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When Should Kittens Get Shots

Types Of Cat Vaccines

New Kitten? 10 things you NEED to know!

Vaccinations for cats fall into two basic types.

Core vaccinations are recommended for all cats. These pet vaccinations are considered vital for protecting your cat from the following common and serious feline conditions:

  • Feline herpesvirus type I

Non-core vaccinations are suitable for some cats, based on their lifestyle. Your vet will advise you as to which non-core vaccines are recommended for your cat. Non-core vaccines include protection against:

  • Feline leukemia virus
  • Feline immunodeficiency virus

Why Is It Important To Vaccinate My Kitten

As they are not yet fully grown, kittens are particularly vulnerable at their young age. Vaccines are an easy way to protect them against health conditions that can stunt their growth and that can even be potentially fatal. Some of the medical issues that vaccines protect your kitten from are: feline distemper, respiratory infections, leukemia, calicivirus and rabies.

What Is Feline Leukemia

Feline leukemia is one of the most common infectious diseases of cats in the world. The disease is caused by the Feline Leukemia Virus .

The virus has a profound effect on the immune system, the bone marrow and blood cells of the cat, and there are up to six stages of infection: infected cats can be asymptomatic carriers for many years, but the clinical signs and the long term prognosis is variable, depending on a number of factors.

Clinical signs may include weight loss, gingivitis , stomatitis , and a range of other possibilities. While some cats can live a healthy life, with a normal lifespan, other cats can have a mortality rate of around 50% in 2 years and 80% in 3 years.

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What Is The Kitten Vaccination Schedule

All kittens need vaccinations to help keep them healthy. Vaccinations, by definition, protect your kitten from contracting specific diseases. Cat vaccinations are divided into two types:

  • Core cat vaccinations are those that protect against especially common and/or particularly dangerous diseases and are recommended for all kittens and adult cats.
  • Non-core vaccinations are not necessarily recommended for all cats. Instead, these vaccines are recommended only for those cats that are at high risk of infection. In the case of non-core vaccinations, your cats lifestyle must be evaluated to determine the risk of disease and whether the risk associated with vaccination is greater than the risk of your cat getting the disease.

Is My Kitten Protected After Their First Round Of Shots

Cat and Kitten Vaccinations

Until they have received all of their vaccinations , your kitten will not be fully vaccinated. Once all of their initial vaccinations have been completed, your kitten will be protected against the diseases or conditions covered by the vaccines.

If youd like to allow your kitten outdoors before they have been vaccinated against all the diseases listed above, we recommend keeping them restricted to low-risk areas, like your own backyard.

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Why Do Kittens Need To Have Vaccinations

Just as vaccinations protect humans against dangerous diseases, kitty vaccinations do the same for your cat.

Your tiny kitty can catch a wide range of cat infections. Vaccination against the most common ones ensures they are protected from dangerous illnesses that could make them very sick – the last thing you want for your new best friend!

Cat Vaccination Guidelines And Standards

The Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel regularly evaluates and researches cat vaccination developments to make science-based recommendations. The panel comprises dedicated 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:

  • Noncore / lifestyle vaccines

Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions. Vaccines that are appropriate for some cats in some circumstances are considered noncore vaccines .

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How Much Does It Cost To Neuter A Cat

Although the cost to neuter a cat varies, neutering usually costs a little less than a spay surgery. A random sampling of veterinarians showed the following prices: $122 in Ohio, $169 in West Virginia and $340 in Illinois.

As with spaying, neutering can also take place at a low-cost clinic or shelter and will usually cost less, around $30-50.

Keep in mind that there can be other costs associated with these procedures as well, from the cost of vaccinations beforehand to pre-surgery bloodwork to make sure your cat is in optimal health.

Is It Time For Your Kitten To Be Vaccinated Contact Our Charlotte Vets To Book An Appointment

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What To Expect At A Vaccine Appointment

  • Your vet will give your cat a full health check to make sure they are okay to have a vaccination and if they are concerned about anything they may delay the injection until they are better.
  • Your cats vaccine will be an injection under the skin. You might be asked to hold him/her still while the injection is given, but if you dont feel comfortable doing so just let your vet know.
  • Vaccinations arent usually painful, but they can feel cold or sometimes sting a little, and every cat reacts slightly differently.
  • If you have any questions or concerns about your cat, the vaccination appointment is a good opportunity to discuss them, for example if you think they might be gaining weight, need a worming tablet, or youre having trouble with dental care.

How Old Does A Cat Have To Be For A Spay Or Neuter Procedure Can You Spay A Cat In Heat

According to the ASPCA, cats can be spayed or neutered as young as eight weeks old. They recommend scheduling the procedure before your cat is five months old to avoid urine spraying behavior and eliminate the chance of pregnancy.

