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
DO KITTENS AND CATS NEED TO BE VACCINED?
You can talk about this endlessly. Some adhere to all the canons of keeping, some are worried about the health of the pet, some are worried about the consequences. This is due to the ignorance we face. And now we will try to dispel all doubts.
Most breeders, including our nursery, vaccinate kittens. In my opinion, there are many more pros than cons. And if we talk about the state of health and the risks to which we expose them without vaccinating, then doubts already disappear.
You can calculate the vaccination schedule and date calendar in our article.
Does a domestic cat need vaccinations?
Many people believe that domestic cats that live in apartments and do not go outside cannot become infected and get sick. Unfortunately, it is not. It doesn’t matter who you have: a British kitten, a Scottish Fold, a Maine Coon, or just a mongrel baby - diseases are transmitted to all animals, even with the best care for your pet. How can a cat get sick?
- When we come into the house, we can bring the infection with us on our clothes/shoes
- Dirty hands not washed after going outside
- When opening the door to a house/entrance, street cats often run into the entrance, and many may rub against the door (some of them may certainly mark)
- Grass often brought in and planted for cats
- In or near a veterinary station where sick animals are brought
- and many more etc.
There is no need to tempt fate and risk your pet, hoping that your cat will not get sick. In some cases, the disease can even lead to death!
What is vaccination
Vaccination is the administration of a drug to an animal that is based on pathogenic bacteria or viruses. In advance, pathogenic microorganisms are artificially weakened or killed. They are introduced into the animal’s body to develop immunity to the disease carried by certain microbes. Vaccination can often save a pet's life. But do not forget that vaccination can cause complications and various undesirable effects.
Why are cats vaccinated?
Vaccinating a cat is a measure aimed at preventing possible disease. Vaccination prepares the animal to encounter harmful microorganisms by developing immunity in advance.
A virus or microbe that enters an animal’s body and begins to develop in it causes irreparable harm to vital systems. To neutralize them, the immune system begins to produce antibodies. This may take a long time, during which the pathogen already affects the body and causes irreparable harm.
It happens that the immune system cannot produce enough antibodies to neutralize pathogens. This is where vaccination comes to the rescue. Through an injection, inactive antigens (foreign substances) are introduced into the cat's body, which provoke the body to an immune response. When the immune system subsequently encounters these bacteria or viruses, it already has antibodies in its arsenal that can quickly overcome the disease without critical consequences.
Antibodies have specificity: they can neutralize only those antigens in response to which they were produced by the body
But the memory of immunity is not eternal, so revaccination (re-vaccination) is needed, which prevents the antibodies from disappearing.
Video: antigen and antibody - how the immune system works
Guarantee against infection
Any owner should know that no vaccine can provide a 100% guarantee against infection. But this fact should not become an obstacle to vaccinating an animal. This is justified by the fact that a vaccinated animal has a minimal chance of getting sick, and if it does get sick, the course of the pathology is much easier and has no lethal consequences.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
| ADVANTAGES of vaccinations | DISADVANTAGES of vaccinations |
| 1. Protection from infectious diseases 2. If the cat scratches/bites someone, you will be relieved of all responsibility (since it is guaranteed not to be sick) 3. A cat or kitten can be freely taken outside the country 4. Opportunity to participate in exhibitions 5. Breeding purebred cats is permitted only if they are vaccinated. 6. In vaccinated mother cats, the offspring are also protected for the first time through the immune system, which strengthens with the resulting milk 7. Vaccinated cats can easily be taken with you to the dacha, on the train, on vacation, and also released into the street 8. Inner peace from this that your beloved pet is protected from infections | 1. After vaccination (less than 1%), side effects are possible. The most common: drowsiness, lethargy, loss of appetite. As a rule, this goes away within a day. Cases of allergy to the vaccine, in which there is swelling of the larynx, muzzle, and paws, are even less likely. May also be accompanied by itching, vomiting, and diarrhea. But such cases are rare. If this happens, you need to contact your veterinarian immediately. 2. The material side of the issue. Vaccinations cost money. Especially high quality ones. |
WHAT VACCINATIONS ARE CATS, KITTENS, AND KITTENS GIVEN? WHAT DO VACCINATIONS PROTECT FROM?
