Vaccinations are essential for keeping our cats and kittens healthy and safe from serious diseases. Our Bakersfield vets recommend ensuring that your cat has received all of the core pet vaccinations in order to provide an adequate level of protection for lifelong health and happiness.
Pet Vaccinations for Cats
To protect your kitten from contracting a number of serious feline-specific diseases, it is essential to have your kitten vaccinated. After your kitten's first vaccinations it is equally important to follow up with regular booster shots throughout your cat's lifetime.
Booster shots 'boost' your cat's protection against a range of feline diseases, as the effectiveness of the initial vaccine wears off. Booster shots for different vaccines are given on varying schedules. Your vet will let you know when to bring your cat back their booster shots.
Cat Vaccinations
Pet vaccinations for cats fall into two basic types.
Core cat vaccinations are essential for all cats. These pet vaccinations are considered vital for protecting your cat from the following common and serious feline conditions:
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
- Feline calicivirus (FCV)
- Feline herpesvirus type I (FHV, FHV-1)
- Rabies
Non-core cat vaccinations are suitable for some cats, based on their lifestyle. Your vet will advise you as to which non-core vaccinations are recommended for your cat. Non-core pet vaccinations include protection against:
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
- Bordetella
- Chlamydophila felis
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
At what age should my cat receive their vaccinations?
At about six to eight weeks of age, your kitten should see the veterinarian for their first round of pet vaccinations. After that, your kitten should receive a series of cat vaccinations at three or four-week intervals until they are about 16 weeks old.
Will my cat require regular booster vaccinations?
Adult cats should receive booster vaccinations in Bakersfield either yearly or every three years depending on the vaccine. Your vet will advise you on when you bring your adult cat back for their booster shots.
Is the first round of pet vaccinations enough to protect my cat?
Your kitten is not fully vaccinated until they have received all of their injections, at about 12-16 weeks of age. Once they have received all of those initial pet vaccinations your kitten will be protected against the diseases covered by the vaccines.
If you choose to allow your cat or kitten to explore outdoor prior to their pet vaccinations being completed then you should always ensure that you keep them secured in your back yard and not allow them to wander.
Will my indoor cat need to receive pet vaccinations?
You may not think that your indoor cats need to have vaccinations done, however many states require that cats over the age of 6 months receive the rabies pet vaccination. Your vet will provide you with proof of vaccination for your cat at the time that your pet receives their vaccinations. Be sure to keep this document safe.
When it comes to your cat's health it's always better to err on the side of caution. Cats can be curious creatures. Our vets recommend that indoor cats receive all of the core vaccinations to protect against diseases they may be exposed to if they manage to escape the safety of home.