From what age are cats vaccinated and which ones?

From what age are cats vaccinated and which ones? - briefly

Cats are typically first vaccinated at around 6-8 weeks of age with core vaccines such as FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia). Booster shots are then administered every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is about 16 weeks old.

From what age are cats vaccinated and which ones? - in detail

Cats, like other pets, require regular vaccinations to protect them from various diseases. The process of vaccinating cats typically begins when they are kittens and continues throughout their lives. Here is a detailed overview of the vaccination schedule for cats:

Initial Vaccines:

Age 6-8 weeks: Kittens usually receive their first set of vaccinations at this age. These include core vaccines against feline panleukopenia (distemper), feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus type 1 (rhinotracheitis).
Age 10-12 weeks: A second set of these core vaccinations is given to ensure the kitten's immune system responds effectively.
Age 14-16 weeks: The final round of core vaccinations is administered at this stage.

Core Vaccines for Cats:

Feline Panleukopenia (FPV): Also known as feline distemper, this virus is highly contagious and often fatal. It causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms and affects the nervous system.
Feline Calicivirus (FCV): This virus causes upper respiratory infections and oral ulcers. While there are several strains of FCV, vaccines provide protection against the most common ones.
Feline Herpesvirus Type 1 (FHV-1): Commonly referred to as rhinotracheitis, this virus causes upper respiratory infections and can lead to chronic eye problems.

Non-Core Vaccines:

Depending on the cat's lifestyle and risk factors, veterinarians may recommend additional vaccinations:

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): This vaccine is recommended for cats that go outdoors or live with other cats at high risk of infection. FeLV is a retrovirus that can cause anemia, cancer, and immunosuppression.
Rabies: While not all cats need to be vaccinated against rabies, it is highly recommended for those that go outside or live in areas where rabies is prevalent. The first rabies vaccine is typically given at 12 weeks of age, with boosters administered one year later and then every three years.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): This vaccine can be given to cats that are at high risk of exposure to FIV through fighting or living in multi-cat households. However, its use is controversial due to the potential for false positives on FIV tests.

Booster Vaccines:

After the initial series of vaccinations, cats require regular boosters to maintain their immunity:

1 year after the initial vaccination series: A booster shot is given to ensure continued protection against diseases.
Every 3 years for core vaccines: After the initial booster, core vaccines are typically administered every three years, depending on the specific vaccine and the cat's risk factors.
Annually for non-core vaccines like rabies and FeLV: These vaccines may need to be given annually, based on the cat's lifestyle and exposure risks.

Conclusion:

Vaccinating cats is a crucial part of responsible pet ownership. By adhering to a comprehensive vaccination schedule, you can help protect your feline companion from serious diseases and ensure they live a long and healthy life. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best vaccination plan for your cat based on their individual needs and risk factors.