Why Do Kittens Need Booster Shots

Recent research indicates that not all vaccines require yearly boosters.

Why do kittens need booster shots. They can also strengthen their immune system. The american veterinary medical association and the american association of feline practitioners advise that kittens with lower risks of disease exposure may not need booster shots on an annual basis for most illnesses. Repeated vaccines e g canine distemper parvovirus and adenovirus and feline viral rhinotracheitis panleukopenia and calicivirus are necessary to fully protect puppies and kittens but many owners misunderstand the reason why. The vaccine series doesn t boost immunity after every shot.

Boosters for core vaccines revised thinking holds that cats should receive booster shots every three years for feline panleukopenia feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus. Booster vaccines may also be necessary to travel outside of the country. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Talk with your veterinarian to determine which vaccinations are most appropriate for your kitten.

Kittens should receive this shot at 6 8 weeks because they are very vulnerable to calicivirus and distemper. Some high risk cats may need re vaccination more often. Information on feline herpes. Talk to your veterinarian about your kitten s risk of exposure to these diseases.

Rhinotracheitis or feline herpes virus is deadly in kittens. Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat your vet can help you figure out which. However individual cats differ as do different brands of vaccines in terms of potency. Depending on your location and your kitten s environment certain non core vaccines may also be recommended.

However there is no evidence that annual booster vaccination is anything but beneficial to the majority of cats. Booster shots are recommended for cats that go outdoors or spend time in the kennel when you go away. Many of your kitten s initial shots will be given as a series of boosters every 3 4 weeks. Primary vaccination is essential in order to prevent the return of the once common deadly infectious diseases in kittens and cats.

All kittens need certain core vaccines which provide immunity against the most dangerous and widespread diseases. Most vets recommend adult cats receive an annual fvrcp booster shot while others recommend the booster shot every 3 years. Published research has shown conclusively that abstaining from some boosters can put your cat at risk. 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.

Booster shots may be needed if you were born before a vaccine became a legal requirement or in a region of the world that did not provide the immunization. And even adult cats will need an initial series of shots and boosters for certain vaccinations to achieve the best level of protection.