We list exactly what vaccinations (as well as mandatory preventive measures) are given to cats and adult cats and kittens:
- Deworming (deworming kittens)
- For infectious viral diseases (panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirosis, chlamydia, viral leukemia, FIP)
- For rabies
- Prevention of fleas, ticks and other parasites
Let's take a closer look at each specific vaccination, its features, methods of infecting an animal and the immediate harm it can cause. Please read the information carefully and decide which vaccinations your kitten/cat needs.
| Cat diseases | Mandatory vaccinations | Defeat | Infection |
| Panleukopenia (distemper, feline infectious gastroenteritis, parvovirus enteritis) | + | A very contagious, acute infection that is difficult to tolerate. Possible fatalities. Sharply reduces the number of bloody white cells (leukocytes) (white blood cells) in the animal's blood. | - direct contact with an infected cat - through household/interior items - by airborne droplets - infection of kittens in utero through a sick mother cat - through sexual contact - blood-sucking insects - through clothes/shoes from the street - people who have been in contact with sick kittens and cats - in veterinary clinics where there may be infected animals |
| Rhinotracheitis (feline herpes) | + | A complex viral disease that affects the respiratory tract (organs responsible for breathing) and the eyes of cats. Lethal outcomes in 5-20% of cases. | |
| Calicivirus | + | Affects the respiratory system, eyes, mucous membranes. Causes lameness in cats. | |
| Chlamydia | Very desirable. When breeding and mating - a must! | The genitourinary system and gastrointestinal tract are affected. The disease also causes rhinitis and conjunctivitis. | - direct contact - airborne droplets - through sexual contact - through fleas/ticks - small rodents Recovered animals are also carriers of this disease. |
| Rabies | Very desirable. For show animals traveling abroad - a must! | The animal's nervous system is affected. Rabies infection is fatal in almost 100% of cases. | - bite of an infected cat - through saliva - eating small sick rodents |
| viral leukemia (leukemia, leukemia, lymphosarcoma, FeLV, FLV) | There are currently no vaccines | The natural immune system is suppressed. Malignant formations (tumors, oncology) appear, the tonsils, lymphatic system, circulatory system, and bone marrow are affected. High percentage of deaths. | — bite/damage from an infected cat — through saliva — sexual contact — intrauterine infection of kittens from a sick mother |
| FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis, ICP, FIP) | There are currently no vaccines | It affects the mucous membrane, small intestine (which causes severe diarrhea), and the abdominal cavity. Difficult to diagnose. Cats living together in large numbers are susceptible to infection. Possible fatalities. | - through feces (through the tray) - orally (through saliva, common dishes of cats) |
| Lichen (trichopytosis and microsporia, ringworm). | It is not difficult to treat, but if there is a possible risk of infection, it is better to vaccinate | Affects skin, fur, claws | - direct contact with affected cats - through spores (particles of infected skin areas) that can enter the house through clothes/shoes, household/interior items - people who have been in contact with sick kittens and cats |
| Feline immunodeficiency (FIV, AIDS) | If the cat is kept only at home, infection is unlikely. Cats freely roaming outside are a must! | The natural immune system is suppressed. Affected: lymphatic system, circulatory system. | — through bites — sexual contact — through blood, saliva — in utero from a sick mother cat — with the milk of a nursing cat |
| Aujeszky's disease (false rabies, infectious boulevard paralysis, pruritic plague, rabid scabies) | Cats freely roaming outside are highly desirable! | Lymphatic tissues, mucous membranes of the oral cavity and pharynx, nervous system, spinal cord and brain are affected. The disease is accompanied by severe itching. An animal can be cured in the initial stage of the disease. | - through the digestive system (eating infected rodents, unprocessed infected meat, pork) |
Complex vaccination Nobivac (Nobivac Tricat Trio):
Complex vaccination Purevax (Purevax RCPCh):
WHAT DO VACCINES PROTECT FROM. COMPLEX VACCINATION. RABIES VACCINATION.
