Why Do Kittens Need Booster Shots

Don t assume that your cat doesn t need at least some vaccines just because he doesn t go outside.

Why do kittens need booster shots. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. Recent research indicates that not all vaccines require yearly boosters. Core vaccines are considered essential for kittens in most geographical locations. The series of kitten shots should begin when your kitten is a few weeks old or when you get a new cat.

Ultimately how frequently your cat should be vaccinated is determined by your. I understand that but if it is in the cat s best interests from a health standpoint i think it is important to do. Here s the timeline breakdown of the typical cat vaccination schedule. Some pet parents are reluctant to do this due to the need for an additional trip back to the vet s office.

Many vaccines require a booster shot after the initial dose to continue preventing the disease. Adult cats need shots less often usually every year or every 3 years depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last. The shots come in a series every 3 to 4 weeks. But a lot of the time vaccines aren t that simple.

6 8 weeks old or when you get your new cat. Unfortunately it s a common misconception that indoor cats don t need to be vaccinated because they won t encounter other cats or disease carrying animals. The aafp advisory panel recommends administering felv vaccines to all kittens but considers the vaccine to be noncore for cats after their one year booster unless they are at risk of exposure. Some diseases are more resilient than others.

Vaccines are an important part of keeping your cat healthy. Depending on your location and your kitten s environment certain non core vaccines may also be recommended. Then they must be boostered a year latyer. I have found that if only one vaccine is given at a time there tends to be less of a reaction.

Primary vaccination is essential in order to prevent the return of the once common deadly infectious diseases in kittens and cats. However there is no evidence that annual booster vaccination is anything but beneficial to the majority of cats. Your vet will follow up these shots with regular booster visits which will continue for a few months. The general consensus among veterinarians is that kittens definitely need a certain amount of care and booster shots regardless of whether they go outdoors or are strictly indoor cats along with deworming medication kittens are notorious for getting worms from their mothers milk they need booster shots as well to keep them healthy as they grow.

The vaccine series doesn t boost immunity after every shot. Why are booster shots necessary. When to give vaccines.