What vaccinations should kittens have and when should they do the first?

Many people today, when they get a cat or kitten at home, think about vaccinations. In this article we will look at all the information in detail.

Sections of the article:

Do kittens and cats need vaccinations? Advantages and disadvantages
What vaccinations should indoor and outdoor cats have?
Vaccination prices, vaccine cost
When do kittens get their first vaccination? At what age?
All about the rabies vaccination
Preparing for vaccination
Vaccination schedule for kittens and adult cats: what vaccinations are given and when?
Where to get vaccinated

What vaccinations do kittens get?

Most cat owners are concerned about the question: what vaccinations should a kitten receive and whether they are mandatory.
All cat infections are extremely dangerous and are difficult for animals to tolerate. In 70% of cases, death occurs, so the baby needs to be vaccinated. Moreover, no one knows what the fate of the animal will be. Perhaps one day a pet will escape outside and come into contact with a sick representative of the fauna world.

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

Leptospirosis. A dangerous infectious disease that threatens a rat-catcher or mouse-catcher, since rodents are the carriers of this infection. Owners whose pets like to walk on their own should pay attention to this disease. Basically, cats carry the infection latently (hidden), so veterinarians detect the disease at the last stage. The main signs of infection are internal and external hemorrhages (nasal/eye), fever.
Important: Leptospirosis is transmitted to people.
Herpesvirosis. A viral infection transmitted by airborne droplets. The disease is also popularly called rhinotracheitis. Mostly, kittens up to 7 months old suffer from herpesvirus. The disease manifests itself in the form of conjunctivitis and catarrhal lesions of the upper respiratory tract.
Calicivirus. A disease similar to the previous one that affects young cats. It affects the respiratory organs. Symptoms include ulcers in the mouth, increased mucus in the nose, and lacrimation.
Panleukopenia (plague). Kittens are more likely to suffer from this disease than cats. The infection is transmitted through direct contact with infected excrement or the owner's outdoor shoes that have been in plague-infected feces/soil.

Additionally, cats are vaccinated against chlamydia and leukemia if the animal is expected to participate in exhibitions, spend some time outdoors, or have contact with its feline companions.

What diseases are cats vaccinated against?

Today, there are several vaccine shots that are given to cats by veterinarians. Currently, there are vaccines that protect “purring” pets from 7 bacterial and viral diseases, which include:

infectious peritonitis;
rabies;
calcivirosis;
chlamydia;
rhinotracheitis;
microsporia (ringworm) and trichophytosis;
panleukopenia.

Cat vaccinations come in a variety of different forms. The majority of manufacturers produce complex vaccines that contain 3-4 components. The most common drugs will be described below.

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Most often, cats are vaccinated every year with just such preparations with a complex of components, adding to them a rabies vaccine (anti-rabies). As a result of this, revaccination is carried out once annually with 2 injections. True, today veterinarians administer rabies vaccinations with longer protection (about 3 years).

What to do if the vaccination schedule is broken

It happens that the vaccination schedule is greatly disrupted or completely unknown. This happens if a 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 your veterinarian. The doctor will tell you how best to proceed in each specific 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.

Vaccination calendar for cats

Cats are vaccinated according to the preventive vaccination schedule according to age. Based on individual indications, the veterinarian can adjust the timing of immunization.

Vaccination schedule for cats:

Panleukopenia, calcivirosis, chlamydia and rhinotracheitis - vaccination at 8 weeks, revaccination at 10-12 weeks and then after 12 months every year.
Rabies - first vaccination at 12 weeks, revaccination annually.
Microsporia - vaccination at 8 weeks, revaccination after 2 weeks and then every year.
Viral peritonitis - first vaccination at 16 weeks, again after 4 weeks. Revaccination annually.

Types of cat vaccines

The following vaccines are most often used to vaccinate kittens:

Nobivac Forcat. A multicomponent vaccine that stimulates immunity in kittens to calicivirus, panleukopenia, rhinotoacheitis and chlamydia;
Nobivac Tricat. Triple action vaccine against calicivirus infection, rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia. The first vaccination for kittens is given at the age of 8 weeks. Revaccination (repeat vaccination) should be carried out annually;
Nobivac Tricat. It also protects the little furry from the four main diseases listed. The first vaccination for a kitten can be given at the age of 12 weeks;
Nobivac Rabies. This type of kitten vaccine only protects against rabies. The animal develops stable immunity 21 days after vaccination. Revaccination should be carried out annually. It is acceptable to mix Nobivak Rabies with other types of Nobivak vaccines;
FORT DODGE FEL-O-VAX 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. A multicomponent vaccine, which included strains of rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and calicivirosis.
Purevax RCPCh. Contains weakened strains of the viruses listed above. The vaccine is given at the age of 8 weeks. A month later they repeat. In the future, revaccination is indicated once a year.
Leucorifelin. Protects the animal from viral viruses and panleukopenia. It is prohibited to administer Leucorifelin with other vaccines;
Quadricate. Vaccination for kittens against panleukopenia, rabies and calicivirus. The kitten's immunity is formed in 2-3 weeks. Repeated vaccination is carried out every year;
Rabizin. This drug is only for rabies. Unlike other types of vaccines, Rabizin can be administered even to pregnant cats;
Leukocel 2. Vaccine against leukemia in cats. The vaccine is given twice. Then revaccination is carried out once a year. Kittens are vaccinated at the age of 9 weeks;
Phelocel CVR. The drug stimulates the production of immunity against rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and calicivirus. The vaccine looks like 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 of age, as well as old and weakened animals, are always at risk.

