WHAT VACCINES DOES MY CAT NEED AND WHEN?
Kittens should have their first vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age. If you have a kitten older than 8 weeks of age, it certainly needs to be vaccinated. The usual vaccination series a new kitten will receive will be one shot at 6-8 weeks of age, then have a booster at 12 and 16 weeks of age.
After the kitten series, adult cats should receive a yearly check-up and booster as part of their health maintenance program. Many people think that indoor only cats need no vaccination. Unfortunately, most feline diseases are airborne, or can be carried in on clothing and shoes with ease. Also, we fail to appreciate the possible, like what if the cat gets out, even for a short period of time.
The regular or usual vaccines every cat should have is the Distemper-Rhino-Calici and Pneumonitis combination, and this vaccine will be given to both kittens and adult cats. CLICK HERE TO SEE COMPLETE INFORMATION ON THESE DISEASES
We also STRONGLY advise FIV and leukemia testing and vaccination for all cats. Because feline leukemia is the number one fatal feline illness, and because so many cats can carry the virus long before the become ill, and because the virus is highly contagious, this veterinarian keeps all his cats (yes, they mostly stay inside) well vaccinated. Cat can be vaccinated at 9 weeks of age or at any age after, and generally get two shots a month apart to start and then a yearly vaccine, which can be combined with the Distemper-Respiratory Combo. GO TO FELINE LEUKEMIA/FIV PAGE
RABIES vaccination is not required for cats, nor are they generally required to be licensed, but all cats should receive a regular yearly vaccine for their and your protection. An FIP vaccine is also available but is generally reserved for high-risk cats in group situations.
WHAT ABOUT GIVING MY CAT THEIR OWN SHOTS?
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©2007 James W. Day D.V.M., P.C.