Each specific vaccination is aimed at protecting a cat from a specific viral disease.
Comprehensive vaccination for cats
There are also complex vaccinations , which, accordingly, combine several vaccines at the same time. Most often, it is Panleukopenia + Rhinotracheitis + Calicivirosis, sometimes it also includes Chlamydia.
Rabies vaccination for cats, cats, kittens
Rabies vaccination is a separate issue. All animals are vaccinated against rabies, not just cats and dogs. It is highly advisable to do this to all animals.
Firstly, it protects your pet from infection.
Secondly, it protects you from unpleasant consequences that may arise due to physical contact (bite, scratch, saliva) of your pet with other animals, children, and adults. Such conflicts can end not only in administrative penalties and payment for preventive treatment of the applicant, but also in the euthanization of the animal.
How much does a cat's rabies vaccination cost?
Its cost is not at all high; it mainly depends on each specific vaccine. On average, the price ranges from $2 to $4.
Rabies vaccination for a kitten: when to do?
Kittens are also given this vaccination. It is allowed to be carried out no earlier than 3 months; vaccination is often carried out simultaneously with a repeated complex vaccination.
How often are cats vaccinated against rabies?
Rabies vaccination is repeated annually.
How long does it last?
Moreover, if the date of the previous vaccination is, for example, 01/01/2020, then the next one must be done no later than 12/31/2020. That is. the interval should not be more than a year.
Side effects
Side effects from rabies are minimal. If all the rules before vaccination were followed, such as a preliminary examination, prevention of worms, parasites, etc. (see below for more details), then the kitten will most likely simply be slightly lethargic and drowsy for some time after vaccination. They may refuse to eat for some time. More serious side effects are extremely rare. But if they suddenly appear, contact your veterinarian immediately.
VACCINES, INCCINATIONS AND THEIR PROTECTION
| Complex vaccination: Panleukopenia + Rhinotracheitis + Calicivirosis | Chlamydia | Rabies | Viral leukemia | FIP | Lichen |
| Felovax, USA | + | + | |||
| Multifel (Russia) | + | + | |||
| KhlamiKon, Russia | + | ||||
| Nobivac rabies, Netherlands | + | ||||
| Rabizin, France | + | ||||
| Felovax LV-K, USA | + | ||||
| Leucocel 2, USA | + | ||||
| Nobivac FORCAT, Netherlands | + | + | |||
| Purevax RCPCh, France | + | + | |||
| Quadricat, France | + | + | |||
| Leucoriphenin | + | ||||
| Nobivac Triquet, Netherlands | + | ||||
| Felocel CVR, USA | + | ||||
| Katavac Chlamydia | + | ||||
| Purevax FeLV, France | + | ||||
| Primucell FIP, USA | + | ||||
| Microderm, Polivac TM for cats, Vakderm – F | + |
Dead or live vaccines?
Vaccinations for cats and kittens can be done with two types of vaccines: dead and live. Let's take a closer look at them and compare them, identifying all the pros and cons.
