When To Get Kitten Shots

How Often Do Cats Need Flea Prevention

The question, How often do cats need shots? arose out of the context of flea prevention. Do all cats require flea preventatives, or are they more important for outdoor cats? Many people believe that fleas are contagious and are transmitted from pet to pet. Although a flea-infested cat may spread the infestation to any cat with whom he comes into contact, remember that fleas, although thoroughly detestable, have a remarkable capacity for spreading and surviving. Fleas can roam freely and can make their way into houses under their own steam. Therefore, indoor-only cats are at risk of flea infestation even if they do not come into contact with any other animals.

This does not necessarily mean that every cat requires a monthly flea preventative. Cats with no skin problems and no visible flea infestation can often get by with only occasional applications of flea preventatives. So, in short, flea prevention can be considered optional for all cats, but especially for indoor cats.

Be aware, however, that fleas are insidious, and it is not uncommon for cat owners to be unaware of significant infestations on their pets. Modern flea preventatives generally are safe, and fleas can cause all sorts of health problems. Therefore, unless you really know how to monitor for fleas, its better to err on the side of using flea preventatives rather than risking an infestation.

What Should I Feed My Kitten

Proper nutrition is essential for growth, so it is important to choose the right food when your kitten is weaned. Cats are obligate carnivores and require meat protein in their diet. This protein should be of high quality, so choose a name-brand food specifically formulated for kittens that is made by a reputable cat food company. Growing cats have different nutritional requirements than adult cats, so kitten food should be fed until your kitten reaches twelve months of age.

“Cats are obligate carnivores and require meat protein in their diet.”

Buy food that has been certified by a recognized organization as complete and balanced. This means that the food is nutritionally complete to meet the needs of growth and development. In the United States, you should look for food that has been certified by AAFCO, an independent organization that oversees the entire pet food industry. In Canada, look for foods approved by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association , or foods that are labeled as having been tested by feeding trials. Your veterinarian can provide you with specific dietary recommendations that will help your kitten develop into a healthy adult cat.

Cat foods are available in dry, canned, and semi-moist formulations that should all bear a label stating that the food is intended for kittens. Each of the types of food has advantages and disadvantages.

Can I Trim My Kitten’s Toenails

Kittens have very sharp toenails that can wreak havoc on cat owners and their furniture. You can trim your kittens nails with your regular fingernail clippers or with nail trimmers specifically designed for cats, but you must do so carefully. If you take too much off the nail, you will cut into the quick which will result in bleeding and pain.

Here are a few helpful pointers:

• Cats often have clear or white nails, so you can see the pink quick through the nail. This is a small pink triangle visible near the base of the nail. If you avoid this pink area, you should be safely away from the quick.

• When cutting toenails, use sharp trimmers. Dull trimmers tend to pinch or crush the nail and cause pain even if you are not in the quick. A good set of human nail trimmers are often sufficient. Many larger clippers meant for dogs do not trim cats nails well and can cause splintering of the nails.

• Have styptic powder on hand in case bleeding occurs. These products can be purchased from pet stores or your veterinarian. In an emergency, a bar of soap can be used to help stop the bleeding.

• Playing with your kittens feet and rewarding her with treats after nail trims is a good way to help encourage good behavior for future nail trims.

If you are unsure about trimming your kittens nails, ask your veterinary healthcare professionals for help. They can teach you how to make the procedure easy and painless for you and your kitten.

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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;dedcated 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:

• Core vaccines

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

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

Cat & Kitten Vaccinations

A vaccination appointment is a chance for your cat to get a thorough physical health check, as well as offering them protection against a range of diseases.

A routine procedure, a vaccination appointment is more than just a jab its a chance for your cat to get a thorough physical health check, as well as offering them protection against a range of diseases that can be debilitating, or even kill.

Vaccination appointments are performed by a vet, and should be a routine part of the care of all cats throughout their life even house cats. Although house cats may be less exposed to disease, many of the diseases we can vaccinate against are hardy, and can survive outside of a cat for some time. This means they can be transmitted inside the house, on people or objects, and are still a risk to cats via indirect exposure.

