Kitten and Cat Vaccinations

As pet owners ourselves of several fabulous felines, we care for the wellbeing of all kittens and cats. Like their canine counterparts, vaccines are the best line of defense against preventable diseases that can be harmful for your cat. Our veterinary team will discuss with you the appropriate vaccines your pet will need based on their lifestyle.

When should kittens receive their first vaccines?

Typically, newborn cats are given three sets of vaccines at 8, 12 and 16-weeks-old. It helps ensure that kittens not responding to the initial vaccines do so at the later booster. This spread out schedule also helps those with poor milk transfer of immunity become protected as early as possible.

What types of vaccines do you offer for kittens and adult cats at the hospital?

The most common vaccine that our feline patients receive is called FVRCP. This vaccine treats and is an abbreviation for three main viruses. FVR is Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (otherwise known as Herpes Virus), C stands for Calicivirus, and P is for Panleukopenia. In addition to FVRCP and the rabies vaccine (which is required by law), immunization for feline leukemia is advised for kittens. Not all adult cats will need protection against feline leukemia on a long-term basis, but lifestyles change for many cats, and some are escape artists who require more protection!

Depending on your pet’s lifestyle, once a cat reaches two-years-old and above, the FVRCP combo vaccine can be given intermittently (e.g. every 2-3 years). That being said, it is important not to let the vaccine lapse for too long, or the ability to “boost” a previous vaccine becomes quite weak.

Regular exams – at least once per year – are key to assessing immunization requirements and provide the needed protection with as few vaccines as possible. Please give us a call at 613-634-2440 to schedule your next appointment or to ask any further questions about your pet’s vaccines.