Why Do Kittens Need Booster Shots

Here s the timeline breakdown of the typical cat vaccination schedule.

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. The series of kitten shots should begin when your kitten is a few weeks old or when you get a new cat. Then they must be boostered a year latyer. Some pet parents are reluctant to do this due to the need for an additional trip back to the vet s office.

But a lot of the time vaccines aren t that simple. 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. Why are booster shots necessary. 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.

Many vaccines require a booster shot after the initial dose to continue preventing the disease. The vaccine series doesn t boost immunity after every shot. Don t assume that your cat doesn t need at least some vaccines just because he doesn t go outside. Ultimately how frequently your cat should be vaccinated is determined by your.

When to give vaccines. Primary vaccination is essential in order to prevent the return of the once common deadly infectious diseases in kittens and cats. Your vet will follow up these shots with regular booster visits which will continue for a few months. Depending on your location and your kitten s environment certain non core vaccines may also be recommended.

The shots come in a series every 3 to 4 weeks. Adult cats need shots less often usually every year or every 3 years depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last. I have found that if only one vaccine is given at a time there tends to be less of a reaction. Some diseases are more resilient than others.

The problem is countless people ignore the need for a booster shot to stay disease free in the future. I understand that but if it is in the cat s best interests from a health standpoint i think it is important to do. 6 8 weeks old or when you get your new cat. 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.

However there is no evidence that annual booster vaccination is anything but beneficial to the majority of cats. Recent research indicates that not all vaccines require yearly boosters. All kittens need certain core vaccines which provide immunity against the most dangerous and widespread diseases.