The ASPCA also states that female cats can be spayed while in heat. Of course, it is always advised to speak with your vet to figure out when it would be best to spay or neuter your cat.

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How Much Do Kitten Vaccines Cost

Bringing a new kitten into the family involves a multitude of expenses, and vaccines are a part of them. The cost of vaccines for your kitten can vary based on a number of factors such as your location, your veterinarian, the type of vaccine, etc.

In general, however, you can expect the cost of a single vaccine to range anywhere from $25 to $50. That said, some veterinarians may offer multiple services for your kitten vaccines, an examination, and deworming, for example packaged within a single price.

The frequent vet visits involved in the kitten vaccination schedule, these costs can add up, so it can be helpful to talk to your veterinarian ahead of time if you have any concerns about vaccine pricing.

When Should Your Cat Get A Feline Leukemia Vaccine

How Do Cats Get Rabies?

Kittens should be given an initial vaccine at 8 12 weeks of age and second dose is normally given 3-4 weeks later. Annual booster vaccinations are recommended, but not necessary for every cat.

Kittens should be given an initial vaccine at 8 12 weeks of age, depending on the specific vaccine product and a second dose is normally given 3-4 weeks later. An annual booster vaccination is generally recommended but should be discussed with your vet annually.

These vaccinations are often combined with routine feline vaccines known as FVRCP against the common respiratory infections often called cat flu and feline panleukopenia .

The vaccine will not protect cats that are already infected with FeLV, so FeLV testing prior to vaccine administration is recommended.

Only healthy cats and FeLV negative cats should be vaccinated.

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Getting Your Kitten Vaccinated

We recommended bringing your kitten in for their first round of vaccinations when they are between six and eight weeks old. Below is a series of vaccinations your kitten should given in three to four week intervals .

First visit

  • Blood test for feline leukemia
  • Review nutrition and grooming
  • Vaccinations for chlamydia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia

Second visit

  • Examination and external check for parasites
  • Second vaccinations for calicivirus rhinotracheitis, and panleukopenia

Third visit

Does My Kitten Need Only Core Vaccines

Cats that go outside, live in multi-cat households where other cats go outside, or cats that go to boarding kennels should receive the feline leukemia vaccine. Feline leukemia is spread by any bodily secretion , so direct contact with other infected cats is not necessary to transmit disease. There is no cure if a cat becomes infected and cannot clear the virus. The virus suppresses the immune system and predisposes cats to lymphoma, and deadly infections. It is recommended that all kittens receive the feline leukemia vaccine the first year of life, as many kittens that were initially going to be indoor only, start going outside. The feline leukemia vaccine is given at 12 and 16 weeks of age.

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Your Kitten Needs A Vaccination Schedule To Stay Happy And Healthy

Your little catling is a sweet bundle of pouncy, purry love one that needs your help to stay healthy, happy, and safe. One of the most important things you can do for your kittyBAE is to make sure they get their vaccinations against disease. Heres what to know about which vaccinations they need, when they need them, and how much you can expect to pay.

How Much Are Kitten Vaccinations

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The cost of kitten vaccinations will depend on several factors, including where you live, which veterinary clinic you go to, which vaccine you get, etc. Individual vaccinations for kittens can cost anywhere from $20 to $45. Most vets will want to complete a physical exam before vaccinating your pet, adding another $50 to $100 to the total cost. During the vet visit, your pet might require more than one vaccination which also increases cost.

Purchasing a wellness plan through a pet insurance company is one method to save money on kitten vaccinations. Wellness plans cover things like microchipping, annual wellness checks, routine dental treatment, spaying/neutering, and other preventive pet care services plus vaccines.

Pawlicy Advisor can assist you in comparing pet health insurance policies and wellness plans from leading pet insurance companies to discover the best coverage for your kitten’s specific requirements.

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Are There Any Other Times That My Cat Will Need Vaccinations

When it comes to protecting against common infections, your cat will need additional booster vaccinations to maintain their protection, with the first boosters happening a year after their first vaccines. The frequency of booster vaccinations will depend on the vaccine, the age and health of your cat and the protection your pet needs – for example, cats who come into contact with other neighbourhood animals and go outside may need more protection. Your vet will be able to advise on the best schedule of vaccinations for your pet – annual health check ups are best for even the healthiest of pets!

If you are planning to travel with your cat, its also wise to take them to the vet for a health check, and to find out what vaccinations or boosters are needed ahead of travel. Keep in mind that certain destinations will require a vets certificate and vaccinations history to allow your pet to fly, often dated within a few days of travel. Always check ahead with airlines, and with your vet to understand whats required!

