The Importance of Kitten Vaccinations

Following the appropriate kitten vaccination schedule is very important for the long-term health of your cat. Kittens are susceptible to a variety of infections due to their young age and immature immune systems. Plus, vaccinations occurring at the appropriate time is important, especially when it is unknown if the kitten received adequate nursing from his or her mother.

Beginning at 6 weeks of age, kittens should receive a series of vaccines over a 12 to 15-week period.

Visits Schedule

  • Physical Exam
  • FVRCP Vaccine
  • Intestinal Parasite Screening
  • Dewormer
  • Revolution Plus (if appropriate by weight; flea/tick/worm prevention)

INITIAL VISIT Age: 6 - 8 weeks

    • Physical Exam
    • FVRCP Vaccine
    • FELV Vaccine (1st)
    • FELV /FIV combo testing*
    • Intestinal Parasite Screening
    • Dewormer
    • Revolution Plus

*A combo test is necessary to screen for Feline Leukemia Virus (FELV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). These are viral diseases that can affect the overall health and lifespan of your kitten, and are potentially contagious to other cats.

SECOND VISIT Age: 9 - 11 Weeks

  • Physical Exam
  • FVRCP Vaccine
  • FELV Vaccine (Annual)
  • Intestinal Parasite Screening
  • Revolution Plus

THIRD VISIT Age: 12- 15 Weeks

  • Physical Exam
  • FVRCP Vaccine (Annual)
  • Rabies Vaccine (Annual)
  • Intestinal Parasite Screening
  • 6 Months Revolution Plus

FOURTH VISIT Age: 15+ Weeks

*Schedule spay/neuter at last visit if appropriate.

*Ideally, a patient needs at least two (2) FVRCP vaccines 2-3 weeks apart, ending at 15+ weeks of age.

So, what do all these acronyms and vaccines mean? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.

FVRCP

This vaccine helps prevent Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), Feline Calicivirus (C) and Feline Panleukopenia (P)
Feline-Rhinotracheitis-icon

Feline Rhinotracheitis

  • FVR is caused by feline herpesvirus-1.
  • Symptoms include an upper respiratory virus in cats and kittens with marked rhinitis, sneezing and conjunctivitis. The initial infection is followed by viral latency, which can periodically reactivate with stress.
  • FVR is transmitted through direct contact with oral, nasal and ocular secretions

cat-Feline-Calicivirus-icon

Feline Calicivirus

  • There are many strains of the feline calicivirus. This typically causes upper respiratory tract disease and oral ulceration, and a potential fever.
  • Feline Calicivirus survives in the environment for up to one month and is transmitted through direct contact with oral, nasal, and ocular secretions.

Feline-Panleukopenia-virus-icon

Feline Panleukopenia

  • This is a highly contagious viral disease caused by feline parvovirus.
  • Feline Panleukopenia attacks white blood cells and the intestinal tract causing clinical signs such as fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting diarrhea and nasal discharge.
  • This illness is transmitted when infected cats shed the virus in their urine, stool and nasal secretions, or even fleas from infected cats.

Rabies-cat-icon

Rabies

  • This vaccine helps prevent rabies, which is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system of mammals.
  • Rabies is transmitted by saliva and can be spread by wildlife such as bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons.
  • A rabies vaccination is required by law, in part because it is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted to humans from infected animals.

virus-icon

Feline Leukemia Virus

  • This vaccine helps prevent the Feline Leukemia Virus which is caused by a retrovirus found worldwide in domestic cats.
  • Feline Leukemia Virus is shed in many body fluids including saliva, urine, feces and milk.
  • Lymphoma and anemia can result secondary to a progressive infection.
  • Transmission of this virus occurs through close contact among animals (licking disease). When infected, cats remain infected for life.