Why Do Kittens Need Distemper Shots

The virus that causes feline distemper is a fast moving killer that can take out a cat in a matter of days.

Why do kittens need distemper shots. A vaccination should help create antibodies that help a kitten fight diseases and protect him as long as the antibodies are in the cat s system. Do cats and dogs need a distemper vaccine. After this kittens and cats usually need booster vaccinations every twelve months. Repeated vaccines e g canine distemper parvovirus and adenovirus and feline viral rhinotracheitis panleukopenia and calicivirus are necessary to fully protect puppies and kittens but many owners misunderstand the reason why.

Feline distemper is a disease that is both widespread and potentially fatal. Depending on your location and your kitten s environment certain non core vaccines may also be recommended. The fvrcp vaccine is important for all cats including indoor cats because it protects against three viruses that are airborne and spread without cat to cat contact. Booster shots whether your now grown cat received his first fvrcp shots as a kitten or an adult he ll need a booster one year after the initial series and then another booster every three years.

The first series of shots a kitten will usually get is a drcc fvrcp vaccination against feline distemper panleukopenia rhinotracheitis and calici virus. As a result it is extremely important that cat owners monitor their pet s health records and ensure that their pets are adequately vaccinated. Kittens should receive this shot at 6 8 weeks because they are very vulnerable to calicivirus and distemper. Here s everything you need to know about the distemper vaccine and why it s important.

The feline viral rhinotracheitis calicivirus and panleukopenia vaccinations often come in a combination shot fvrcp which is sometimes called the distemper shot your cat may need extra shots. The vaccine series doesn t boost immunity after every shot. It s easily spread but the good news is that there are several vaccines for preventing the disease administered often in combination with other vaccines. All kittens need certain core vaccines which provide immunity against the most dangerous and widespread diseases.

To help protect kittens they ll need two sets of vaccinations to get them started. Distemper shots are included in every veterinarian s list of annual vaccines or semi annual vaccines. Distemper is a serious illness and one that nearly every cat comes in contact with.