When Should I Get My Kitten Vaccinated?

Vaccinating your kitty is one of the best things you can do to give them a great start in life. Vaccines help protect kittens from severe and fatal contagious diseases, as well as keep them from spreading illnesses to people and other pets in your neighborhood.

 

As you figure out your new cat’s diet plan, it is important to chart their healthcare schedule as well. Basic vaccinations can help strengthen your kitten’s immune system and keep your kitty healthy throughout their lives.

 

Cat Vaccinations

Cat vaccines fall into two main groups:

 

• Core vaccines – These are compulsory for all cats. Vets consider core vaccines important for keeping your cat safe from the following severe and infectious cat illnesses: rabies, feline calicivirus (FCV), feline distemper, and feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1)
  
   

• Non-core vaccines – These are given to some cats, depending on their way of life. If your cat spends lots of time outdoors or in pet hotels, your vet may recommend certain non-core vaccines. These vaccines protect your cat against feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), Bordetella, and Chlamydophila felis
  
   

When Should Your Kitten Get Their First Shots?

Your kitten will be old enough to receive the first injection once they are eight to nine weeks old. Your vet will administer the first shot, followed by a second shot about three weeks later.

 

During the second visit, your vet will also carry out a detailed health checkup on your kitten and talk to you about all the aspects of caring for your cat. This includes diet and performance, neutering, and worm and flea protection. After this second round of shots, your kitten should receive vaccines every three to four weeks until they are 16 weeks old.

 

When Should You Return Your Kitten to the Vet for Booster Injections?

As your kitten continues to grow, they should have inoculation appointments every year throughout their lives. This is to sustain protection and top up your kitten's immune system. Grown-up cats should also receive their jabs every year or after three to four years, based on the type of vaccine.

 

Although your kitten will need an inoculation appointment annually, they may not receive all the jabs at every visit. Your vet will guide you on when to return your kitty for booster injections.

 

Will Your Kitty Be Safe From Infectious Diseases After the First Round of Vaccinations?

Your kitten is not entirely safe until they have gotten all the shots when they are about 12 or 16 weeks old. As soon as your kitten receives all the initial vaccines, they will be safe from the illnesses covered by the inoculations.

 

Who Can Vaccinate Your Kitty?

Register your kitten with a local veterinarian. The professional can administer the vaccinations your kitty needs.


 

For more on when you should get your kitten vaccinated, visit Dr. Mike's Affordable Vet Care at our office in Arlington, Texas. You can call (817) 663-8160 today to schedule an appointment.