The vaccination schedule, deworming, and checkups with the veterinarian are equally important to keep our feline healthy and active. The objective of vaccinating our cat is to help his body develop antibodies that prevent the trigger of the disease.
Before starting the vaccination schedule you must make sure that your cat is in good health, is already dewormed, and well fed.
Vaccines for a kitten
In the first weeks of life, the kitten is protected by the antibodies it obtains from its mother. In the sixth week, he must be dewormed so that in the eighth week he can start his vaccination schedule:
Triple Felina
(first dose between weeks 8-12). A vaccine that protects felines against distemper (panleukopenia), feline flu ( rhinotracheitis ), and calicivirus. This vaccine must be reinforced with two more doses, which are recommended to be applied 3 weeks after each dose.
Anti-rabies vaccine
When completing the Triple Feline vaccines, the anti-rabies vaccine can be applied, which protects them from contracting Rabies disease, a viral disease that can even affect humans.
Feline viral leukemia vaccine
The application of vaccine against the feline Leukemia virus must be applied after the Leukemia test has been performed to confirm that the cat does NOT have this condition. This test can be performed in the kitten's first month of life.
In the case of a cat positive for Leukemia, the veterinarian will recommend how to continue with the vaccination schedule. However, the Triple Feline and anti-rabies vaccines must also be administered in the same doses.
Vaccines for an adult cat
Even if a cat is domestic, does not have much contact with the outside world, or has never had any disease, it is just as important that it be vaccinated. For this reason, adult cats need a booster of the Triple Feline and Anti-rabies vaccines every year, meaning that you should take your kitten to the vet annually to vaccinate him against these diseases, and in the process, we recommend a general consultation for your cat. Remember, prevention is better than cure!
Certain cats may benefit from non-core immunizations based on their lifestyle. The best person to advise you on which non-core immunizations your cat should have is your veterinarian. Vaccines for a lifestyle that protects against:
Feline leukemia (Felv) and immunodeficiency virus (FIV) vaccines guard against viral illnesses spread through intimate contact. Generally speaking, they are only advised for cats who spend time outside.
Bordetella: This highly contagious bacteria causes upper respiratory infections. If your cat is going to be groomed or boarded, your veterinarian could advise this vaccination.
Chlamydophila felis: Severe conjunctivitis is a bacterial infection caused by chlamydia. The distemper combination vaccine frequently includes the vaccination against the infection.
recommendations
Before starting the vaccination schedule, carry out a medical evaluation of your feline.
The essential vaccines for cats are Triple Feline, Rabies, and Feline Leukemia, but a veterinarian can recommend other vaccines, since the health and lifestyle of each cat may be different.
Your cat won't be completely immunized until they have had all of their rounds of shots, which should happen when they are between 12 and 16 weeks old. Your kitten will be protected against the diseases or ailments covered by the immunizations once they have had all of their initial shots.
We advise limiting your kitten's outside exposure to low-risk locations like your backyard if you intend to release them until they have had full vaccinations against all of the diseases mentioned above.
Side effects
Healthy cats usually tolerate vaccines very well. However, some may experience possible side effects such as fever, swelling at the injection site, fatigue, or loss of appetite. These effects usually last between 2 or 3 days, at most a week.
As soon as you receive your new kitten, you should arrange for its vaccinations. Your new kitten should see a veterinarian as soon as possible, regardless of its age. Establishing a preventative healthcare program that includes flea management, deworming, and immunizations is crucial. We will also talk a lot about behavioral training to make sure your kitten grows into a wonderful pet and learns appropriate behaviors.
On your first visit, budget at least thirty minutes. This is an excellent opportunity to talk with our veterinary staff about the suggested preventive program and to get all of your questions about kitten care answered.
One year after the kitten vaccination schedule is finished, an adult cat vaccination schedule—which includes recurring booster shots—will be planned.
To guarantee your cat stays healthy and happy for the rest of their life, a cat vaccination schedule should be adhered to rigorously, just like any other immunization regimen. While there are some health conditions beyond our control, most infectious diseases can be avoided with the right vaccination schedule.