Cat Vaccines

Prioritizing Vaccinations for Your Cat

Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting your cat from common and potentially deadly diseases, such as Distemper. Kittens receive initial protection through antibodies in their mother’s milk, but this passive immunity diminishes between 6 and 16 weeks of age.

To bolster their immune systems, kittens require a series of vaccinations during this period. These vaccines stimulate the production of active immunity, providing long-lasting protection against diseases. However, maternal antibodies can interfere with vaccine effectiveness, underscoring the importance of timely vaccinations.

Recommended Vaccination Schedule for Kittens We advise a vaccination regimen to safeguard against feline distemper, upper respiratory infections, feline leukemia, and rabies:

6-8 weeks: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (DCR #1) 9-12 weeks: DCR #2, Feline Leukemia (FELV) Test & FELV #1 12-16 weeks: DCR #3, FELV #2 3-4 months: Rabies

Preventing Feline Leukemia Feline leukemia is highly contagious and often fatal. It spreads through direct cat-to-cat contact or from mother cats to their kittens. Regular testing and vaccination are crucial for preventing this disease.

A blood test for FELV at 9 weeks of age detects infection. Negative results allow for initial vaccinations, administered 3-4 weeks apart, to prevent Feline Leukemia. Boosters are recommended annually for outdoor cats, those in contact with other cats, or those frequently boarded.

Booster Vaccinations Kittens receive booster vaccinations at one year of age. While subsequent DCR vaccinations are effective for three years, FELV and RABIES require annual boosters. As vaccine technologies evolve, vaccination protocols may change. During annual exams, we’ll keep you informed about any updates to vaccination recommendations.

Ensuring your cat receives timely vaccinations is essential for maintaining their health and protecting them from preventable diseases. If you have any questions or concerns about vaccinations for your cat, please don’t hesitate to reach out.