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Vaccinations

Is it important to Vaccinate My Cat?

Yes. There are several preventable, life-threatening diseases kittens can acquire. These diseases are usually preventable with the use of routine vaccinations. There are core vaccines that are recommended for most kittens. In addition, there are other vaccines that are offered to kittens at risk for diseases based upon your pet’s habits and the incidence of diseases in our area.

The core vaccines for kittens include:

  • Rabies vaccine – protects against the rabies virus, which produces a life-threatening disease that is transmissible to humans that affects the muscles, nervous tissues, and brain. Rabies is fatal and is spread by the saliva from affected animals, including wildlife such as raccoons. Rabies vaccinations are required by law.
  • FVRCP vaccine – a combination vaccine that protects against the following diseases:
  • Viral rhinotracheitis – a virus that causes sneezing, salivation, decreased appetite, fever, depression, inflammation of nose/eyes; kittens may be particularly susceptible to this if not vaccinated
  • Calicivirus – a virus that causes discharge from the eyes and nose, decreased appetite, salivation, mouth ulcers, fever
  • Panleukopenia – a virus that is highly contagious, life-threatening, and rapidly fatal, causing fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and death

Bradley Hills Animal Hospital strongly recommends that you vaccinate your kitten against feline leukemia disease, if he/she will be spending time outdoors:

  • Feline Leukemia – this virus is transmitted by saliva and causes a life threatening disease that results in decreased appetite, depression, weight loss, and enlarged lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Contracting feline leukemia may predispose your kitten to developing additional infections and may be fatal. This vaccine is recommended for outdoor kittens or kittens with a high risk of exposure.

What is my kitten’s vaccination schedule?

Your nurse and the Doctor will set up your pet’s vaccination schedule based on how old he/she is at the first visit. Your pet’s vaccine schedule will include the core and recommended vaccinations with their boosters and any necessary diagnostic tests (such as fecal examinations). Booster vaccinations are scheduled at three-week intervals from the initial vaccine until the series has been completed.

Why does my kitten need to come back for so many vaccines?

Re-vaccination is important in both young and adult animals. In young animals, the immunity gained at birth from nursing declines over the first several weeks of life. The first vaccination triggers an immune response and protects your pet at early age, while booster vaccines enhance the immune response to make sure your pet is protected later on. In adult animals, booster vaccines help to maintain the best immunity for your pet by enhancing his/her immune response.

What should I watch for, now that my pet has been vaccinated?

It is not uncommon for your pet to show slight lethargy following a vaccine. However, if your pet demonstrates any behavior that concerns you, contact us immediately. Anaphylactic reaction is a rare complikittenion to vaccination.
If your pet has vomiting or diarrhea, call us and/or return to Bradley Hills Animal Hospital immediately.