Because cats don’t have nine lives, you must do everything you can to keep them safe. What is the key? The appropriate vaccines. Vaccines protect your cat from viruses and germs that cause sickness. They can also boost their immune system’s performance.
Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate immunizations for your pet and how often they should be given. It is usually determined by their age, general health, and way of life. The vet will also consider how long vaccines are supposed to last and how likely it is that your cat may contract a disease. Vaccines such as rabies are also regulated by several local and state governments.
When should vaccines be given: Vaccinations should begin when kittens are 6 to 8 weeks old and continue until they are about 16 weeks old. They must then be boosted again a year later. Every 3 to 4 weeks, the shots are given in a series. Adult cats require fewer vaccinations, usually once a year or every three years, depending on the duration of the vaccine.
Which shots do they require: Vaccinations for all cats are advised. They protect against:
- Rabies
- Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis
The feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccinations are frequently combined into a single shot (FVRCP), called the “distemper shot” by some.
Depending on how much time your cat spends outside, how often they interact with other cats, and the diseases that are prevalent in your area, your cat may require further vaccinations. They are as follows:
Feline leukemia: This is serious viral infection that can be disseminated by saliva, feces, urine, and milk. The vaccine should be given to kittens and then again 12 months later. Vaccines will be recommended in the future based on the cat’s lifestyle. Because feline leukemia cannot be cured, prevention is essential.
Bordetella: Cats who go to the groomer or stay at a kennel may be vaccinated against this infection, which spreads swiftly in crowded areas. The vaccine will not prevent the sickness, but it will keep your cat from becoming extremely unwell as a result of it. Individual businesses may require it, even though it is no longer commonly advised for grooming or boarding.
If your cat spends the most of its time indoors, you may believe cats are resistant to certain ailments. They may, however, catch airborne germs that enter through a window or door. Even the most sedate cats will make a break for it now and then. If your cat ventures outside, you must ensure that they are safe. When indoor cats stay at a kennel or if you bring a new cat home, they may catch up bacteria and viruses.
Keep in mind that vaccines do not provide complete disease immunity. Limit your pet’s contact to diseased animals and areas where diseases are more common to keep them healthy.
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