Do Kittens Really Need Vaccines

Start to really think about what vaccines your cat really needs for their own situation.

Do kittens really need vaccines. To help protect kittens they ll need two sets of vaccinations to get them started. Kittens can start their vaccinations from nine weeks old and will need a second set of injections usually 2 4 weeks after their initial set to complete their course. Vaccines are an important part of keeping your cat healthy. Two vaccines are usually needed three to four weeks apart.

After this kittens and cats usually need booster vaccinations every twelve months. Giving vaccines twice ensures a satisfactory level of immunity. Rabies is endemic worldwide and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. A booster vaccine should be given one year later to keep immunity levels high.

But one thing s for sure please always have a talk with your veterinarian about your concerns. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. Unfortunately it s a common misconception that indoor cats don t need to be vaccinated because they won t encounter other cats or disease carrying animals. Until your kitten is fully vaccinated and neutered you should.

They will have an initial injection and then a second about 3 weeks later as well as a thorough health check and discussion about all aspects of kitten care including neutering flea and worm protection diet and behaviour. This is known as the primary course. Then they must be boostered a year latyer. Make sure they understand your lifestyle where you live and how you live in general.

You could have your vet. Don t assume that your cat doesn t need at least some vaccines just because he doesn t go outside. According to the american association of feline practitioners aafp the core vaccines those that are recommended for all cats are feline panleukopenia virus fpv feline herpesvirus 1 fhv 1 and feline calicivirus fcv as well as rabies. Once a kitten is weaned and home with you they need their own protection.

The shots come in a series every 3 to 4. By getting them vaccinated you are reducing the risk of them falling seriously ill. Too late and kittens will be left susceptible to infection. Kittens are old enough to be vaccinated once they are 8 9 weeks old.

While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the aafp guidelines it is required by law in most regions.