Learn what kitten vaccinations are for, how they work, as well as a recommended vaccination schedule for your kitten or cat.
How Do Kitten Vaccinations Work?
When a kitten receives a vaccination, a small amount of virus is injected in the kitten causing an immune response that builds up the kitten’s immunity against the disease. Today’s medicine alters the virus in the vaccinations that create the immune response without actually being able to cause the disease, so that they are effective but also safe.
The immune system works in two ways. First, it creates antibodies that help fight off the disease and protect the kitten from the disease as long as the antibodies are in the cat’s system. This is why booster shots are given annually. Secondly, it makes some cells create chemicals to fight off or kill the disease. Giving multiple sets of shots creates a faster and stronger reaction each time, giving the cat more protection.
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Most kittens receive their first set of shots between 8 and 10 weeks old. They receive three sets of shots, given 3-4 weeks apart. If a kitten has received an earlier set of shots from a breeder, it is important to get a veterinarian’s recommendation for the kitten’s vaccination schedule. Some breeders, for example, vaccinate kittens earlier if they are weaned young. Rescue workers may also have used a different vaccination protocol for kittens at high risk of disease.
What Are Kitten Vaccinations For?
- Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) – Feline Distemper is the most widespread and contagious cat disease. It can be transmitted through blood, urine, feces, and mucus. Symptoms of Feline Distemper include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Feline Rhinotracheitis (FVR) – This disease attacks the upper respiratory tract, is highly contagious to cats of all ages. The symptoms of FVR are sneezing, inflammation of the eye, and fever.
- Feline Calcivirus – This disease attacks the lungs and lower respiratory tract, causing 40% of all respiratory illness in cats. It is highly contagious and is spread by sneezing. It is often accompanied by other infections.
- Feline Pneumonitis (Chlamydia) – This is a bacterial infection that causes conjunctivitis and upper respiratory infections. It is highly contagious and is contagious to humans. Symptoms include inflamed and watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing.
- Feline Leukemia – This is a viral disease that attacks the immune system and lowers the cat’s ability to fight off disease. It is spread by saliva, most commonly through bite wounds. Symptoms include chronic, recurring illnesses, weight loss, trouble breathing, and a pale yellow color around the cat’s mouth and eyes.
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) – This is caused by a mutated coronavirus that is spread directly from cat to cat, as well as from contact with contaminated surfaces. The disease is most commonly shed through flatulence while using the litter box. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, weight loss, anemia, constipation and/or diarrhea, pot bellied appearance, or difficulty breathing due to fluid in the chest. This vaccine is not trusted by many researchers, veterinarians, or breeders.
- Feline Giardia – The Giardia parasite is found in water areas, including rivers, streams, and ponds, but also including pools, puddles, and outside water dishes. It is spread when feces from infected cats contaminate water sources. Symptoms include persistent diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
- Feline Bordetella Bronchiseptica – It is said that 85% of all cats have come into contact with Bordetella. Most veterinarians or boarding facilities will no longer house cats that have not been treated for Bordetella. Symptoms include coughing, discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, sneezing, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Rabies – This disease attacks the brain and central nervous system and is transmitted to humans through scratches or bites. Rabies is almost always fatal. The vaccination for Rabies is given with the last set of kitten vaccinations and then again every three years.
Resources: PetEducation.com
Reputable Sourches to Buy Kitten Vaccinations
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