Do you know which vaccinations your cat needs and when? If not, then take a few moments to read over our tips here. It is crucial that to make sure your cat gets his shots and gets them on time. There are a number of illnesses he doesn´t have to experience if he visits the vet once a year.
- Rabies is the only vaccination required by law for your cat. He should have his first vaccination against rabies at 3 months of age. Then, he should have the vaccination yearly. There is also a three-year vaccine against rabies, which your cat can have after the vaccine in his first year.
- At the age of 9 weeks, your kitten should receive his first dose of FRVCP. This is a combination shot that covers the upper respiratory virus, feline rhinotracheitis; calicivirus, which is another upper respiratory illness; and panlukemia, which is also known as feline distemper. He will receive a second dose of this vaccine at 12 weeks. After the second dose is administered, your cat should have this vaccination yearly.
- The vaccination for feline leukemia is given at about the same age as FRVCP. Your kitty should receive his first dose of this vaccine around 9 weeks, then again between 11 and 13 weeks. Again, after the second dose, your cat should have this vaccination yearly.
- Vets also recommend that you vaccinate your cat against feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) at the age of 4 months, another in 2 to 4 weeks and yearly thereafter. FIP is triggered by a virus that can cause cat illnesses that are difficult to diagnose, and possibly lead to death. Symptoms of FIP include unexplained fevers, lethargy, weight loss, eye disease or kidney disease.
Cats can provide years of love and affection. But they are a huge commitment and require lots of care. You cannot neglect your cat's health anymore than you can neglect a baby's.
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