If you have recently adopted a kitten or are planning to do so, you might be wondering what vaccinations your furry friend needs and when. Vaccinations are essential to protect your kitten from various infectious diseases that can cause serious illness or even death. In this guide, we will explain what vaccinations your kitten needs and when, as well as answer some common questions you might have about kitten vaccinations.
What Shots Do Kittens Need at What Age?
There are two types of vaccinations for cats: core and non-core. Core vaccinations are those that protect against especially common and/or particularly dangerous diseases, and they are recommended for all kittens and adult cats. Non-core vaccinations are those that protect against diseases that are less common or less severe, and they are recommended only for those cats that are at high risk of infection.
Core Vaccinations for Kittens
The core vaccinations for kittens are:
FVRCP: This is a combination vaccine that protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia. These are three of the most common and serious viral diseases that affect cats, causing respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. The FVRCP vaccine should be given to kittens starting at 6-8 weeks of age, and then repeated every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 16-20 weeks old. The vaccine should be boosted one year after the initial series, and then every 3 years thereafter.
Rabies: This is a fatal disease that can affect cats and many other animals, including humans. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected animal, and causes neurological problems and death. The rabies vaccine should be given to kittens at 12 weeks of age or older, depending on state laws and the veterinarian’s recommendation. The vaccine should be boosted one year after the initial dose, and then every 1-3 years thereafter, depending on the type of vaccine and the local regulations.
Non-Core Vaccinations for Kittens
The non-core vaccinations for kittens are:
FeLV: This is a vaccine that protects against feline leukemia virus, a retrovirus that can cause immunosuppression, anemia, cancer, and other diseases in cats. It is transmitted by close contact with an infected cat, such as grooming, biting, or sharing food and water bowls. The FeLV vaccine is recommended for kittens that are at high risk of exposure, such as those that go outdoors or live with other cats that are infected or unknown status. The FeLV vaccine should be given to kittens at 8-12 weeks of age, and then repeated 3-4 weeks later. The vaccine should be boosted one year after the initial series, and then annually thereafter for cats that remain at high risk.
Bordetella: This is a vaccine that protects against Bordetella Bronchiseptica, a bacterium that can cause respiratory infections in cats. It is transmitted by direct contact or aerosol from an infected cat or dog. The Bordetella vaccine is recommended for kittens that are at high risk of exposure, such as those that go to boarding facilities, groomers, shelters, or multi-cat households. The Bordetella vaccine should be given to kittens at 8-16 weeks of age, and then repeated every 6-12 months thereafter for cats that remain at high risk .
What Shots Do Kittens Absolutely Need?
The shots that kittens absolutely need are the core vaccinations: FVRCP and rabies. These are the vaccines that protect against the most common and serious diseases that can affect cats, and they are required by law in most states. The non-core vaccinations: FeLV and bordetella, are optional and depend on your kitten’s lifestyle and risk of exposure. You should discuss with your veterinarian whether your kitten needs these vaccines or not.
Should I Vaccinate My Indoor Kitten?
Yes, you should vaccinate your indoor kitten with the core vaccinations: FVRCP and rabies. Even if your kitten stays indoors, they can still be exposed to these diseases through contact with other animals, such as bats, rodents, or stray cats, that might enter your home or yard. Also, you never know if your kitten might escape or get lost, and encounter other animals or environments that could expose them to these diseases. Therefore, it is better to be safe than sorry, and vaccinate your indoor kitten with the core vaccines.
How Much Does It Cost to Vaccinate a Kitten?
The cost of vaccinating a kitten can vary depending on several factors, such as the type and number of vaccines, the location and reputation of the veterinary clinic, and the additional services or tests that might be required. However, according to some estimates, the average cost of vaccinating a kitten with the core vaccines (FVRCP and rabies) is around $75-$100, and the average cost of vaccinating a kitten with the non-core vaccines (FeLV and bordetella) is around $50-$75 . These costs do not include the exam fee, which can range from $25-$50, or the deworming, flea treatment, or microchipping, which can add another $25-$50 each . Therefore, the total cost of vaccinating a kitten can range from $100-$300, depending on the individual case.
What Are the Benefits of Kitten Vaccinations?
Vaccinating your kitten has many benefits, both for your kitten and for you. Some of the benefits are:
Preventing diseases: Vaccinations can prevent your kitten from getting sick from various diseases that can be fatal or debilitating. Some of these diseases, such as rabies, can also affect humans and other animals, so vaccinating your kitten can also protect your family and your community.
