What vaccinations to give kittens and when to do the first

When a kitten appears in the house, the owners must take care of it and protect the fragile body from viruses and infections. It is important not only to maintain cleanliness in the pet’s habitat, feed it in a balanced way and regularly deworm, but also pay attention to vaccination. The fact is that a tiny lump, just weaned from mother’s milk, is defenseless against dangerous viruses. It would be naive to hope that if the kitten lives in an apartment, then he is not in danger. For example, household members can easily bring the bacillus along with street shoes, and little pets like to play with boots the most. When and what vaccinations to give kittens, we understand below.

What vaccinations are given to kittens

Most cat owners are concerned about the question: what vaccinations to give a kitten and whether they are mandatory.

All feline infections are extremely dangerous and difficult to tolerate by animals. In 70% of cases, a fatal outcome occurs, so you need to vaccinate the crumbs. Moreover, no one knows what the fate of the animal will be. Perhaps one day a pet will break out into the street and come into contact with a sick representative of the fauna world.

According to the vaccination schedule, small felines are vaccinated against diseases that pose a serious threat to life and health.

• Leptospirosis. A dangerous infectious disease that threatens a rat-catcher or mouser, since rodents are the carriers of this infection. Owners whose pets like to walk on their own should pay attention to this disease. Most cats carry the infection latently (hidden), so veterinarians detect the disease already at the last stage. The main signs of infection are internal and external hemorrhages (nasal / ocular), fever.
• Important: leptospirosis is transmitted to humans.
• Herpesvirosis. A viral infection transmitted by airborne droplets. In the people, the disease is also called rhinotracheitis. Basically, kittens up to 7 months old suffer from herpesvirosis. The disease manifests itself in the form of conjunctivitis and catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.
• Calicivirus. A disease similar to the previous one that affects young cats and cats. It affects the respiratory organs. As symptoms appear ulcers in the oral cavity, increased separation of mucus in the nose, lacrimation.
• Panleukopenia (plague). Kittens are more likely to suffer from this disease more often than cats. The infection is transmitted through direct contact with infected feces or outdoor shoes of the hosts that have been in plague-infected feces/soil.

Additionally, cats are vaccinated against chlamydia and leukemia, if it is expected that the animal will participate in exhibitions, spend some time on the street, and be in contact with their feline comrades.

When to vaccinate kittens

According to the veterinary schedule, kittens are vaccinated in a certain sequence.

• Age from 8 weeks – mandatory vaccination against calicivirus, herpesvirus and panleukopenia.
• After 4 weeks from the first vaccination or at 12 weeks – a second vaccination is carried out plus the kitten is vaccinated against rabies.
• Then annually carry out revaccination against all viruses.

Vaccination schedule

What to do if the vaccination schedule is broken

It happens that the vaccination schedule is severely disrupted or not known at all. This happens if the kitten was picked up on the street, but it looks like a home, which can be judged by the presence of a collar, or if the owners simply missed the moment of re-vaccination for their pet. Here you should consult with your veterinarian. The doctor will tell you how best to proceed in each case. Sometimes a complete repeat of the kitten vaccination schedule is required, and in some situations, the doctor can make an individual decision after examining the animal.

Types of feline vaccines

The following vaccines are most often used to vaccinate kittens:

• Nobivak Forcat. A multicomponent vaccine that stimulates immunity in kittens to calicivirus, panleukopenia, rhinotoacheitis and chlamydia;
• Nobivak Tricat. Triple action vaccine against calicivirus infection, rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia. Kittens are vaccinated for the first time at the age of 8 weeks. Revaccination (re-vaccination) should be carried out annually;
• Nobivac Tricat. Also protects the little fluffy from the listed four major diseases. The first vaccination of a kitten can be done at the age of 12 weeks;
• Nobivak Rabies. This type of kitten vaccine only protects against rabies. Permanent immunity in an animal is developed on the 21st day after vaccination. Revaccination should be carried out annually. It is permissible to mix Nobivak Rabies with other types of Nobivak vaccines;
• FORT DODGE FEL-O-WAX IV. This is a polyvalent vaccine – against several infections. Is inactivated. Protects the cat immediately from rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, calicivirus and chlamydia. Approved for use in kittens over 8 weeks of age. Revaccination is carried out once a year;
• Purevax RCP. Multicomponent vaccine, which included strains of rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and calicivirus.
• Purevax RCPCh. Contains weakened strains of the viruses listed above. The vaccine is given at the age of 8 weeks. Repeat a month later. In the future, revaccination is shown once a year.
• Leukorifelin. Protects the animal from viral viruses and panleukopenia. It is forbidden to administer Leukorifelin with other vaccines;
• Square. Vaccination for kittens against panleukopenia, rabies and calicivirus. Immunity in a kitten is formed in 2-3 weeks. Re-vaccination is carried out every year;
• Rabizin. This medicine is for rabies only. Unlike other types of vaccines, Rabizin can even be administered to pregnant cats;
• Leukocel 2. Vaccine against leukemia in cats. Get vaccinated twice. Then once a year, revaccination is carried out. Kittens are vaccinated at the age of 9 weeks;
• Felocel CVR. The drug stimulates the production of immunity against rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and calicivirus. The vaccine has the appearance of a porous mass of pale yellow color. Before use, it is diluted with a special solvent;
• Microderm. The vaccine allows you to protect the animal from dermatophytosis (lichen, etc.).

