Kittens and cats, just like humans, are vulnerable to a variety of diseases. This vulnerability is especially true for younger kittens who are just starting to eat food outside of their mother's milk. That's because a mama cat will pass some antibodies to her kittens to ward off common diseases, but they are then left unprotected once they age out of this stage. The good news is that cat vaccinations offer excellent protection against many life-threatening illnesses.
Our friendly veterinarians at Old Town Veterinary Hospital in Murrieta are adept at kitten care and can provide your furry feline with the kitten vaccinations and cat vaccinations they need to stay protected throughout their life. The following is a look at the major kitten vaccinations our veterinarian team recommends for all kittens and cats undergoing a new pet exam with us.
Cat & Kitten Vaccinations
- FVRCP Vaccine: The FVRCP Vaccine is a single vaccine that includes protection against the three common respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases of Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. For kittens, your local Murrieta, CA veterinarian will likely recommend they receive a robust series of the FVRCP vaccination that begins with the first vaccine at 6 to 8 weeks when the kitten is fully weaned and continues every 3 to 4 weeks until age 16 weeks old.
- Rabies Vaccine: Rabies is a severe disease that can be easily transferred from mammal to mammal, meaning that you can catch it from an infected kitten. Even worse, rabies is one of the few known illnesses with no known cure and a very low survival rate. For these reasons, most cities, counties, and states legally require all mammal pets to be regularly vaccinated against rabies.
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Vaccine: FeLV is a very contagious disease among kittens and cats that can lead to serious health issues, including an increased risk for various cancers. For this reason, our veterinarian strongly urges all kittens and cats to get annual FeLV vaccines, especially those exposed to the outdoors.
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Vaccine: FIV is similar to the HIV that persists among humans in that it severely weakens a feline's immune system. Cats with weakened immune systems are more prone to other illnesses, leading to poor outcomes from even minor ailments.
Schedule Your Kitten Care and Cat Vaccinations Today
Is your cat due for their vaccinations? Are you looking for a veterinarian near you? Let our veterinarians at Old Town Veterinary Hospital in Murrieta help your furry friend. Contact us today to learn more about our office, cat and kitten care packages, and to schedule your furry friend's shots.
