Vaccines for Kittens & Cats

Your cat counts on you for protection. One of the very best things you can do to give your cat a long and healthy life is to ensure they are vaccinated against common feline diseases. Your cat’s mother gave them kitten immunity from disease for the first few weeks of existence by providing disease-fighting antibodies in their milk. After that period it’s up to you, with the help and advice of our veterinarians, to provide further protection.

How do vaccines work in pets?

Vaccines contain small quantities of altered or “killed” viruses, bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. When injected into your cat’s immune system, they produce disease-fighting cells and proteins – or antibodies – to protect them from diseases. They work in much the same way as vaccines in humans.

How often should my cat be vaccinated?

Generally, the immunity that a kitten has at birth begins to diminish after 8 weeks. It is then usually time to begin the initial vaccinations, with the booster following at 3 to 4 weeks later. Thereafter, your cat will require repeat vaccinations for the rest of his or her life. Of course, these are only guidelines. Following our veterinarian’s assessments, we will be able to determine the exact schedule that’s right for your pet.

Which vaccinations should my cat receive?

Most veterinarians believe your pet should be protected against diseases which are most common, highly contagious and which cause serious illness. Such diseases could include Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Chlamydiosis, Feline Leukemia and Rabies. Other vaccinations may be recommended, based on our veterinarian’s evaluation of the risks posed by your cat’s particular heredity, environment and lifestyle.

How effective is vaccination in pets?

Like any drug treatment or surgical procedure, vaccinations are not 100% guaranteed to be effective. However, used in conjunction with proper nutrition and acceptable sanitary conditions, vaccination is clearly your pet’s best defence against disease.