Why Do Kittens Need Distemper Shots

Due to the ubiquity of the disease among cats all over the world it is important to recognize the symptoms of distemper.

Why do kittens need distemper shots. These vaccines help protect against upper respiratory diseases herpes and fatal viruses. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical in saving a cat s life. There is no excuse for not vaccinating cats against feline distemper. The virus that causes feline distemper is a fast moving killer that can take out a cat in a matter of days.

The fvrcp vaccine is important for all cats including indoor cats because it protects against three viruses that are airborne and spread without cat to cat contact. All kittens need certain core vaccines which provide immunity against the most dangerous and widespread diseases. Repeated vaccines e g canine distemper parvovirus and adenovirus and feline viral rhinotracheitis panleukopenia and calicivirus are necessary to fully protect puppies and kittens but many owners misunderstand the reason why. Depending on your location and your kitten s environment certain non core vaccines may also be recommended.

Extremely contagious distemper manifests as loss of appetite fever vomiting and diarrhea and depression. Core vaccines are considered essential for kittens in most geographical locations. When a kitten is at least 3 months old he will need to get a rabies shot. It s caused by a parvovirus that wreaks havoc in puppies and kittens infected with distemper suffer a very high mortality rate.

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. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Here s everything you need to know about the distemper vaccine and why it s important. Talk to your veterinarian about your kitten s risk of exposure to these diseases.

Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat your vet can help you figure out which. Kittens should receive this shot at 6 8 weeks because they are very vulnerable to calicivirus and distemper. They can also strengthen her immune system. Affected animals rapidly dehydrate.