Vaccinations for your Kitten

Vaccines are an essential part of your pet’s protection against serious infectious diseases. Some diseases are common or easily spread, making vaccines imperative for all cats (e.g.: distemper, leukemia). Other diseases require direct contact so cats that may go outdoors or to kennels/groomers need these vaccines. Your veterinarian will help you determine the best protocol for your pet.

THE KEY POINT: Vaccines should be given until the kitten has completed the entire series.

  • Stopping vaccines early is not advised. A cat’s immune system may not fully respond to an incomplete series or one stopped before 4 months of age.
  • Longer intervals between vaccines risks infection if the puppy’s antibody levels fall, making it susceptible to disease.
  • Leukemia testing (a blood test) is strongly advised prior to starting leukemia vaccines. The vaccine will not protect a cat already infected with the virus.

Vaccines available to protect your cat:

Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) A virus, highly contagious, infecting the eyes, nose, mouth and sometimes lungs.
Calicivirus (C) A virus, highly contagious, infecting the eyes, nose, mouth and sometimes lungs.
Panleukopenia (P) A virus, highly contagious, infecting the intestines and blood cells. (Cat distemper). Often fatal.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) A virus, highly contagious, damages the cat’s immune system. Fatal.
Rabies (R) A virus fatal to humans and animals.

 

Kitten's Age Do Today Remainder of Vaccines Needed
8 wks FVRCP,
fecal,
leuk. test		 FVRCP,
FeLV 11 wks		 FVRCP,
FeLV 14 wks		 R 17 wks
9 wks FVRCP,
FeLV fecal,
leuk. test		 FVRCP,
FeLV 12 wks		 FVRCP,
R 15 wks		  
10 wks FVRCP,
FeLV fecal,
leuk. test		 FVRCP,
FeLV 13 wks		 FVRCP,
R 16 wks		  
11 wks FVRCP,
FeLV fecal,
leuk. test		 FVRCP,
FeLV 14 wks		 FVRCP,
R 17 wks		  
12 wks FVRCP,
FeLV fecal,
leuk. test		 FVRCP,
FeLV, 15 wks		 R 18 wks  
13 wks FVRCP,
FeLV fecal,
leuk. test		 FVRCP,
FeLV, 16 wks		 R 19 wks  
14 wks FVRCP,
FeLV fecal,
leuk. test		 FVRCP,
FeLV, 17 wks		 R 20 wks  
15 wks FVRCP,
FeLV fecal,
leuk. test		 FVRCP,
FeLV, 18 wks		 R 21 wks  
16 wks or older FVRCP,
FeLV,
R, fecal,
leuk. test		 FVRCP, FeLV,
19 wks or 3 weeks later		    

 

After completing the initial vaccine series and an annual booster of all vaccines, FVRCP and Rabies are given every 3 years. IVS recommends annual visits with a “staggered” vaccine protocol. FeLV is required annually.

A microscopic examination of the stool for parasites (fecal) is very important in all kittens. It should be repeated yearly.