swelling, lumps and irritation at the injection site). Kittens can be immune to infections, as the mother's milk contains essential substances that will provide protection. This is due primarily to the threat rabies poses to human beings, and the speed at which rabies can spread. Kittens should have their first set of vaccinations at nine weeks old and at three months old they should receive the second set to boost their immune system. Remember, recommendations vary depending on the age, breed, and health status of the cat, the potential of the cat to be exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, whether the cat is used for breeding, and the geographical area where the cat lives or may visit. 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. We cannot control all health issues but we can prevent the majority of infectious disease with the proper vaccine schedule. Vaccines are given to your cat one year after the end of the kitten series. Our veterinary staff is dedicated to educating people about the importance of cat vaccinations, including what cat vaccines are necessary, and when they should be scheduled. A yearly booster of core vaccines protects a cat against rabies, herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. *A combination vaccine includes feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. The American Association of Feline Practitioners has determined what vaccinations should be administered for cats. Before making any decision regarding the withholding of recommended vaccinations, it is suggested you do your homework. Vaccines are combined into a single injection, so your cat only has to have one needle. Cat vaccines are medically and scientifically proven to combat the incubation and transmission of crippling and fatal feline diseases. You should always discuss these factors with a veterinarian to determine what your cat vaccine schedule should be. Cat vaccinations play a vital role in keeping pets happy and healthy and every cat should be appropriately immunised. *A combination vaccine includes feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. Kitten vaccinations and cat vaccinations are medically and scientifically proven to prevent various insidious diseases. What problems may be associated with vaccination? Third vaccination with “core” vaccines; 1 year The practice of recommending and giving vaccines on a fixed schedule with annual boosters has been widely discarded. Rabies; 14-16 weeks. You should schedule your kitten vaccinations as soon as you get your new kitten. In addition, we will spend time discussing behavioral training to make sure your kitten develops good behaviors and becomes a great pet. If your pet is a puppy or kitten, they will usually be vaccinated three times in a period of six months, and after that, it could be yearly or even triennially top ups. There is an annual vaccine controversy; some veterinarians recommend yearly or boosters every 3 years. Current recommendations are based on the philosophy of vaccinating each cat no more frequently than necessary. There are some steps we’d advise if your adult cat misses their booster: Then they must be boostered a year latyer.. Vaccinating for this disease may not be necessary if your cat is not going to be boarded or in close confinement with other pets. Essential Vaccinations for Cats and Kittens, Feline distemper or panleukopenia vaccine, Calicivirus vaccine (all these 3 vaccines are combined in one dose which is typically administered when the kitten is 6 weeks old), Rabies (when the kitten is 16 weeks old). If the cat develops a herpes ulcer in his eyes, he'll need intensive treatment, including intravenous fluids and possible forced fee… (Photo by Myfuture.com on flickr) Over the years we have fielded many questions about cat vaccinations from concerned kitten and cat owners. FVRCP Vaccine (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia) You should discuss what vaccinations are necessary for your cat at your next visit. Should test FeLV negative first. 10-12 weeks. The administration of one single vaccine without boosters will not protect the cat for his entire life. *Each of the above “core” vaccines should be given every 3-4 weeks, with the final kitten vaccination administered at 14-16 weeks of age. Other veterinarians opine that the vaccine administered during the first year of the cat's life will make the cat immune for life. There can be no disputing that vaccines save lives but they also have the potential to cause serious side effects which will be discussed on this webpage.Before we get started on this discussion, it is important to understand that there is no single vaccine protocol t… As with any other immunization protocol, a cat vaccination schedule should be adhered to without deviation, in order to ensure your cat remains healthy and well for the duration of his or her life. The cat vaccination schedule for rabies depends on the vaccine used, but all of them begin no earlier than 12 weeks of age. Feline infectious peritonitis and feline immunodeficiency virus vaccines may be administered, but these may have side effects and may only be recommended if the cat is at risk of developing these diseases. It’s difficult for pet parents to understand their cat’s vaccination schedule—from which … Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that causes severe conjunctivitis, and the vaccination for it is often included in the distemper combination vaccine (making it an FVRCP-C). Enter your email address here: ©2020 The