| Comparison options | Alive | Dead |
| Description | These are weakened but living viruses | Dead viruses introduced into the cat's body |
| Speed of interaction | Immunity develops 6-7 days after the vaccine is administered | Immunity develops immediately after the vaccine is administered |
| Development of immunity | Develop stronger immunity | Immunity is developed only to the amount of injected antibodies that enters the cat’s body upon administration. Due to this, immunity is not as strong as in the case of live vaccines. |
| Post-vaccination period | The post-vaccination period may be more difficult; it is more difficult for animals to tolerate compared to cats vaccinated with dead vaccines. | Passes quite easily, without causing serious complications |
| Peculiarities | Storage and transportation conditions must be strictly observed | |
| Possibility of infecting a cat with this disease | can infect a cat with this virus (if the immune system is very weakened, as well as in the event of a mutation caused by a change in the genetic structure of the animal). But these are isolated cases | It is impossible to infect an animal |
Complications and side effects
Negative consequences of vaccination are unlikely, but their occurrence is not excluded and depends on the state of the animal’s body. Although the risks are minimal, your cat may develop the following complications:
- Allergy. Observed in the first 15 minutes after injection of the drug. Signs: drooling, breathing problems. Since veterinarians do not advise leaving the clinic for half an hour, timely assistance with the use of antihistamines solves the problem;
- Swelling, redness at the injection site. It does not pose a serious danger and is not accompanied by other symptoms. The irritation goes away quickly, the cat’s lump disappears after vaccination, but if purulent formations form, you should immediately consult a doctor;
- Incubation. If the infection in the cat’s body was in the incubation period at the time of vaccination, a sharp development of the disease begins. If quarantine is observed before vaccination and a thorough examination by a specialist, this negative effect is excluded.
After vaccination, the cat may be lethargic or, on the contrary, hyperactive, there may be slight disturbances in appetite, and a slight increase in temperature. Most likely this will be the result of stress.
Important: cats picked up on the street cannot be vaccinated without prior quarantine and testing. Vaccination not only may not help, it can provoke illness, which will greatly harm a pet taken from the street.
Cost of vaccinations for kittens and cats. Vaccine prices
How much does vaccination cost for cats and kittens? — Vaccination usually consists of the following prices:
- price of a veterinarian's work (preliminary examination, vaccination)
- the cost of the vaccine itself
- cost of veterinary passport
How much does it cost to get vaccinated? – Naturally, it’s different in every clinic. There are those who even provide vaccination for free, and there are those where the cost is close to the cost of the vaccine itself. Therefore, we will not dwell on this issue, because everyone can check the price in the clinic they are interested in.
Cost of vaccinations We will look at the average cost of comprehensive vaccinations, as well as rabies vaccinations. The remaining vaccines are very individual, and their price can be found directly at the veterinary clinic. We give the average cost in US dollars
Cost of comprehensive vaccination for a cat
| Complex vaccination | Price | Revaccination after 21 days (re-vaccination with this vaccine) |
| Felovax, USA | 12$ | + |
| Multifel (Russia) | 5$ | + |
| Nobivac FORCAT, Netherlands | 10$ | + |
| Purevax RCPCh, France | 13$ | + |
| Quadricat, France | 16$ | need not |
| Leucoriphenin | 8$ | + |
| Nobivac Triquet, Netherlands | 11$ | + |
| Felocel CVR, USA | 9$ | + |
| Purevax, France | 11$ | + |
Cost of rabies vaccination for a cat
| Rabies, do not vaccinate again | Cost of separate rabies vaccination |
| Nobivac rabies, Netherlands | 3$ |
| Rabizin, France | 2,5$ |
Where is it better to get vaccinated at home or in a clinic?
Many people often wonder where it is better to get vaccinated - at home or in a veterinary clinic? Of course, if you have never encountered this procedure, then you should first consider all the pros and cons.
Many veterinarians recommend performing primary vaccinations at home. The fact is that in small animals the immunity is quite weakened, and contact with other sick patients can lead to infection. If the owner is afraid to do this procedure on his own, then many veterinary clinics offer a special service that makes it possible to call a doctor at home.
Calling a veterinarian to your home is a convenient procedure; it has a number of positive aspects:
- eliminates the need to take the animal to the veterinary clinic across the city;
- no need to sit in line for a long time;
- prevents infection of dangerous diseases from other animals that are brought to the clinic;
- Vaccinating a cat at home is much easier and does not cause severe stress in the animal.
