It's of utmost importance that you start on a proper immunization schedule for your kitten at the appropriate age to help preserve their health.
At birth, kittens are shielded from infection by the mother's colostrum, which contains antibodies. However, such protection is not long-lasting, and the kittens are most susceptible to viruses at this critical juncture.
The optimal time to vaccinate your kitten is twelve to thirteen weeks, followed by a second shot three to five weeks later. This will apply to the essential vaccines.
Are kitten vaccinations and cat vaccinations necessary?
The subject of kitten and cat vaccination is among the most contested in veterinary science. It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you hear conflicting information about whether your kitten and cat need vaccination or not.
Even though this is a complex subject, ensuring your kitten (or cat) has the necessary vaccinations and booster doses on schedule is crucial.
Which vaccines are essential for cats?
The American Association of Feline Practitioners is one of the industry's most respected and widely used sources of advice.
They divide cat vaccines into two categories:
Core vaccines (highly recommended by most vets)
Noncore / lifestyle vaccines (sometimes recommended by vets depending on the cat's lifestyle and risk factors)
Core vaccines for cats
All cats should receive the necessary core vaccinations regardless of their residence or conditions.
Most veterinarians strongly advise the following two vaccines:
1. FVRCP and
2. Anti-rabies vaccines
The associated diseases are infectious and affect people all across the world. Young cats are particularly vulnerable to them, and the immunizations offer significant protection with little risk.
3. The FeLV vaccine is challenging to categorize because it is mandatory for kittens but not cats older than a year.
FVRCP
The FVRCP vaccine is a three-in-one vaccination that combines three essential immunizations. Instead of injecting a cat three times in one visit, this enables vets to administer immunizations against the following viruses all at once efficiently:
The "FVR" refers to feline rhinotracheitis virus (feline herpesvirus 1 or FHV-1). This disease can cause severe upper respiratory symptoms such as rhinitis, sneezing, nasal discharge, and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eyelids and surrounding mucous membranes). Some uncommon symptoms include oral ulceration and primary pneumonia. Infection risk is higher in kittens.
The "C" refers to calicivirus (FCV or feline calicivirus). One of the leading causes of upper respiratory infections in cats is this highly contagious and widespread virus. Sneezing, eye and nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, lethargy, appetite loss, ulcers on the gums and soft tissues of the oral cavity, and lameness are all possible symptoms in affected cats. Affected kittens may occasionally get pneumonia. Rarely, a far more dangerous form of this virus can result in inflammation of the pancreas, liver, intestines, and blood vessel cells. For up to half of the infected cats, this severe variant of the calicivirus can be fatal.
Finally, the "P" refers to panleukopenia (FPV or feline panleukopenia or feline distemper). FPV has a high mortality rate and is highly contagious. Its symptoms are anorexia, vomiting, fever, and severe diarrhea. Kittens are especially vulnerable.
FVRCP can be performed on adult indoor cats every three years. Your veterinarian could advise yearly FVRCP vaccinations if your cats are young, indoor/outdoor, or both.
Anti-rabies
The rabies immunization is given annually or every three years, depending on the vaccine used.
Rabies is crucial not just because it affects cats but also because it is a disease that can be lethal to humans and is contagious. Cats are not inherently disease carriers, but they can contract the illness from any sick mammal that bites them and spread it to other people. Clinical indications of violence, confusion, and death quickly advance after a stage of incubation.
All pet cats should have the anti-rabies vaccine because rabies disease is endemic worldwide.
Noncore vaccines for cats
FeLV
Thanks to the FeLV vaccine, your cat will be protected from the feline leukemia virus.
FeLV can be found anywhere. FeLV is shared when an infected cat comes into close contact with a cat that they groom or share bowls with. FeLV is communicated by body fluids such as saliva, urine, and feces.
FeLV infection does not always result in death. Although other cats do not fare as well, many are fortunate enough to enter a regressive stage and remain in excellent health their entire lives.
The disease frequently advances to many related disorders, such as lymphoma, anemia, or immunosuppression, leading to secondary infection after a dormant phase spanning months or even years.
(Please note FeLV is a core vaccine for kittens)
Recommended kitten and cat vaccination schedule
The chart below clearly summarizes the recommended vaccine and associated schedule for your kitten and cat.
The PCHR vaccine is for the active immunization of cats against feline rabies, herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia diseases.
To book an in-clinic or at-home vaccination appointment with an expert vet, visit Discovervet.
What are the side effects of vaccines on cats?
If the cat is exposed to the infection again in the future, vaccinations cause the immune system to produce antibodies that can aid in fighting it off. They can minimize or completely prevent the severity of future disease but also have adverse side effects, albeit infrequently.
Most frequently, you will see:
- Minor pain or discomfort at the injection site
- Lethargy
- A diminished appetite
- Mild fever
- Localized swelling (that may cause a lump to stand out or be somewhat tender, hair loss, or both (this may not be seen for weeks or months).
Usually self-limiting, these symptoms shouldn't cause too much alarm. However, you should call your veterinarian if any problems arise. Any lumps that form should be evaluated by a veterinarian, who should also perform any necessary biopsies.
Schedule a vaccination appointment for your kitten or cat
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