Yay! You are the proud new parent of an adorable kitten. We understand that you have a lot on your to-do list, and getting your feline friend vaccinated should be at the very top. Vaccines will protect your pet from several harmful health conditions that they can get not only when they are young but well into their adult days. During your kitten’s initial visit with our team, their veterinarian will usually administer their first round of vaccines. For any questions or concerns about your new feline friend’s health, please call us at 902-863-3157.
Vaccinations for Kittens
When should kittens get their first vaccination?
At Antigonish Veterinary Clinic, we recommend that kittens are first vaccinated at approximately 6 and 8-weeks-of-age. Then, they will need to receive booster shots (which are given at an individualized schedule) and at 16 weeks they will be considered as fully vaccinated.
How often does my kitten need to be vaccinated?
It depends on the specific vaccine at hand. But, after they complete their introductory batch of vaccines, your kitten or cat will need to see us for vaccines once per year or once every three years. Also, as they grow older, your veterinarian may recommend specific vaccines for you and your pet’s specific situation. For example, kittens who spend a lot of time travelling or outdoors will need different kinds of medications versus those who are mostly indoor pets.
Does my kitten only need core vaccines?
Not necessarily. Of course, all kittens need basic-level protection against rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. That being said, your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccines to your kitten to ensure that they have maximum protection. Examples of non-core vaccines are those that protect against Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamydia felis.
Vaccinations for Cats
Isn’t it wild how fast time flies?! It seems only yesterday that your furry bundle of joy could fit snugly in your hand, now they are fully grown cat and have developed their own unique personality. No matter how strong or independent they may seem, your cat still needs to be protected from harmful diseases by getting regular vaccinations all throughout their lives.
How often do cats need to be vaccinated?
Did you know that missing just one shot, or falling behind on their vaccination schedule can leave your cat at risk of contracting serious health conditions? Here at Antigonish Veterinary Clinic, we typically administer vaccines to adult cats once per year or once every three years.
Do indoor cats need to be vaccinated?
Absolutely! One of the most common misconceptions that we try to dispel at our practice is that indoor pets do not need to be vaccinated. The truth is, even if your cat spends most or 100% of its time behind closed doors, disease and parasites can still reach them through you, other people, other animals and other pests that enter your home. And those who live in high-rise buildings are no exception!