But if it is not possible to vaccinate a cat at home, then the primary vaccination can be carried out at a veterinary clinic. You must follow the rules:
- the animal must be transported in a special sterile bag or carrier;
- a clean and sterile cloth or diaper should be placed under the pet;
- preventing contact of a cat with other infected animals in line.
Note! Vaccination in a veterinary clinic has only one advantage - the issuance of a veterinary passport, which will indicate all the vaccinations given. However, currently this service is also provided at home.
WHEN DO KITTENS GET THE FIRST Vaccination? AT WHAT AGE?
It is recommended to do the first vaccination no earlier than 2 months. At this age, it is quite easily tolerated and well absorbed. If we are talking about professional nurseries that care about the health of babies, then at 3 months they move to a new home. And decent breeders try to fully vaccinate kittens by this age (i.e., at 2 months, the first vaccination, and then again after 21 days). Also, along with revaccination with a complex vaccination, an additional rabies vaccination is often given.
How to prepare a cat, cat, kitten for vaccination
Preparation for vaccination, whether for a kitten or an adult cat, begins with deworming (getting rid of worms).
Deworming
For kittens and adult animals, deworming is carried out with some special features.
Kittens
Exactly 10 days before the first vaccination, we give the kitten an anti-worm tablet/paste/syrup. This is done to develop stronger immunity with the introduction of a vaccine. Most often, preference is given to tablets, since they are easier to get the kitten to eat. You can simply stir it with food or pour it into your mouth. If it is syrup or paste, it is easier to dose (calculated by weight). However, when the kitten realizes that liquid has been forcefully poured into its mouth, it tries with all its might to spit it all out, running around the house, shaking its head and drooling.
It is best to throw your head back and hold it like that for a while.
Before re-vaccination (re-vaccination), it is not necessary to repeat the deworming.
Here are some recommended drugs for worms: Dirofen, Febtal, Panacur, Polyvercan, Profender (single dose), Kanikvantel, Trontsil K, Prazitel, Pirantel (safe drug, does not cause intoxication).
Adult cats and kittens
Before vaccination, adult cats also undergo deworming 10 days before vaccination, regardless of when it was done previously. If the cat has not been vaccinated before, this should be done before the first vaccination. Before re-vaccination (re-vaccination), it is not necessary to repeat the deworming.
Prevention of parasites
It is also advisable to take prophylaxis against parasites (fleas, ticks, etc.) before vaccination (at least a week in advance), since they also weaken the body. Kittens can be washed with a special shampoo, and adult animals can be given drops on the withers (sold at a veterinary pharmacy).
Examination on the day of vaccination
On the day of vaccination, the kitten, cat or female cat must be completely healthy! There should be no signs of lethargy, drowsiness, or poor appetite. Immediately before administering the vaccine, the veterinarian must measure the animal’s temperature (in a healthy state it ranges from 38 to 39 degrees), examine the eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, ears, and mucous membranes for the absence of diseases. The kitten's internal organs are also palpated.
Post-vaccination period
After vaccination, the animal should not be subjected to stress, heavy physical activity, or taken outside the home/apartment. Most likely, immediately after vaccination, kittens and cats will sleep and behave rather sluggishly - this is a normal state. You don’t need to do anything, it goes away within a day, often in a few hours.
The only thing you should do is watch the animal for a while. Unfortunately, isolated cases of anaphylactic shock (allergic reaction) occur, in which the larynx swells and the kitten begins to have difficulty breathing. In this case, contact your veterinarian immediately!
Vet clinic
Our specialty is reflected in our name – a good veterinarian.
A large number of clinics allow us to provide assistance to animals without wasting time and money on travel - this allows us to declare that we are always nearby, and we are ready to take responsibility for the life of your four-legged friend.
