If you have recently welcomed a kitten into your home – congratulations! Cherish all the moments that come with this stage of their life. Remember that on top of getting the proper foods, toys and gear, it’s also important to get them the vaccines they need. Kittens are especially vulnerable to serious diseases and vaccines are the best way to protect them. Even if your feline friend is fully grown, they still need to be vaccinated. Call us at 905-685-7349 for more information.

When should kittens get their first vaccines?

Although each patient is different, we generally give kittens their first set of vaccines when they are between 1.5 months to 2-months-old. They will usually receive their shots during their first visit to the vet, at the same time that the doctor conducts their full wellness checkup, complete with other diagnostics such as bloodwork and urine sampling.

Is it true kittens need to be vaccinated over and over again?

Yes, after their first set of shots, kittens will need to get injections of other vaccines every month or so until they are approximately 6-months-old. The “kitten” vaccinations usually end at the 6-month mark, which is also typically when we perform spays and neuters.

The vaccines for rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, panleukopenia and chlamydia are usually given first. Then, at the second visit, the second shots for calcivirus, panleukopenia and rhinotracheitis are given, along with the first injection of their feline leukemia vaccine. The rabies vaccine and a feline leukemia booster are usually administered at the third visit.

What vaccines do adult cats need?

All adult cats should continue to receive their vaccine against rabies, calicivirus, panleukopenia virus and herpesvirus. Your veterinarian may also recommend additional vaccines (non-core) based on your pet’s lifestyle, environment and risk exposure to certain parasites and diseases. Depending on the exact vaccine, your pet will need to be injected once per year or once every three years.