Drake Center for Veterinary Care. 6 weeks old) and will require an annual booster. Rabies virus vaccine is an exception. *A combination vaccine includes feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. This is a great time to get all your questions answered on kitten care and discuss the recommended preventive program with our veterinary team. Non-core cat vaccine. However, you should still be on the lookout for the following symptoms that might indicate negative side effects from a cat vaccine: If you suspect your cat is experiencing any ill side effects from his or her cat vaccine, call your veterinarian immediately so they can help you to determine whether any special care is needed. Whether your pet only needs a rabies vaccination every three years or not, you should still schedule annual wellness visits for your furry friend. The cat should receive a few essential vaccines which include: The cat may also receive the feline leukemia virus vaccine as well as other vaccines that are recommended by vet, according to the genetic predisposition of the cat. The Task Force recommends vaccines for FHV-1, FCV, FPV, rabies, and FeLV (cats younger than 1 year old) as core vaccines for pet and shelter cats. This is only meant to be a general introduction to cat vaccinations, so please consult with one of our veterinarians during your next visit for specific information regarding kitten vaccinations or cat vaccinations where your feline is concerned. Unvaccinated pets are at high risk of contracting serious or even fatal diseases. All rights reserved. The fact is, the rewards of cat vaccinations far outweigh any risks. Drop us a line! Currently, a rabies vaccine is not required by law for cats in California, but is highly recommended and may be legally required for cats in other states. Non-core vaccines are given depending on the cat's lifestyle; these include vaccines for feline leukemia virus, Bordetella, Chlamydophila felis and feline immunodeficiency virus. The vaccines may be administered as injectable solutions; however, there are also newer versions of the vaccines which can be administered through the nostrils of the cat and won't require a puncture wound, consequently it won't involve other injection side effects the vaccines may have (i.e. This is the same recombinant technology that we have used for years in the 1 year PUREVAX Rabies and Feline Leukemia vaccines. Recent research indicates that not all vaccines require yearly boosters. Principles guiding vaccination recommendations. Vaccines are given to your cat one year after the end of the kitten series. The vaccine lasts for 1 year after an initial vaccination series is given 2-4 weeks apart. There is an annual vaccine controversy; some veterinarians recommend yearly or boosters every 3 years. **According to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners, cats at low risk of disease exposure may not need to be boostered yearly for most diseases. If cats are trapped, neutered and returned (TNR), the AAFP panel advises those cats receive vaccines for feline panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline herpesvirus-1, feline calicivirus and rabies. Non-core vaccines are optional vaccines that should be considered in the light of exposure risk; that is, based on geographic distribution and the lifestyle of the cat. Not only are there different schedules and needed vaccines for cats and kittens, but there are also some extra vaccines for different lifestyles. Other Vaccines for Cats. You can protect your dog or cat by maintaining the vaccination program recommended by your Greencross Vets pet care team. This is intended to give your cat protection from the two common viruses that cause flu. The exact vaccine will differ year on year depending on the vaccine schedule, but all cats require vaccination against at least one disease annually. Primary vaccination is essential in order to prevent the return of the once common deadly infectious diseases in kittens and cats. Rhinotracheitis, caused by the feline herpes virus, is a common virus that invades the nose lining, sinuses, throat, windpipe and eye membranes. Until your kitten is fully vaccinated (and neutered), you should keep him or her inside. Let’s take a closer look at cat vaccinations, particularly rabies shots for cats. Combination Vaccine FVRCP, or feline distemper, FeLV for felines at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus (cats that are unsupervised outdoors), and rabies annually as required by law. Want the latest pet health news and special offers from The Drake Center delivered directly to your inbox? However, this protection can only be valid for a few weeks and will not persist after the mother stops feeding the kittens. Second vaccination with “core” vaccines. This is given under the skin at the back of the neck, and is well tolerated by the vast majority of cats. The administration of one single vaccine without boosters will not protect the cat for his entire life. Consult with the veterinarian at your next visit to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your cat. Give our friendly team a call for more information. First-year kitten vaccinations When kittens are nursing, antibodies in their mother’s milk help protect them from infections. Plan on spending at least thirty minutes at your first visit. If your adult cat has missed a vaccine booster, they will be at a slightly higher risk of catching the diseases they are normally protected against. 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