The veterinary clinic is an ambulance for your pet!
A veterinary clinic with experienced doctors provides emergency care for sick animals. It often happens that for a whole day a cat or dog felt great, played happily - and suddenly their condition worsened sharply. What to do in this case? There is a solution: this is a 24-hour veterinary clinic. You can bring your pet here at any time - day or night.
24-hour veterinary clinic: doctors will see you immediately!
It is extremely convenient for animal owners that the veterinary clinic is open throughout the day. Routine vaccinations can be done during the day. Emergency admissions to four-legged patients are provided as needed.
This type of service is convenient and beneficial for animal owners who are busy with service matters during working hours. They experience difficulties of various kinds: they do not have time to vaccinate, cut the dog’s hair, trim the cat’s claws, or sterilize. A veterinary clinic that serves clients 24 hours a day without a break allows you to solve the listed problems freely, without much stress. There is no need to take time off from work when you need to carry out an important pet care procedure.
Consulting services
Information about the rules for keeping cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters is easy to obtain from various sources. It is advisable to first contact specialists with appropriate education. The clinic is staffed with highly qualified personnel: surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical assistants. Years of study at a higher educational institution have given them the knowledge that helps them quickly and efficiently carry out diagnostics, identifying the cause of a furry client’s illness. The result of this is to determine the correct treatment paths.
An important factor in ensuring good health is timely informing owners about all the dangers that may await their little friends. The veterinary clinic plays an important role in this matter: its employees are required to advise clients on the prevention of infectious diseases, the fight against worms, and the need for vaccination. Owners who love their “little brothers” have a lot of questions. Representatives of the medical staff of the Good Veterinarian clinic are ready to answer them.
The veterinary clinic is equipped with modern equipment
There is no doubt that a veterinary clinic equipped with the latest medical technology will be able to provide the best care to its clients. The in-depth knowledge of the medical staff may not be enough if the hospital does not have medicines or modern equipment for examinations and surgical operations.
Animals and people equally need quality care, and “The Good Veterinarian” meets the expectations of city residents, fully satisfying their needs.
The 24-hour veterinary clinic performs planned and urgent surgeries. Emergency care is a guarantee of survival for a dumb patient who urgently needs medical examination and care.
Come to the address indicated on the website. Kind, sympathetic, professional veterinarians will provide a warm welcome, help determine the cause of the animal’s illness, and carry out the necessary procedures and manipulations. We assure you: your pet will again be a cheerful, carefree, joyful creature, bringing moments of happiness to family members.
veterinary hospital
VACCINATION OF CATS Vaccination SCHEDULE
We give an example of the schedule of mandatory vaccinations for kittens and adult cats in the table. The table shows the dates starting from the first vaccination. It will also become clear how often vaccinations should be repeated and how long they last after administration. Check out our VACCINATION CALENDAR.
Vaccination table for cats by age
| Age of kitten, cat or cat | Vaccination, preparation |
| Deworming | 2 months (10 days before the first vaccination) |
| Prevention of parasites (fleas, ticks, etc.) | 2 months |
| First complex vaccination (panleukopenia + rhinotracheitis + calicivirosis) | 2 months and 10 days |
| Revaccination (repeated complex vaccination) | 3 months (i.e. 21 days after the first vaccination) |
| Rabies | There are vaccines that allow rabies to be given at the same time as the revaccination (i.e. at 3 months) or rabies can be given later |
| Next - according to schedule | |
| Deworming | Repeat every 3 months, also ALWAYS additionally before complex vaccination (10 days before) |
| Prevention of fleas and ticks | As needed |
| Complex vaccination | Repeat once a year |
| Rabies | Repeat once a year |
What are we vaccinating against?
The vaccine for cats is administered to prevent:
- rabies
- calicivirus
- viral rhinotracheitis
- panleukopenia
- chlamydia (not found in all vaccines)
- viral leukemia (separate vaccine)
