Why Do Kittens Need Booster Shots
Recent research indicates that not all vaccines require yearly boosters.
Why do kittens need booster shots. This last point is at the heart of the reason why puppies and kittens need so many shots when they are young. However there is no evidence that annual booster vaccination is anything but beneficial to the majority of cats. If you re wondering why your kitten needs these booster shots this article is for you. Boosters for core vaccines revised thinking holds that cats should receive booster shots every three years for feline panleukopenia feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus.
All kittens need certain core vaccines which provide immunity against the most dangerous and widespread diseases. Vaccines kittens need the first series of shots a kitten will usually get is a drcc fvrcp vaccination against feline distemper panleukopenia rhinotracheitis and calici virus. One common belief is that until booster shots are given kittens don t have full immunity to the diseases they re being vaccinated against. The booster vaccination schedule is dependent on the date and type of the last vaccination your cat received.
The very first time your cat is vaccinated against. And even adult cats will need an initial series of. In reality this isn t the case one vaccine is adequate to protect your kitten against the diseases in question. A vaccine is designed to trigger an immune response and prevent future infection from that disease.
If you do go on vacation and need to check your cat into a kennel vaccinations however are a requirement. Any indoor or outdoor cat needs a rabies booster every one to three years. Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat your vet can help you figure out which. However individual cats differ as do different brands of vaccines in terms of potency.
What booster shots aren t for. When a kitten is at least 3 months old he will need to get a rabies shot. Your cat will need boosters on the core vaccines one year following the initial kitten vaccines. In an effort to strategically protect kittens from diseases veterinarians administer vaccinations at strategic intervals.
After that booster these vaccines are generally boostered every one to three years based on the specific vaccine used and the lifestyle of the cat. Consult your veterinarian for advice about the proper vaccination schedule for your cat. To achieve the best protection possible your kitten will need boosters over the first several months of their life at least until they are between 16 20 weeks old. Rabies vaccinations are necessary booster shots.
Newborn animals have antibodies circulating in their bloodstream that they picked up from their mothers while in utero or through nursing colostrum first milk. These vaccines help protect against upper respiratory diseases herpes and fatal viruses. Some high risk cats may need re vaccination more often. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria.
Primary vaccination is essential in order to prevent the return of the once common deadly infectious diseases in kittens and cats.