Keeping your annual vaccination appointment every year is really important for both you, and your cat. If you would like to learn more about vaccinating your cat, contact your local Vets4Pets practice here.

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What Is Feline Infectious Enteritis

Feline infectious enteritis also known as feline parvovirus or panleucopaenia is a serious virus that depletes the bodys white blood cells and can cause severe damage to the lining of the intestines.

Its normally spread through contact with infected poo but pregnant cats can also pass it to their unborn kittens if they arent vaccinated.

The disease is widespread across the UK, particularly where lots of cats are in contact with each other and can remain in an environment for a long time.

Cat Vaccines: Which Do Kittens And Adult Cats Need

Author: Dr. Beth Turner

This page may contain affiliate links. We earn a commission for qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Our mission is to help save dogs’ and cats lives through our educational content. To help us create more veterinarian- and trainer-approved content, please consider buying one of our web-books for yourself or as a gift.

While I am in no way a history buff, I feel that knowing the past can aid the future, especially when it comes to the effectiveness of vaccines. Additionally, I found it interesting and a bit gross how the first inoculation took place.

Dr. Edward Jenner administered the first vaccine in 1796. During that time, there was a smallpox epidemic, and millions of people were dying. The physicist noticed that milkmaids developed pustules but didnt become sick with smallpox if they were exposed to cowpox prior. So the brilliant man took the pus from a milk maids hand and injected it into a boy. This simple process allowed the boy to be resistant to future exposures of smallpox. This act of brilliance paved the way for vaccines.

It was a chemist named Louis Pasteur who developed the first vaccine in 1879 relating to animal diseases. His success with his rabies vaccine on animals in 1884 prompted its use in humans.

Vaccines, for both humans and pets, are developed for those diseases that tend to have high mortality and/or high incidence rates. Vaccinations have been saving lives for centuries.

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Are There Any Risks Associated With Vaccines

There are many risk variables that we take into consideration before vaccinating, including overall health, immunodeficiency, immunosuppressive therapy, and nutritional status. With any vaccine, there is a rare possibility of allergic reaction. This happens very quickly after vaccination and may cause loss of appetite, pain at the site of injection, lethargy, vomiting, and fever. There is also the rare possibility of developing a feline injection site sarcoma. This is a malignant tumour linked to vaccine injection, especially if given higher up on the body.

There are many risk variables that we take into consideration before vaccinating, including overall health, immunodeficiency, immunosuppressive therapy, and nutritional status. With any vaccine, there is a rare possibility of allergic reaction. This happens very quickly after vaccination and may cause loss of appetite, pain at the site of injection, lethargy, vomiting, and fever. There is also the rare possibility of developing a feline injection site sarcoma. This is a malignant tumour linked to vaccine injection, especially if given higher up on the body.

How Do Vaccines Work

Vaccines or vaccinations work by stimulating the animals immune system, so that their bodies natural defences are prepared and fully equipped with antibodies to fight against any diseases. Unfortunately if your cat is not properly vaccinated, their bodies immune system will not be armed to fight off any virus or bacterial infection.

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Why Should I Get My Cat Vaccinated

To protect your kitten from contracting a number of serious feline specific diseases, it is essential to have your kitten vaccinated. After your kitten’s first vaccinations it is equally important to follow up with regular booster shots throughout your cat’s lifetime.;

Booster shots ‘boost’ your cat’s protection against a range of feline diseases, as the effectiveness of the initial vaccine wears off. Booster shots for different vaccines are given on varying schedules. Your vet will let you know when to bring your cat back their booster shots.

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.

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What Should Kittens Be Vaccinated Against

The most common diseases that your kitten will need to be vaccinated against include cat flu and feline infectious enteritis . However, kittens are susceptible to other illnesses, so depending on where you live and your vets recommendations, you may also want to protect your kitten against diseases such as the feline leukaemia virus and rabies. Your vet is the best person to consult about what vaccinations are needed for your area.

What To Expect After Vaccination

Though it is uncommon, your kitten may experience slight side effects that appear very soon after the vaccination. These include lethargy and loss of appetite, or much less commonly, allergic reactions such as skin irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is best to remain at the clinic for a short period after the vaccinations have been administered so your vet can monitor symptoms.

