What Shots Do Kittens Need In The First Year
Most states require cats to have this vaccine by law.
What shots do kittens need in the first year. Then they must be boostered a year latyer. To achieve the best protection possible your kitten will need boosters over the first several months of their life at least until they are between 16 20 weeks old. Many of your kitten s initial shots will be given as a series of boosters every 3 4 weeks. Second vaccinations for rhinotracheitis calcivirus and panleukopenia.
The shots come in a series every 3 to 4. This set is a combination vaccine that protects your kitty against feline panleukopenia which is also called feline distemper viral rhinotracheitis calicivirus and in some locales where it is prevalent chlamydophilia. Vaccines kittens do not need. Ideally the first visit to the veterinarian should happen within the first week you bring your kitten home.
These vaccines help protect against upper respiratory diseases herpes and fatal viruses. Feline leukemia is a viral disease that can be transferred to. I recommend starting vaccinations at about 8 weeks of age continuing until the kitten is 4 months old. First visit 6 to 8 weeks fecal exam for parasites.
Your kitten needs a thorough physical exam and protection from preventable diseases by receiving appropriate vaccines. The felv vaccine is recommended by some veterinarians for all kittens while others recommend the vaccine only for those kittens at risk of disease. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. Second visit 12 weeks examination and external check for parasites.
The first series of shots a kitten will usually get is a drcc fvrcp vaccination against feline distemper panleukopenia rhinotracheitis and calici virus. Depending on your location and your kitten s environment certain non core vaccines may also be recommended. Talk to your veterinarian about your kitten s risk of exposure to these diseases. Non core kitten vaccinations include feline leukemia felv feline immunodeficiency virus fiv feline infectious peritonitis fip chlamydophila felis and feline giardia vaccines.
The vaccines should protect against feline panleukopenia distemper and the upper respiratory viruses herpesvirus calicivirus. Kittens should get their first set of shots between the ages of 6 to 8 weeks. All kittens need certain core vaccines which provide immunity against the most dangerous and widespread diseases. According to the american association of feline practitioners aafp the core vaccines those that are recommended for all cats are feline panleukopenia virus fpv feline herpesvirus 1 fhv 1 and feline calicivirus fcv as well as rabies.
When a kitten is at least 3 months old he will need to get a rabies shot. Don t let their energy distract you from keeping them healthy. Core vaccines are considered essential for kittens in most geographical locations. Discuss nutrition and grooming.
The decision should be based on your pet s lifestyle and a discussion with your vet. Blood test for feline leukemia. And even adult cats will need an initial series of shots and boosters for certain vaccinations to achieve the best level of protection. At around 6 to 8 weeks your kitten should have gotten her first set of shots.