What Shots Do Kittens Need At What Age
According to the american association of feline practitioners aafp the core vaccines those that are recommended for all cats are feline panleukopenia virus fpv feline herpesvirus 1 fhv 1 and feline calicivirus fcv as well as rabies.
What shots do kittens need at what age. They re often combined into one vaccine that can be administered as early as 6 weeks of age with booster shots administered every 3 4 weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age. Feline rhinotracheitis feline calicivirus and feline panleukopenia fvrcp are what shots kittens need to get a healthy jump on life. I recommend starting vaccinations at about 8 weeks of age continuing until the kitten is 4 months old. These vaccines help protect against upper respiratory diseases herpes and fatal viruses.
However to avoid over vaccination most veterinarians will recommend starting the vaccine at 8 weeks of age followed by boosters at 12 weeks and 16 weeks old. The shots come in a series every 3 to 4. To achieve the best protection possible your kitten will need boosters over the first several months of their life at least until they are between 16 20 weeks old. First year kitten vaccinations when kittens are nursing antibodies in their mother s milk help protect them from infections.
First year kitten shots many of your kitten s initial shots will be given as a series of boosters every 3 4 weeks. But after about six weeks old and eating solid food it s time for them to be vaccinated. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. Rabies is the other core kitten vaccination.
By the time she reaches eight weeks old your kitten should see the veterinarian to begin a series of vaccinations. Annual boosters are recommended for cats who go outdoors or are at high risk for coming in contact with a cat with feline leukemia. When a kitten is at least 3 months old he will need to get a rabies shot. Some vaccines might be given together in one injection that is called a combination vaccine.
All kittens should receive vaccines for rabies upper respiratory infections and distemper. The first series of shots a kitten will usually get is a drcc fvrcp vaccination against feline distemper panleukopenia rhinotracheitis and calici virus. If any cats in your home spend time outdoors you should also have your kitten vaccinated against the feline leukemia virus. Kitties need several immunizations during their first year to protect them against serious diseases.
The kitten should be vaccinated at the age of 8 weeks with a booster about three to four weeks after that.