Do Indoor Kittens Need Vaccinations
Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old.
Do indoor kittens need vaccinations. These diseases are airborne so every cat needs to be vaccinated against them. Then they must be boostered a year latyer. Once a kitten is weaned and home with you they need their own protection. The first vaccinations should be given to kittens from around eight to nine weeks of age.
Cat vaccination side effects. The fvrcp vaccine is important for all cats including indoor cats because it protects against three viruses that are airborne and spread without cat to cat contact. Kittens should have their first set of vaccinations at nine weeks old and at three months old they should receive the second set to boost their immune system. Plus other cats or pets that visit can easily bring illnesses with them.
Do outdoor cats need shots. The disease can flare up especially in cats without up to date vaccinations causing respiratory infections and eye problems if an animal is stressed or sick. According to the american association of feline practitioners aafp the core vaccines those that are recommended for all cats are feline panleukopenia virus fpv feline herpesvirus 1 fhv 1 and feline calicivirus fcv as well as rabies. All the cat needs is a door left open a bit too long for them to squeeze out into the wide world.
Most of all this vaccine helps your cat s immune system remain ready to respond to these diseases. By getting them vaccinated you are reducing the risk of them falling seriously ill. Kittens should receive this shot at 6 8 weeks because they are very vulnerable to calicivirus and distemper. Vaccination doesn tannihilatethe virus feline herpesvirus is the gift that keeps on giving.
But vaccination can help keep it under control. I recommend starting vaccinations at about 8 weeks of age continuing until the kitten is 4 months old. While some like heading out others will be content to stay at home especially if they ve been indoor cats from a young age. Too late and kittens will be left susceptible to infection.
After this kittens and cats usually need booster vaccinations every twelve months. Kittens can start their vaccinations from nine weeks old and will need a second set of injections usually 2 4 weeks after their initial set to complete their course. Indoor cats do need the fvrcp vaccine. This timing is important too early and the antibodies they receive from their mother will interfere with the immune response to the vaccine preventing it from working properly.
Some cats need to be confined indoors due to medical conditions while others are just happier living an indoor life. Until your kitten is fully vaccinated and neutered you should keep him or her inside.