Kitten Scheduled Vaccinations

Vaccinations protect kittens from some of the most important infectious diseases, some of which can be fatal. Vaccines contain weakened or inactive parts of a particular organism that triggers an immune response within the body. When you get your kitten vaccinated, the vaccine helps the body learn how to defend itself from these important diseases without the dangers of a full-blown infection. 

Very young kittens are usually temporarily protected against important infectious diseases by maternal antibodies received through their mother’s milk. As these antibodies decline, kittens need a course of vaccinations to stimulate their own immune response. The number of vaccines required can vary depending on the type of vaccine but typically two to three vaccinations.

Vaccines are available for several important infectious diseases.

•    Feline upper respiratory tract infection or “cat flu”: This condition is mainly caused by two viruses, feline herpesvirus (also known as feline rhinotracheitis virus) and feline calicivirus. 
•    Feline panleukopenia virus: Also known as feline infectious enteritis or feline parvovirus. Feline panleukopenia virus causes severe gastroenteritis and is often fatal.
•    Chlamydia felis: A type of bacteria that is a common cause of conjunctivitis in cats, especially kittens. Typical signs are swelling, redness and discharge affecting one or both eyes. 
•    Feline leukemia virus (FeLV): An important viral infection of cats which causes a wide variety of problems including immunosuppression, anaemia and cancer. 
•    Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): A common infection that depresses the cat’s immune system. The virus is transmitted from infected cats to healthy cats by biting during cat fights. As the disease progresses, signs which may develop include chronic gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), secondary infections (bacterial, viral or parasitic), weight loss, kidney disease and neurological disease. In some cats the immune system becomes too weak to fight off other infections and disease. As a result, the cat may die from one of these infections. FIV has also been linked to cancer (e.g., lymphoma).

Your vet will guide you on the most appropriate vaccines according to your kitten’s lifestyle and local disease conditions.
 

Ensuring your kitten receives the correct vaccinations at the appropriate times will ensure they have the protection they need against various diseases as soon as possible.

A kitten's first vaccine is usually from around 8 weeks of age. Your veterinarian will advise you on the number and timing of the subsequent vaccinations.

Many people believe that if they have their pet vaccinated when they are kittens, the immunity they receive will protect them for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, this is not the case. To maintain protection, regular booster vaccinations of adult cats are required. Re-vaccination stimulates the immune response so that protection is offered for an additional period. Without these regular vaccinations, your cat’s immune system may not be able to protect them from serious and potentially fatal diseases. Booster vaccinations will be recommended by your veterinarian and will provide the best possible protection for the life of your pet. 
 

Several factors will affect the cost of vaccinations for cats and kittens, such as the specific vaccines they require, your geographic location, and the veterinary clinic you choose. It’s best to contact your local veterinary clinic to check. 

Vaccines are safe and effective and play an important part in keeping our pets healthy. Like all medicines however, they can sometimes result in side effects. These are usually mild (e.g., lethargy, loss of appetite, or tenderness at the injection site) and usually last no longer than a day or so. If you are concerned about any signs which develop after vaccination, contact your veterinarian immediately.