Important: it is worth remembering that young cats under 3 years old, as well as old and weakened animals, are always at risk.

Possible complications after vaccination in a kitten

Each animal’s body reacts differently to the vaccine. Some pets may develop the following side effects:

• apathy and loss of appetite;
• refusal of water and even favorite food;
• increased drowsiness;
• swelling and induration at the injection site;
• increased body temperature;
• convulsive states;
• pleurisy and encephalitis;
• pain at the injection site;
• change in coat color at the injection site and even hair loss;
• some change in behavior.

Important: in very rare cases, the body of a kitten does not develop immunity to infections and viruses even after vaccination, but this is an individual feature of the animal.

As a rule, all non-dangerous side effects disappear by themselves 1-4 days after vaccination or require symptomatic treatment. For example, allergic reactions are eliminated by antihistamines. In any case, if side effects occur, you should consult your doctor for advice.

Kitten vaccination rules

In order for the kitten to be vaccinated correctly, you should follow the recommendations.

• Vaccination is not given to kittens younger than 8 weeks old.
• Only a completely healthy animal without obvious signs of illness is vaccinated, and it is forbidden to vaccinate a cat if there is a suspicion that he was in contact with a sick animal. The best solution is to wait a couple of weeks.
• Before vaccinating, the veterinarian must assess the baby’s health according to several criteria – body temperature, vigor, and the condition of the mucous membranes.
• It is forbidden to vaccinate a kitten for three weeks after the operation and for two to three weeks before the operation.
• Do not send your pet for vaccination after antibiotic treatment. The baby’s body is weakened and even microstrains of the pathogen can provoke serious consequences. After antibiotic therapy, it is better to wait a month.
• Before vaccination, three weeks before the procedure, it is necessary to deworm the animal.
• It is forbidden to vaccinate a cat during the period of changing teeth.
• The kitten during the vaccination should be in a relatively calm state. Stress and pulling out of the hands are unacceptable.
• Keep track of the expiration date of the vaccine if you buy it at a veterinary pharmacy. An expired drug will not benefit your pet.

Where is the best place to vaccinate a kitten – at home or in a clinic?

Each cat owner forms the answer to this question for himself due to financial solvency – someone can afford to invite a veterinarian to their home, and it is easier for someone to take their pet to the clinic. But in any case, only a qualified doctor should administer the vaccine.

Benefits of vaccinating a kitten at home:

• you do not transport the animal to the hospital, and as a result, the kitten remains calm at the time of the doctor’s visit;
• the veterinarian has the opportunity to assess the true condition of the pet, located in a familiar environment. When visiting the clinic, the kitten is often nervous, worried, screaming, which interferes with the normal work of the doctor;
• the cat does not come into contact with the street and other fluffy visitors to the veterinary clinic. Due to this, the risk of catching an infection is significantly reduced;
• you don’t waste time going to the hospital.

Advantages of vaccination in the clinic:

• the doctor has at hand all the necessary equipment and tools for a qualitative examination of the animal and vaccination;
• the vaccine is constantly refrigerated until it is used, as required by the rules for the use of the drug. The fact is that the vaccine should be stored and moved only in cold conditions. In the case of a home visit, the doctor must bring the drug in a special portable refrigerator;
• if necessary, in the conditions of the clinic, you can immediately carry out any other necessary manipulations, without waiting for the moment of visiting the hospital. For example, a veterinarian may identify a tick or other problem in a kitten that requires immediate attention.

And remember that a veterinarian is the first friend and comrade for your pet after you. He knows exactly how to help a kitten survive the scary moment of vaccination. For a baby, vaccinating is stressful, and for an experienced doctor it is a standard procedure, so trust your pet in the hands of a professional and constantly take care of his health. Only in such conditions the kitten will grow up healthy and live a long happy life, giving you many bright moments!