When Should Kittens Get Their Shots

Kitties need several immunizations during their first year to protect them against serious diseases.

When should kittens get their shots. First year kitten vaccinations when kittens are nursing antibodies in their mother s milk help protect them from infections. 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. The shots come in a series every 3 to 4. This timing is important too early and the antibodies they receive from their mother will interfere with the immune response to the vaccine preventing it from working properly.

Some vaccines might be given together in one injection that is called a combination vaccine. Then they must be boostered a year latyer. Once a kitten is weaned and home with you they need their own protection. The first vaccinations should be given to kittens from around eight to nine weeks of age.

Kitten vaccines are usually first given at about six to eight weeks of age and repeated approximately every three weeks until about 16 to 18 weeks of age. Too late and kittens will be left susceptible to infection. I therefore recommend that all cat owners diligently have their cats vaccinated. By getting them vaccinated you are reducing the risk of them falling seriously ill.

After this kittens and cats usually need booster vaccinations every twelve months. But after about six weeks old and eating solid food it s time for them to be vaccinated. This is known as the primary course. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old.

Kittens are vaccinated once every three to four weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age or older. Rabies is the other core kitten vaccination. 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. 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.

Kitten shots are phenomenally important and unvaccinated kittens succumb to feline panleukopenia at high rates. See the kitten vaccine schedule for more. However to avoid over vaccination most veterinarians will recommend starting the vaccine at 8 weeks of age followed by boosters at 12 weeks and 16 weeks old.