How old should my cat be before they get their first vaccination?
Between six to eight weeks old is when they should have their initial distemper vaccine. They should receive all of their vaccines before they reach sixteen weeks old.
Vaccinations: Cats
In order to protect the health and wellness of your cat it is important to have them vaccinated. Our Whittier cat vaccinations will protect your cat from specific diseases and illnesses. There are certain vaccines, known as core vaccines, which will cover all of the basic health requirements for your cat, and then there are non-core vaccines, which are recommended based on the lifestyle of your cat. Your cat will need to have booster shots to keep their vaccines up to date throughout a lifetime.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are the fundamental and necessary vaccines for all cats to ensure their basic good health. The core vaccines we provide for all cats are:
- Rabies
- Feline distemper
- Feline calcivirus
- Feline herpes virus
Non-Core Vaccines
Some cats that spend a lot of time outdoors will require additional vaccines to protect them against potential illnesses that they could contract from the environment such as:
- Feline immunodeficiency virus
- Feline leukemia virus
- Bordetella
- Chlamydophila felis, or C felis
What Does the Usual Schedule of Vaccinations Look Like?
- Between six to eight weeks your kitten should be vaccinated against distemper, Herpes virus type 1, and calcivirus.
- At around 10 weeks they should be vaccinated against chlamydophila
- At twelve weeks or more they should receive their rabies and feline leukemia shots
- As an adult they should receive the majority of these vaccinations every one to two years
If my cat lives indoors, does it need to have vaccinations?
Yes, there are a few severe illnesses that cats can get, even if they spend their lives inside. The core vaccines are essential to all cats, regardless of their lifestyles. We are here to give you all the information you need to help you to protect the health of your indoor cat and extend their life.
When does my kitten need their first rabies vaccination?
Sometime after they are twelve weeks old, and then a second one should be administered a year after. It will then be recommended that they receive booster shots every three years to ensure that they are protected against rabies.
What happens if I don’t know the medical history of my cat?
Many animals that are adopted don’t have a medical history. Our approach is to administer some of our core cat vaccinations in Whittier as a safety precaution in case they have not been vaccinated. This includes rabies and distemper vaccinations.
What if my cat is pregnant or nursing?
Pregnant or nursing cats should not be vaccinated, unless a vaccine has been specifically tested for safety for pregnant and nursing cats. We do not want to jeopardize the lives of the kittens with exposure to vaccinations when they are too young or by compromising the health of your cat as their body is already under a great deal of stress. We can schedule vaccinations at a point when they have recovered from pregnancy and nursing.
Do cats experience side-effects from getting shots?
Many cats heal rapidly after getting an injection, although sometimes there are reports of side-effects. If you become aware of any of the following, please contact us so that we can assess their symptoms.
- Any trouble with breathing
- Loose stools or diarrhea
- They stop eating or refuse to eat
- Fever and fatigue
- Skin irritation, hives, or inflammation
- Swollen or red skin around the injection site
- Vomiting or seizures
When do their vaccinations take effect?
Vaccines do not work immediately; it will take a roughly two weeks before they become effective. It takes time for the immune system to pick up on the vaccine and respond to it. Typically, the vaccines will begin to take effect before the end of the first week, with full effects developing around two weeks.
It is important to give your cat time to develop this response to their vaccines prior to letting them socialize with other animals or allowing them to go outside. This ensures that their health is protected before there is any possible exposure to disease. Often, we will suggest staggering vaccinations so that each vaccine can be recognized by the immune system and a proper response can take effect.
Contact Us
All people who have a cat as a part of their family should schedule regular checkups with our veterinary team and schedule regular vaccinations at Affordable Animal Hospital in Whittier. We are determined to provide excellent care for your cat at an affordable price, so that your cat lives a long and healthy life. Scheduling regular appointments can help to extend the life of your cat by keeping them well and happy.
Contact Us
Affordable Animal Hospital Whittier
7247 Painter Ave.
Whittier, Ca 90602
Tel:
(562) 444-5611
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am to 5pm
Sat: 9am-5pm
