Core Vaccinations For Your New Kitten

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Getting a new pet is exciting, and you'll want to set aside plenty of time to play, cuddle and get to know your new family member. But it's important to look after her health too. Most kittens can leave their mothers when they're around eight weeks old, and they can begin getting their first core vaccinations (the ones every cat should get) as early as six weeks, so make sure to ask for any pet vaccination records your kitten has when you get him and set an appointment with a veterinarian as soon as you can after bringing your baby home.

Feline Panleukopenia

Sometimes referred to as feline distemper, the vaccine for feline panleukopenia can be given as early as six weeks, but most veterinarians recommend giving the first dose at around eight weeks of age and following up with additional boosters at 12 weeks and 16 weeks. Feline panleukopenia is highly contagious and is usually most severe in kittens, causing diarrhea, vomiting, severe dehydration and even death. Panleukopenia used to be a leading cause of death in cats, but incidents are much lower now that most kittens get vaccinated against the disease at a young age.

Feline Calicivirus

Calicivirus is a common cause of respiratory infections in cats. It causes nasal and eye discharge and can lead to joint or muscle pain, ulcers on your pet's paws or even pneumonia. Your cat should receive the calicivirus vaccine at around eight weeks old and get two boosters -- one at 12 weeks and one at 16 weeks. While the vaccine won't prevent your pet from getting an upper respiratory disease caused by calicivirus, it will significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and the duration of the infection if she does fall ill.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis

Viral rhinotracheitis can cause upper respiratory disease in your kitten, which can lead to sneezing, eye discharge, fever and loss of appetite. Like the feline calicivirus vaccine, the feline viral rhinotracheitis vaccine helps protect your cat by reducing the severity and duration of the disease if your cat gets it. Some cats do experience some mild sneezing for a day or two after getting the vaccine. If you're bringing home an older kitten, ask your veterinarian about getting the intranasal form of the vaccine, as it provides faster protection than the standard shot form of the vaccine. Like most of your kitten's vaccines, this one is given at around eight weeks, with follow-up boosters at 12 and 16 weeks.

Rabies

Rabies vaccinations are important for most pets, and kittens are no exception. Many states and cities require pets to have regular rabies vaccinations to prevent the spread of the disease, which is often fatal. Some veterinarians vaccinate kittens for rabies as early as 12 weeks, while others choose to wait a little longer.

Talk to your veterinarian about any questions or concerns you have about your kitten's health and follow the recommended vaccination schedule to keep your pet healthy. Your vet will keep records of all your fuzzy friend's shots and remind you when it's time for boosters or new vaccinations.

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26 August 2017

Talking About Vet Services

Hello, I’m Manuel. I would like to discuss the various services offered by veterinarians. Animals are creatures that do not always clearly convey when they are sick or in pain. Regular vet visits can ensure your pets are not quietly suffering from a medical condition without showing signs of a problem. Vets check the pet’s vitals and check for subtle signs of a problem to determine if additional diagnostic tests are required. I will explore the diagnostic process vets use for each health condition or injury. My site will also cover information about common treatments used for pets. Please visit again soon.