Vaccines
Regardless of if your cat is indoors-only, wanders around outside on occasion, or lives exclusively outside, vaccines are one of the best ways to protect them from preventable infectious diseases. Vaccinating your cat is simple, affordable, and effective in keeping your cat from becoming very ill, either as a kitten or later in life. Rabies vaccines are particularly important, as rabies can affect people as well.
Most vaccines are first given when your cat is a kitten, or when you get a new cat. The initial vaccination is given around six to eight weeks old, or again when you get a new cat. The booster shots are then given every three to four weeks, and end after 16-20 weeks. Your vet will decide the exact shots your new cat needs and how frequently she needs them. Some of the determining factors are things like age, where you got your kitten (shelter, pet store, found as a stray), if your kitten will be indoors, outdoors, or both, and if there are other cats in your home.
Some vaccines are considered ‘core vaccines’, which all cats receive. Other vaccines, ‘non-core vaccines’, are administered on a case by case basis, based on conditions that are specific to your cat, her lifestyle, or her environment.
After the initial vaccines are administered, adult cats still need to remain up to date on their vaccines. Most initial vaccines require a booster one year later. Similarly, if there are changes in your household or your cat’s routine, such as moving to a different part of the country, a new cat in the house, if the cat is allowed to go outdoors for the first time, or if your cat has been involved in a cat fight, it is important to inform your vet of these changes.
Talk to your vet when you get a kitten or a new cat and to determine which vaccines are necessary for your new pet, and when she should receive them.
References
Nicholas, J. (n.d.). Kitten Shots - What Vaccines Your New Cat Needs and When. Retrieved from https://www.preventivevet.com/cats/kitten-shots-what-vaccines-your-new-cat-needs-and-when
Most vaccines are first given when your cat is a kitten, or when you get a new cat. The initial vaccination is given around six to eight weeks old, or again when you get a new cat. The booster shots are then given every three to four weeks, and end after 16-20 weeks. Your vet will decide the exact shots your new cat needs and how frequently she needs them. Some of the determining factors are things like age, where you got your kitten (shelter, pet store, found as a stray), if your kitten will be indoors, outdoors, or both, and if there are other cats in your home.
Some vaccines are considered ‘core vaccines’, which all cats receive. Other vaccines, ‘non-core vaccines’, are administered on a case by case basis, based on conditions that are specific to your cat, her lifestyle, or her environment.
After the initial vaccines are administered, adult cats still need to remain up to date on their vaccines. Most initial vaccines require a booster one year later. Similarly, if there are changes in your household or your cat’s routine, such as moving to a different part of the country, a new cat in the house, if the cat is allowed to go outdoors for the first time, or if your cat has been involved in a cat fight, it is important to inform your vet of these changes.
Talk to your vet when you get a kitten or a new cat and to determine which vaccines are necessary for your new pet, and when she should receive them.
References
Nicholas, J. (n.d.). Kitten Shots - What Vaccines Your New Cat Needs and When. Retrieved from https://www.preventivevet.com/cats/kitten-shots-what-vaccines-your-new-cat-needs-and-when