best resource for figuring out the best vaccine routine for your feline family member, but this chart will help you understand the basics.

To help you navigate the world of feline vaccines, the chart covers a kittens vaccination schedule all the way into adulthood.

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If I Choose To Breed My Cat When Should I Start

There are many kittens that need adoption, so unless you have specific plans for the kittens, breeding is not recommended. Even if you find homes for all of the kittens, those homes are then no longer available for the many cats and kittens that need adopting from shelters.

If you decide to breed your cat, she should be at least one year old. This will allow her to mature physically and minimize the physical demands of pregnancy. Many breeds have preexisting genetic conditions. This needs to be considered and screened for before breeding can occur. Speak with your veterinarian to make sure you practice responsible breeding techniques.

Does My Kitten Only Need Core Vaccines

When you visit the hospital, the doctor will ask some questions about whether or not your kitten will have an outdoor lifestyle. All our vaccine programs are tailored to the needs of your cat based on overall health, age, and lifestyle risk factors. Generally, we recommend the Feline Leukemia Vaccine for cats with an adventurous outdoor lifestyle as they are considered to be at increased risk of contracting this virus from another cat.

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How Much Do Kitten Vaccines Cost

Bringing a new kitten into the family involves a multitude of expenses, and vaccines are a part of them. The cost of vaccines for your kitten can vary based on a number of factors such as your location, your veterinarian, the type of vaccine, etc.

In general, however, you can expect the cost of a single vaccine to range anywhere from $25 to $50. That said, some veterinarians may offer multiple services for your kitten vaccines, an examination, and deworming, for example packaged within a single price.

The frequent vet visits involved in the kitten vaccination schedule, these costs can add up, so it can be helpful to talk to your veterinarian ahead of time if you have any concerns about vaccine pricing.

How Often Do Cats Need Vaccines

Your kitten will actually need a few doses of these vaccines until hes about 4 or 5 months old.

They should then get vaccinated every three to four weeks with the core vaccines of FCV, FHV and FPV until 16 to 20 weeks of age, Dr. Eldredge said. FeLV is given at 8 weeks and then one more about four weeks later.

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How Many Shots Does My Cat Need

The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends vaccinating all cats for rabies, even indoor-only cats because it is a fatal disease. The AAFP also recommends the FVRCP vaccine for all cats.

Your kitten should get his first round of vaccines when he is 6 to 8 weeks old. This series of shots should be repeated every 3 to 4 weeks until he is approximately 16 weeks old, or until his immune system is strong enough to fight off disease without the help of vaccinations. After the initial series, most cats will need a booster 1 year after the last shot in their kitten series, then every 3 years thereafter.

Boosters For Adult Cats

Ideally, the breeder or animal shelter will have taken care of these core vaccinations when your feline friend was just a kitten. When your cat reaches one year old, you will need to return for booster shots. After that, you will only need booster shots every one to three years. This varies based on your cat’s lifestyle and health risk. When you visit us for the one year check-up, we will discuss the options with you and make our recommendation.

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Contact Animal General Today

When it’s time for your cat’s vaccinations, call us at Animal General in Manhattan! You can reach us by phone at , or give us your contact information and we’ll get in touch with you to schedule an appointment. For your convenience, we are open seven days a week: weekdays from 7:30 AM to 8 PM, Saturdays from 7:30 AM to 7 PM, and Sundays from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Do Pet Vaccinations Really Work

Yes, vaccinations are an important part of protecting your pets health. Vaccinations prevent diseases by preparing your dogs immune system to fight off serious diseases.

However, it is important to note that no vaccine is 100% effective. Several factors can affect a vaccines effectiveness, such as your dogs age, health, and lifestyle.

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Is It Too Late To Vaccinate My Dog

Its never late to vaccinate your dog! No matter how old your furry friend is, its always a good idea to make sure theyre up-to-date on their shots.

Puppies need to be vaccinated more frequently than adult dogs. They should typically receive a series of shots starting at around 6-8 weeks, then again at 12 and 16 weeks. After that, theyll need booster shots every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine.

Second, some vaccines require multiple doses in order for them to be effective. For example, the rabies vaccine usually requires two doses given 3-to 4 weeks apart.

Is It Too Late To Get My Kitten Vaccinated

When should my kitten receive their first shots? You should bring your kitten to see your vet for their first round of vaccinations when they are about six to eight weeks old. Following this, your kitten should get a series of vaccines at three-to-four week intervals until they reach approximately 16 weeks old.

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Do Vaccinations Prevent Lyme Disease

Vaccinations play a very important role in protecting dogs from infectious diseases. While all dogs should receive some basic vaccinations, depending on your dogs lifestyle and environment, he may also require additional vaccinations.

This is a serious illness that can be contracted by dogs who are bitten by infected ticks. This can cause a number of symptoms, including fever, lameness, and loss of appetite.

If left untreated, Lyme disease can be fatal. Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine available for Lyme disease, but there are a number of steps you can take to help protect your dog from this potentially deadly illness.

What Does A Kitten Need From The Vet

KITTEN CARE

• Step 1: Vaccinations. Vaccinations are ideally given at 6, 9, 12, and 15 weeks of age. …
• Step 2: Worm & Parasite Treatment. …
• Step 3: Microchipping. …
• Step 5: Flea & Tick Treatment. …
• Step 6: Develop a General Care Routine. …
• Step 7: Socialization. …
• Step 8: Prepare for Hazards & Emergencies.

