Are Kitten Vaccinations And Cat Vaccinations Necessary?
Yes, because the cat and kittens owners are responsible for the health of the pet and it is well-being and that is includes happiness and longevity of life, the vaccinations are medically and scientifically proven to prevent various insidious diseases.
Cat Vaccines
FVRCP - Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia
Rabies
FeLV - Feline Leukemia
FIP - Feline infectious peritonitis
Kitten Vaccinations
6-10 Weeks Old: FVRCP (feline distemper)
11-14 Weeks Old: FVRCP (feline distemper), FeLV (feline leukemia)
15+ Weeks Old: FVRCP (feline distemper), FeLV (feline leukemia), rabies vaccine
Adult Cat Vaccinations
Vaccines are given to your cat one year after the end of the kitten series. Combination Vaccine FVRCP, or feline distemper, FeLV for felines at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus (cats that are unsupervised outdoors), and rabies annually as required by law.
*A combination vaccine includes feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus.
**According to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners, cats at low risk of disease exposure may not need to be boostered yearly for most diseases. Consult with the veterinarian at your next visit to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your cat. Remember, recommendations vary depending on the age, breed, and health status of the cat, the potential of the cat to be exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, whether the cat is used for breeding, and the geographical area where the cat lives or may visit.
Are There Risks Associated With Cat Vaccinations?
Cat vaccinations stimulate your kitten or cat's immune system in order to create protection from specific infectious diseases. This can cause mild symptoms to occur ranging from soreness at the injection site to fever and allergic reactions. Cat vaccinations can cause other risks like injection site tumors and immune disease, however such incidences are extremely rare and can be linked to pre-existing genetic and medical conditions. Because of the potential for injection site reactions, we give each vaccine in a specific location that is noted in the cat's medical record.
The fact is, the rewards of cat vaccinations far outweigh any risks. Cat vaccines have saved countless lives and play a vital role in the battle against feline infectious disease. As with any medical procedure, there is a small chance of negative side effects. In most cases, the risks are much smaller than the risks of disease itself.
Possible side effects after vaccinations
Most cats show no ill side effect from receiving a cat vaccine. If your cat does have a reaction, they are usually minor and short-lived.
main side effects are as follow:
Fever
Severe lethargy
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Swelling and redness around the injection site
Lameness
Hives
do consult your vet if any of the above symptoms appeared.
