Vaccines for Kittens & Cats

Congratulations on your new furry friend! While it is true that many canine infectious diseases occur in kittens, cats of all ages are candidates for infection. As soon as you introduce a new cat into your home, please contact your veterinarian to determine the best schedule for their vaccinations by giving us a call. Remember, many diseases like rabies and leptospirosis are zoonotic (can be transmitted from dogs to humans), so it's best to keep your whole family protected by vaccinating your pets.

How can I keep my cat protected?

After their initial vaccinations series, cats (and dogs) require yearly physical examinations and vaccinations to continue protection against these diseases.

What vaccines do kittens and cats need?

Our feline patients typically receive the following vaccinations:

• FVRCP: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia Psittaci
• Rabies
• Feline Leukemia
• And more depending on the doctor's advice

Are there adverse effects to vaccines?

On rare occasions, yes, but they are usually minor. It is not unusual to detect some lethargy in the 12-24 hours following vaccinations. More severe reactions to vaccinations can occur. These are extremely rare and usually manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, or severe lethargy in the hour after vaccinations. Occasionally, a thickening or lump formation may occur at the vaccination site. If this is painful or persists for more than a week or so with no decrease in size, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

With the rarity of these instances, the protection offered by vaccinating your feline companions outweighs the potential risks. If your pet has had a reaction, we will take steps to ensure this will not happen again. If you have concerns or questions regarding vaccinations, please give us a call so we can discuss them with you.