Vaccinations for Kittens and Cats
Yay! You are the proud owner of a fluffy and fabulous feline! Even before you brought your kitten home, you probably already had their food, toys and other accessories prepared. Please don’t forget that getting them vaccinated is another must to keep them healthy now and in the years to come. Vaccines protect your cat from several of the diseases that affect their species the most – some of which are life-threatening. Call us at 902.543.5602 to learn more about vaccines and how they help your pet.
When should kittens get their first vaccines?
We usually vaccinate kittens when they are about 6 to 8-weeks old. Additional shots are given every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 4 months old. At this early stage in their life, kittens will typically get the FVRCP and Rabies – both of which are CORE vaccines. They protect your feline from Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis Calicivirus.
Do indoor pets need to be vaccinated?
For sure! Parasites and diseases can still make their way inside your home and harm your pet! Other pets and contaminated items (e.g. food bowls, toys) can be carriers of disease. Indoor pets may need fewer types of vaccines versus pets who spend the majority of their time outdoors, but they still need, at the very least, their CORE vaccines.
How often should fully grown cats be vaccinated?
Your cat should receive their first round of booster shots approximately 1 year after they complete their round of kitten vaccinations. Then, they should get booster shots every year or every 3 years depending on the specific type of vaccine. Your veterinarian may also recommend NON-CORE vaccines based on your cat’s lifestyle. The FeLV and Chlamydia Felis vaccines are all examples of optional shots given based on the risk of exposure.
