When you welcome a new kitten into your home, one of the first responsibilities is ensuring its protection through vaccinations. A typical vaccination schedule for kittens revolves around three primary vaccines: FVRCP, rabies, and FeLV. Additionally, depending on your cat’s lifestyle, other non-core vaccines might be recommended by your veterinarian.
The Kitten Vaccination Timeline
At 6 to 8 weeks of age, your kitten should receive its first FVRCP vaccine, which protects against feline panleukopenia virus, feline viral rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. If your kitten is over 8 weeks old, it’s highly advisable to administer the FeLV vaccine.
As your kitten reaches 10 to 12 weeks, it’s time for the second FVRCP booster. If your kitten will be spending time outdoors or coming into contact with other cats, your veterinarian may recommend additional non-core vaccines at this stage.
Between 14 to 16 weeks, your kitten should receive its third FVRCP booster and the second FeLV booster. This ensures that their immune system remains robust against these diseases.
Finally, when your kitten turns one year old, it will need a fourth FVRCP booster. The frequency of subsequent boosters will depend on your kitten’s needs, but typically, they are required every one to three years. At this age, your cat will also receive a rabies booster, with subsequent shots potentially needed every three years, depending on local laws. After the third FeLV booster, your kitten may not require any further boosters, but this should be confirmed with your veterinarian.
Core Vaccines for Kittens
FVRCP, rabies, and FeLV are considered core vaccines for all kittens. These vaccines protect against common and potentially fatal diseases that can easily spread among cats. For instance, the feline panleukopenia virus can leave kittens immunodeficient, making them vulnerable to various infections, which can sometimes be fatal. Similarly, both feline viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus can cause severe upper respiratory infections, with calicivirus potentially leading to pneumonia and death in severe cases.
Rabies is another critical disease that can be transmitted to humans and other animals. Given its potential lethality once symptoms manifest, regular vaccination is essential.
FeLV, or feline leukemia virus, is one of the most widespread infectious diseases among cats. With no known cure and a median survival time of 2.5 years post-diagnosis, the FeLV vaccine is crucial for outdoor cats or those under one year old.
Non-Core Vaccines: A Case-by-Case Basis
Non-core vaccines are tailored to specific lifestyles or health risks. For example, the kennel cough vaccine might be recommended if your kitten is in a shelter or boarding facility where the disease can spread rapidly. Similarly, the chlamydia felis vaccine might be considered if your cat is at an increased risk of contracting this bacterial eye infection.
However, it’s worth noting that some vaccines, like the FIP vaccine for feline infectious peritonitis, are generally not recommended due to their limited effectiveness.
In conclusion, while the kitten vaccination schedule focuses on FVRCP, rabies, and FeLV as core vaccines, your veterinarian will guide you on any additional non-core vaccines based on your cat’s unique needs and lifestyle. Regular veterinary check-ups and adherence to the vaccination schedule will ensure that your kitten grows into a healthy adult cat.