Vaccinations are an essential component of your cat's preventive care and offer your feline friend protection against many serious diseases and illnesses. In this post, our Stockton vets list which shots your kitten will need, and the annual vaccines your cat will require.
The Importance of Vaccinations
As an attentive kitty owner, you know your kitten or cat is counting on you to provide the care and protection that will help them live a long, healthy life. Annual cat vaccines are our best preventive approach to keep your feline companion from contracting serious, and sometimes, fatal, diseases. Prevention is always better than being in a position of treating a disease once your pet has caught it.
While vaccines are important for all cats and kittens, cats that spend time outdoors may also require other specific vaccinations, since they may come into contact with other animals, parasites, or diseases, that leave them more vulnerable to illness.
What Shots Do Cats and Kittens Need?
The vaccination schedule your veterinarian recommends may vary due to factors such as indoor/outdoor living situations, pre-existing health conditions, current health status, and other factors such as where you live. Below is a typical schedule that most cat owners should keep in mind when considering annual shots.
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
6 to 8 Weeks
- Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper). Chlamydia
10 to 12 Weeks
- Booster: Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper). Chlamydia
- FeLV Feline leukemia
14 to 16 Weeks
- Booster: Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper). Chlamydia
- Feline Leukemia 2
Adult Cat Vaccination Schedule
Annually
- Rabies vaccine*
- FeLV Feline leukemia
Every 3 Years
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
- Calicivirus
- Feline herpesvirus
*Rabies: Rabies is 100% fatal. There is no treatment is available, and it's contagious. Prevention is crucial. The rabies vaccination may be required annually or every 3 years, depending on the vaccine used.
Potential Side Effects
While most cats will not experience side effects due to their annual vaccinations, or may experience only a brief or minor reaction to their shots, sometimes the following side effects can occur. If this is true for your pet, contact your vet right away to determine whether other treatment may be necessary.
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Immobility or limping
- High fever
- Lethargy
- Swelling near the area of injection
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