When is it forbidden to vaccinate cats?

Cats should not be vaccinated in the following situations:

against rabies for up to 12 weeks, against other diseases for 8 weeks;
the cat has clinical symptoms of the disease;
the pet has interacted with an infected animal, in this case immunization is postponed for 2 weeks;
pregnancy and lactation;
if the cat was treated with antibiotics or potent drugs, vaccination should be postponed for 14 days;
after surgery, a recovery course of at least 20 days is required;
If the animal has experienced stress, it is necessary to postpone vaccination for a week.

There are no direct prohibitions on immunization during teeth change, but overloading the body during this period is not recommended.

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 your favorite food;
increased drowsiness;
swelling and induration at the injection site;
increased body temperature;
convulsive conditions;
pleurisy and encephalitis;
pain at the injection site;
change in fur color at the injection site and even hair loss;
some changes in behavior.

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

As a rule, all non-dangerous side effects go away on their own within 1-4 days after vaccination or require symptomatic treatment. For example, allergic reactions are eliminated with antihistamines. In any case, if side effects occur, you should consult your doctor for advice.

How to prepare your pet for vaccination?

The procedure for preparing for vaccinations is similar for cats and dogs. First of all, you need to pay a visit to the veterinarian and make sure that the animal is completely healthy - you cannot vaccinate a sick pet. The same applies to pregnant cats and dogs, as well as those who are undergoing a rehabilitation period because their immunity is weakened.

10 days before vaccination or a little earlier, deworming is required. This rule does not apply to animals that are treated for worms every month; they can be vaccinated any day. It is better to check with your doctor for the exact regimen - everything is individual. If you do not worm your pet, even a timely vaccination will not protect it from the disease. In addition, various allergic reactions may occur.

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.
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 it has been in contact with a sick animal. The best solution would be to wait a couple of weeks.
Before administering the vaccination, the veterinarian must assess the baby’s health status according to several criteria - body temperature, vigor, condition of mucous membranes.
It is forbidden to vaccinate a kitten for three weeks after surgery and for two to three weeks before surgery.
You should 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, the animal must be dewormed.
It is forbidden to vaccinate a cat during the period of teeth change.
The kitten should be in a relatively calm state during vaccination. Stress and tearing out of your hands are unacceptable.
Keep an eye on the expiration date of the vaccine if you buy it at a veterinary pharmacy. An expired drug will not benefit your pet.

Rules for vaccination and revaccination

Preparation for immunization consists of the following steps:

10-12 days before vaccination, preventive deworming is carried out. This must be done because worms distract the immune system from fighting them and prevent them from focusing on producing antibodies. Any anthelmintic is a poison that affects a cat to a lesser extent than parasitic worms. There is no need to expel worms before the second vaccination, since preventive deworming is carried out quarterly.
Fleas should be eliminated with an interval of 5-7 days between treatments. Kittens should not use medications recommended for adults, such as Stronghold or Advantage drops. Therefore, arthropods should be expelled using anti-flea shampoos, which are approved for use in pets up to 8 weeks.
Although vaccination regulations do not require fasting, it is best to keep the stomach empty to avoid stress-related vomiting.

Where is it better to vaccinate a kitten - at home or in a clinic?

Each cat owner forms the answer to this question for himself due to his financial solvency - some can afford to invite a veterinarian to their home, while others find it easier to take their pet to the clinic. But in any case, the vaccine should only be administered by a qualified doctor.

Advantages 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 in its usual environment. When visiting the clinic, the kitten often becomes nervous, anxious, and screams, which interferes with the doctor’s normal work;
the cat does not have contact with the street and other furry visitors to the veterinary clinic. Due to this, the risk of contracting 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 high-quality examination of the animal and vaccination;
the vaccine is constantly refrigerated before its use, as required by the rules for using the drug. The fact is that the vaccine must be stored and transported only in cold conditions. In case of a home visit, the doctor must bring the drug in a special portable refrigerator;
if necessary, in a clinic setting, you can immediately carry out any other necessary manipulations, without waiting to visit the hospital. For example, a veterinarian may identify a tick or other problems in a kitten that require immediate attention.

And remember that the veterinarian is the first friend and comrade for your pet after you. He knows exactly how to help a kitten survive the terrible moment of vaccination. For a child, vaccination is stressful, but 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 will the kitten grow up healthy and live a long, happy life, giving you many bright moments!

Where and how are animals vaccinated?

The vaccination should be done in a clinic where:

The veterinarian will check the pet's health using thermometry. if there is a suspicion that the pet is unwell, vaccination is postponed;
clinics care about their own reputation, so the vaccine is stored in the refrigerator and transported in a thermos with refrigerant;
there is a minimal likelihood of a pet having an allergic response to the vaccine, so you should not leave the clinic for 15-20 minutes after the injection so that the veterinarian can help the pet;
The doctor will make a note about the vaccination in the cat’s passport.