Vaccinations are designed to protect both you and your pet! There are diseases that are both zoonotic (meaning humans and other types of animals can catch it), and diseases that only your cat can catch and possibly die from.
The First Vaccinations are the Most important! All kittens should receive the core vaccines. A minimum of 3 booster vaccinations is recommended to give maximum immunity.
Most recent, 2018, research shows that kittens who are healthy (and capable of responding to vaccination) may benefit more to vaccination at an earlier age than the standard recommended vaccination at 8–9 weeks of age. Followed by a second vaccination 3–4 weeks later. Therefore the VGG recommends administration of the final kitten dose at 14–16 weeks or older. All kittens should receive these core vaccines. A minimum of 3 booster vaccinations is recommended to give maximum immunity.
We have found over the 25 Plus years of breeding that vaccinating at 7 weeks and then giving a 2nd vaccination at 11 weeks of age, that our kittens are much healthier babies. Cats that respond to MLV core vaccines maintain immunity for many years.
Rabies should not be given before 5 months of age unless required for travel to another State or County. Rabies is a strong vaccination and it has been observed that the less a cat is injected the less likely they are to have problems with cancer and other vaccine related health issues. Therefore, the first Rabies should be a one year Rabies Vaccine done between 5 months to 1 year of age. Then one full year after the date of this injection, should be given a 3 year Rabies vaccine every 3 years there after.
A good relationship and regular Vet Care are both important to your kitten/cat for their full life span. Cats are masters of disguise when it comes to hiding illnesses or pain. Signs that your cat is not feeling well can be subtle. These symptoms can be very difficult if not impossible for the average cat owner to be able to detect. If you have regular annual check ups with your Vet, your Vet can check their teeth, heart, lungs, ears, eyes, stomach and other physical findings as well as blood tests, urine tests, radiographs, and even ultrasound technology, to help detect and diagnose diseases and concerns. Finding and beginning proper treatment for disease conditions is usually most successful when the illness is detected early in its course. Being able to speak openly and have a trusting and understanding relationship with your vet is important, but it is also just as important for your vet to be willing to listen to you as a pet owner. The best way to build this relationship is during these regular visits, and not when your pet becomes ill. Therefore, a regular visit will build a relationship to work together with your veterinarian, so you can insure that your cat remains healthy and happy far into the future.