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Are Kitten Vaccinations And Cat Vaccinations Necessary

The answer is yes. A kitten or cat owner is responsible for the wellbeing of their feline friend – this includes happiness and longevity of life. Cat vaccinations are integral component in the longevity equation. Kitten vaccinations and cat vaccinations are medically and scientifically proven to prevent various insidious diseases.

Are There Any Possible Side Effects

Just like vaccines or medical treatment in humans, there is a low risk of side effects following feline vaccination. After having a vaccine your kitty may have possible side effects including:

• Mild reactions are most common, which includes a low-grade fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, and slight swelling at the injection site. Usually, the cat requires no treatment, and the signs pass within 1-2 days.
• In very rare cases cats can have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. In mild cases, which are much more common, the cat may develop hives, itchiness, swelling of the eyes and lips, and a mild fever. A more severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis is very rare but may cause problems breathing, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and collapse. Allergic reactions need immediate veterinary attention and may require treatment with an antihistamine, stereoscopic or adrenaline.
• There is a link between cat vaccines and a cancer called feline injection-site sarcoma. These tumours are rare, with an estimated occurrence in cats of 0.01% to 0.1%. However, because of the risk cats are often given their vaccines at specific locations that are recorded in their medical record.

Talk to your vet about the risks associated with vaccines. However, it is generally considered that the benefits of vaccination are much greater than the potential risks or side effects of the vaccines.

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Are There Risks Associated With Cat Vaccinations

Cat vaccinations stimulate your kitten or cat’s immune system in order to create protection from specific infectious diseases. This can cause mild symptoms to occur ranging from soreness at the injection site to fever and allergic reactions. Cat vaccinations can cause other risks like injection site tumors and immune disease, however such incidences are extremely rare and are usually linked to pre-existing genetic and medical conditions. Because of the potential for injection site reactions, we give each vaccine in a specific location that is noted in the cat’s medical record.

The fact is, the rewards of cat vaccinations far outweigh any risks. Cat vaccines have saved countless lives and play a vital role in the battle against feline infectious disease. As with any medical procedure, there is a small chance of negative side effects. In most cases, the risks are much smaller than the risks of disease itself.

Why Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccinations

If your cat lives exclusively indoors, they will still need to be vaccinated against cat flu and panleukopenia, but may not need the FeLV vaccine. This is because FeLV only usually spreads between cats in close and regular contact, but cat flu and panleukopaenia are very infectious and can spread on clothes, shoes, and other surfaces. If you have an indoor cat, discuss their vaccinations with your vet to find the best schedule for them.

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Are There Any Risk Associated With Vaccines

On some occasions, your kitten may experience some lethargy after his/her appointment. This is a big day for them, from the car ride to the exam itself and can make them very tired. On a rare occasion, they could have a vaccine reaction. There may be some pain where the vaccine was given or your cat may develop a mild fever.

Previously Vaccinated But Overdue

If your cat has previously been vaccinated, but is overdue their booster, they might have a bit of protection for two to three months after it was due, but after that they will be at risk again. Follow the guidance below until they are fully protected:

• If they are a house cat, continue keeping them indoors and prevent other cats coming into the house.
• Wash your hands after going outside, especially if you have touched any other cats.
• If they go outdoors, but are happy to stay inside, keep them in as much as possible.
• During this time monitor them for stress and allow them outside again if they appear unsettled.
• Stress can be very bad for cat health and cause problems such as Feline Idiopathic Cystitis and blocked bladders.
• Dont keep your cat indoors if they have previously suffered with stress related illness.

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Kitten Vaccine Side Effects

Side effects of vaccinations are usually mild if they occur at all, although in rare instances, unexpected severe reactions can occur. Your veterinary team should discuss these possible issues with you so you know what to monitor for.

Mild side effects can include:

• Soreness at the site of injection

• Lump at the site of injection

Moderate side effects can include:

Core Vaccines For Cats

Core vaccines are vaccines that all cats should get.

The basic core starts with vaccination for calicivirus , herpes virus and panleukopenia , Dr. Eldredge told The Dodo. Feline leukemia and rabies are also considered to be core vaccines for most cats.

Herpes virus , calicivirus and panleukopenia are all covered in one combination vaccine called the FVRCP vaccine, while the vaccines for feline leukemia and rabies are administered individually.

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What Vaccines Do Cats Need

The Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel regularly evaluates and researches cat vaccination developments to make science-based recommendations.

The panel is comprised of dedicated feline veterinarians and scientists and is regarded as a reputable source of cat vaccination standards.

Their guidelines, published by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, are among the most trusted and utilized recommendations in the field.

They divide cat vaccines into two categories:

* FeLV: highly recommended for kittens and optional for adult cats.

** Rabies: 3-year vs 1-year vaccine depending on state laws.

Why Should You Bring Your Cat For Vaccination

Vaccinations are an important part of a preventative healthcare routine to keep your feline friend happy and healthy. Through vaccination, you can protect your cat from some serious and life-threatening infectious diseases. Some of these diseases are so serious that they are incurable or there is no effective treatment for them, therefore prevention is better than looking for a cure!

Did you know that vaccinating your pet can also help control the spread of infectious diseases within your local cat population? When a high proportion of cats in a community are vaccinated there is a lower risk for disease outbreaks, this is known as herd immunity.

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