As a new kitten owner, one of the most important steps in giving them a healthy start to life is the right vaccinations.
At Virginia Veterinary, we know that understanding your kitten vaccinations can be overwhelming, and you might not know where to start.
We put together this guide to walk you through the essentials of kitten vaccinations and help you make informed decisions for your pet’s health.
When should I vaccinate my kitten?
A kitten’s vaccination schedule is designed to give them the best possible protection against common and potentially life-threatening diseases. A vaccination schedule ensures that your kitten receives the necessary vaccinations at the right times to build a strong immune system.
Virginia Veterinary's recommended kitten vaccination schedule
We typically recommend a vaccination schedule at four-week intervals:
- First vaccination at 8 weeks
- Second vaccination at 12 weeks
- Third vaccination at 16 weeks
At each of these scheduled injections, we use a core vaccination called F3, which protects against the following diseases:
- Feline Panleukopaenia (Feline Infectious Enteritis): A highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and even death, particularly in young kittens. The virus attacks the rapidly dividing cells in the body, such as those in the gut, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.
- Feline Herpes Virus (FHV): A common viral infection that causes upper respiratory disease in cats. Symptoms may include sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and sometimes corneal ulcers. The virus remains dormant in the cat’s body and can be reactivated during times of stress, leading to recurrent symptoms.
- Feline Calicivirus (FCV): Another common viral infection that causes upper respiratory disease, as well as oral ulceration and sometimes lameness. FCV is highly contagious and can be more severe than FHV, with some strains causing pneumonia and even death.
What vaccinations are required for outdoor and multi-cat households?
If you intend to allow your cat to roam outdoors or if you have a household with other cats, we recommend vaccinating against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). FIV is a highly contagious virus that can lead to a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to other infections.
The FIV vaccination can be done as part of a kitten vaccination schedule and requires 3 doses, each administered 2 weeks apart.
As with any vaccination, make sure you discuss your kitten’s lifestyle and risk factors with your veterinarian to determine if the FIV vaccine is necessary.
Have kitten vaccination recommendations changed?
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association has recently updated its vaccination guidelines to include the first booster being given at 26 weeks of age, rather than 52 weeks of age. This is designed as a safeguard in case your kitten doesn’t respond to its initial vaccinations; reducing the period of susceptibility.
While this is a variation on most currently implemented vaccination schedules, it’s worth discussing with your veterinarian to ensure your kitten is as protected as possible from infectious diseases.
Frequently asked questions about kitten vaccinations
- Are vaccinations safe for my kitten? Yes, vaccinations are generally safe for kittens. Our veterinarians will carefully consider your kitten’s health before administering vaccines and monitor them for any adverse reactions.
- Can my kitten go outside before completing all vaccinations? We recommend keeping your kitten indoors until they have completed their vaccination schedule to reduce the risk of exposure to infectious diseases.
- How long do kitten vaccinations last? The immunity duration varies with the vaccine. Boosters on most vaccination schedules are given at 12 months, but the World Small Animal Veterinary Association has recently updated its guidelines to include an additional booster at 6 months. Our veterinarians will advise you on the appropriate schedule for your kitten.
At Virginia Veterinary, we provide experienced and compassionate care for every cat and kitten. Vaccinations are an essential part of that care, protecting your kitten from potentially life-threatening diseases. Working with us to provide your kitten with a vaccination schedule will give your kitten the best chance at a happy, healthy life.