Are Cat Vaccinations Necessary

Some cat vaccinations, I would say, are necessary for pretty much every cat. The most important one would be the rabies vaccine required by state law for all cats. Even if theyre inside 100% of the time, its a good idea to do it still. Bats can get in the house Anybody thats got an old camper or an old house here in Maine will know that you get a bat in the house here and there. You dont always necessarily know if that bat has interacted with your cat or even with you when youve been asleep. You cant tell if youve been bitten sometimes, and thats still a potential vector for rabies. We must keep all of our pets safe so that we keep ourselves safe.

Even for indoor cats, I recommend doing distemper shots every three years until theyre about anywhere between 8 to 10 years old. Thats just to protect them against potential exposure through a screen, or if you decide to get a kitten, to keep them safe. For cats going outside, I also recommend the leukemia vaccine because that is a disease that we cant cure, and it can cause several health problems. Leukemia is transmitted from cat to cat, usually through an aggressive activity like scratching or biting.

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How Should I Feed My Kitten

For kittens that have been weaned, I do recommend meal feeding, depending on the age, three to four times a day…not for neonatal kittens. Those are different.

Most cats are indoor cats, especially in New York City, so I want them to learn that the meals are offered at certain times. Unfortunately, a lot of the time free-fed cats tend to get overweight in New York City because they are already having decreased activity. So meal feeding is very important.

How Much Do Cat Vaccinations Cost

What Is the Vaccination Schedule For Cats &  Kittens?

Prices can vary from practice to practice and costs will depend on which vaccinations your cat or kitten receives. Speak to your vet to see if they offer a health care plan for your pet. These allow you to spread the cost of preventative veterinary treatment, such as regular health checks, annual vaccinations and flea and worm treatments. We might be able to help with vet costs if you meet our eligibility criteria.

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Myth: Older Cats No Longer Need Vaccination

Your senior cat has been vaccinated all their life. Surely, in their old age, they have built-up enough immunity to skip the booster?

Actually, no. While this is a logical argument, sadly this isnt the case.

Firstly, even with a healthy, strong immune system, the protection drops over time and needs boosting.

Secondly, older animals have weaker immune systems. This means they are less able to fight infections and depend more on vaccine protection, rather than less. Thus, it becomes more important, not less, for seniors to get their booster shot.

What Is The Fvrcp Vaccine And What Are The Core Vaccines For Cats

The FVRCP vaccine for cats is considered a core vaccine that protects against Feline Viral rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia. These viral diseases make up this core cat vaccine. Our clinic believes that all domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies because this disease is fatal and transmissible to humans. We therefore consider the rabies vaccine a core cat vaccine.

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The Problem With Titers

Typically, vaccines are given every year. With titers, there is no way to predict what the levels will be in three to six months, even if they tested high at the time of the titer testing. Many factors can affect the immune system and its level of resistance. Factors such as disease, stress, or medications can impact it, and therefore there is no consistency over time regarding what the antibody levels could be. This could put your cat at risk until you go in for another titer test.

What Vaccines Does My Kitten Need

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So you took a big step. You brought a new kitten home. Some kittens are obtained from rescue adoption groups some are adopted as strays who are foundlings some are obtained from private individuals whose cat had a litter and some are obtained from breeders of pure bred cats. From the kittens perspective it really doesnt matter since all kittens have similar health needs and vaccination requirements. It is important to discuss vaccination recommendations with your veterinarian since the timing of intervals between vaccinations may vary depending on the age of the kitten. Most kitten vaccination recommendations are the same regardless of the kittens origin but there may be some variables depending on whether or not the kitten will live a strictly indoor life . The first steps for a new kittenThere are a few things you should do right away to be sure your new kitten is free of parasites and viruses:

Do vaccinations have risks?As with any medical procedure there are some risks associated with vaccines. Those risks range from minor to extremely serious and have the potential to include side-effects like:

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Randa is a writer & former assoc. digital content editor at the American Kennel Club. Shes also mom to 1 Corgi & 2 orange cats.

Congratulations on your new kitten! All of the snuggles, playtime, and endless joys of having a feline friend in your life are finally here.

As you cross off items on your new kitten checklist, one of the most important things you can do for your new family member is to take them to the veterinarian for their vaccinations.

Vaccinations are essential for protecting your kitten from certain illnesses and preventing the spread of disease. In this article, well walk you through kitten vaccine basics, tell you what to expect at your first check-up, and give you a sample cat vaccination schedule to follow.

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