Do Kittens Really Need Vaccines

Two vaccines are usually needed three to four weeks apart.

Do kittens really need vaccines. But one thing s for sure please always have a talk with your veterinarian about your concerns. Start to really think about what vaccines your cat really needs for their own situation. 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. Make sure they understand your lifestyle where you live and how you live in general.

To help protect kittens they ll need two sets of vaccinations to get them started. Once a kitten is weaned and home with you they need their own protection. Until your kitten is fully vaccinated and neutered you should. Don t assume that your cat doesn t need at least some vaccines just because he doesn t go outside.

This is known as the primary course. This gives them a better idea to give you a well round plan for your cats. After this kittens and cats usually need booster vaccinations every twelve months. 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.

While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the aafp guidelines it is required by law in most regions. 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. Vaccines are an important part of keeping your cat healthy. Rabies is endemic worldwide and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats.

Then they must be boostered a year latyer. The aafp advisory panel recommends administering felv vaccines to all kittens but considers the vaccine to be noncore for cats after their one year booster unless they are at risk of exposure. By getting them vaccinated you are reducing the risk of them falling seriously ill. 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.

Giving vaccines twice ensures a satisfactory level of immunity. 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. A booster vaccine should be given one year later to keep immunity levels high. The shots come in a series every 3 to 4.

Too late and kittens will be left susceptible to infection.