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Why Should I Vaccinate My Kitten

Vaccinations are a crucial part of the preventative care system you should provide your kitten. By vaccinating them, you safeguard your kitten from contracting severe illnesses that can have major health implications. Many of these diseases are highly contagious and some of them cannot be treated. Its vital that you protect your kitten by building their immunity when they are young.

How Kitten Vaccinations Work

Kittens receive a series of vaccines over a 12- to 16-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 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 five to 10;days 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.;

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What Are The Core Cat Vaccine Diseases

Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats based on the risk of exposure, the severity of the disease to be prevented, and the risk the disease poses to humans. These are the diseases these vaccines prevent.

Skip to:Rabies

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis

The herpesvirus, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, is an infectious disease that is the most common cause of conjunctivitis in cats. It has been found to be the cause of 80% to 90% of feline infectious upper respiratory diseases or pulmonary infections in cats. The virus can affect cats of all ages and it is highly contagious. Symptoms of the disease are usually noticed 2 to 5 days after the cat has been infected. The active infection will last 10 to 20 days once symptoms are noted.

Unfortunately, cats become carriers of the virus for life once they are infected. Essentially, the virus stays dormant in the cats body and causes no signs of illness. Stress and other illnesses can reactivate the disease and cause cats to become sick.

The disease can cause death due to pneumonia in kittens and immunocompromised adult cats.

Typically, if the case is mild, cats are treated at home. However, for cases that are severe, cats can be sick for weeks and require hospitalization.

How Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis is transmitted or spread:

Feline Calicivirus

This highly contagious virus affects cats throughout the world. It is the most common cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. It also causes oral disease .

Feline Panleukopenia

Myth: Indoor Cats Dont Need To Be Vaccinated

Wrong!

Some of the nastier viruses, such as feline panleukopenia virus, are equivalent to a super-villain in terms of toughness. They can survive on sidewalks in all weathers for long periods of time. If you walk on the virus you can bring it indoors on your shoes, so not even indoor cats are safe.

Therein lies the crunch. An indoor cat is low risk but not no risk. However, your veterinarian will risk asses the cat, and may opt out of vaccinating against conditions that require close contact to spread, such as feline leukemia virus.

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Core Vaccines For Cats

Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions.

The four core vaccines for cats are:;

• Rabies

• Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus/Herpesvirus 1

• Feline Calicivirus

• Feline Panleukopenia

These diseases are highly infectious and found worldwide. They are highly dangerous to young cats, and the vaccines are considered highly protective with minimal risk. This is why all cats should receive these core vaccines.

Is Your Cats Rabies Vaccination Current

Not to put too fine a point on it, but for unvaccinated cats and kittens, a rabies infection is a death sentence. Even an initial rabies vaccination, whether during kittenhood or prior to adoption in older cats, is a better guarantor than none at all. For the long-term health of your cat, it is worth having a serious conversation with your cats vet about rabies shots.

People have known about and feared rabies for thousands of years. Only a couple of people in the United States die from rabies infections each year, which may lead us to assume that it poses limited danger or none at all. This is a fallacy; the relative rarity of rabies in America is precisely because of the accessibility and dependability of vaccines.

Indoor cats have an approximate lifespan of 15-plus years. If you follow a strict three-year vaccination schedule or determine along with your veterinarian that there is some room for negotiation, thats a total of three to five visits over the course of your cats life. That should not be considered an undue commitment or investment for any cat owner.

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What Happens If My Puppy Or Kitten Misses A Vaccination Or Booster

Vaccinations remain one of the best methods of protecting our animals from the many dangerous and even deadly diseases that could threaten their health. They work in an identical way to human vaccines by triggering the production of antibodies that can fight the disease which they are designed to prevent.

As pet owners, we are told by our veterinarians that it is essential that our animals receive their vaccinations and boosters on time. This is because each vaccine is only effective at triggering the production of antibodies to fight the disease it protects against for a set amount of time, and further doses are needed to continue the protection.

So, what happens if something arises which means that your puppy or kitten misses their vaccination or booster? Heres what you need to know about puppy/kitten vaccinations and what you should do if an appointment for this important preventative medication is missed.