Reducing costs: Vaccinations can save you money in the long run, as they can prevent costly medical bills, treatments, or surgeries that might be needed if your kitten gets sick from an preventable disease. Vaccinations can also reduce the risk of legal fees or fines that might be imposed if your kitten bites someone and is not vaccinated for rabies.
Improving quality of life: Vaccinations can improve your kitten’s quality of life, as they can prevent them from suffering from pain, discomfort, or complications that might result from an infectious disease. Vaccinations can also improve your quality of life, as you can enjoy spending time with your healthy and happy kitten, without worrying about their health or safety.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Kitten Vaccinations?
While vaccinations are generally safe and effective, they are not without risks or side effects. Some of the risks and side effects of kitten vaccinations are:
Reactions: Vaccinations can cause mild reactions in some kittens, such as swelling, redness, or pain at the injection site, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or vomiting. These reactions are usually short-lived and can be treated with anti-inflammatory or antihistamine medications, as prescribed by your veterinarian. However, in rare cases, vaccinations can cause severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing, collapse, or shock. If your kitten shows any signs of a severe reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, hives, or difficulty breathing, you should seek immediate veterinary attention.
Complications: Vaccinations can cause complications in some kittens, such as injection-site sarcoma, which is a rare but aggressive type of cancer that can develop at the site of a vaccine injection. The risk of developing this complication is very low, estimated at 1-10 cases per 10,000 vaccinated cats . However, if you notice any lumps, bumps, or changes in the skin at the injection site, you should consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Interference: Vaccinations can interfere with the results of some diagnostic tests, such as the FeLV test, which can detect the presence of the feline leukemia virus in the blood. If your kitten has been vaccinated for FeLV, they might test positive for the virus, even if they are not infected. This is because the vaccine contains a weakened form of the virus, which can trigger a positive response in the test. Therefore, you should inform your veterinarian if your kitten has been vaccinated for FeLV, and they might use a different type of test, such as the PCR test, which can distinguish between the vaccine and the infection.
How to Prepare Your Kitten for Vaccinations?
Vaccinating your kitten is a simple and safe procedure, but it can still cause some stress and discomfort for your kitten and for you. Therefore, it is important to prepare your kitten for vaccinations and make the experience as smooth and positive as possible. Here are some tips on how to prepare your kitten for vaccinations:
Make an appointment: You should make an appointment with your veterinarian for your kitten’s vaccinations, and try to choose a time that is convenient and less crowded. This way, you can avoid long waits and noisy environments that might stress your kitten. You should also ask your veterinarian about the vaccination schedule and plan for your kitten, and follow their recommendations.
Bring your kitten’s records: You should bring your kitten’s records, such as their birth date, medical history, previous vaccinations, and any other relevant information, to the veterinary clinic. This will help your veterinarian to determine the best vaccines and doses for your kitten, and to avoid any unnecessary or duplicate vaccinations.
Transport your kitten safely: You should transport your kitten safely to and from the veterinary clinic, using a secure and comfortable carrier. You should also cover the carrier with a towel or a blanket to reduce the visual stimuli and noise that might scare your kitten. You should also avoid feeding your kitten right before the trip, as they might get motion sickness or vomit.
Comfort your kitten: You should comfort your kitten during the vaccination process, by talking to them softly, petting them gently, and offering them treats or toys. You should also stay calm and positive, as your kitten can sense your emotions and react accordingly. You should also praise your kitten and reward them after the vaccination, to reinforce the positive association.
Monitor your kitten: You should monitor your kitten after the vaccination, and look for any signs of reactions, complications, or interference. If your kitten shows any abnormal symptoms, such as swelling, redness, pain, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. You should also keep your kitten indoors and away from other animals for a few days, to allow them to recover and avoid any infections.
Conclusion
Vaccinating your kitten is one of the best ways to protect them from various infectious diseases that can cause serious illness or even death. Your kitten needs the core vaccinations: FVRCP and rabies, and might also need the non-core vaccinations: FeLV and bordetella, depending on their lifestyle and risk of exposure. You should consult with your veterinarian to determine the best vaccination schedule and plan for your kitten, and follow their recommendations. By vaccinating your kitten, you are not only ensuring their health and well-being, but also preventing the spread of these diseases to other animals and humans.
If you want to learn more about kitten care, you can check out this blog post: [How to Take Care of a Kitten: The Ultimate Guide].
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