Kitten Vaccinations

Kittens require a series of vaccines that are very important to build up a protective immune response in growing cats. The vaccinations prime the immune system to neutralize the infecting organism before it has a chance to make the kitten ill. Kitten vaccinations must be staged, typically one month apart, to achieve an effective response from the immune system.

When do kittens get their first shots?

The first set of vaccines should be administered between 6 to 8 weeks of age. A complete physical examination is done at that time as well. It is also recommended to have the kitten’s stool analyzed for parasites that may have been transmitted to the kitten from his/her mom.

How often do my kittens need vaccines?

Kittens require a series of vaccines which start at 6-8 weeks of age, then again at 10-12 weeks and the final kitten vaccine is given at 14-16 weeks of age.

Does my kitten need only core vaccines?

Your kitten should also be vaccinated for Feline Leukemia Virus. This is a highly contagious disease that is fatal to all cats. Your kitten should have at least 2 sets of vaccines against the Feline Leukemia Virus during the first year.

Are there any risks associated with vaccines?

Historically, there were some risks associated with vaccines and certain tumours. However, there have been vast improvements in the vaccines and in the ingredients used to formulate vaccines, so those risks have been dramatically minimized. The spread of disease in unvaccinated cats now poses a greater risk.