Healthy Cats

Vaccinations for Kittens and Cats

When Should My Kitten Be Vaccinated?

Kittens automatically receive antibodies in the milk their mother produces if their mother has a healthy immune system. These antibodies help protect against infectious disease until the kitten's own immune system develops. When the kitten is around six to eight weeks of age, your veterinarian can begin to administer a series of vaccines at three- or four-week intervals until the kitten reaches 16 weeks of age.

Are There Any Riska Associated with Vaccines?

Immunizations are supposed to mildly stimulate the animal’s immune system in order to create protection from specific infectious diseases. This stimulation can create mild symptoms, ranging from soreness at the injection site to fever and allergic reactions. There are other, less common side effects like injection site tumors and immune disease associated with vaccination. That said, it is important to realize that 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 side effects. In most cases, the risks are much smaller than the risks of disease itself. But it is important to talk to your veterinarian about your cat’s medical history before he is vaccinated.

What Symptoms Should I Look For?

Most cats show no ill effect from vaccination. Vaccine reactions are usually minor and short-lived. Clinical signs include:

• Fever
• Sluggishness
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Swelling and redness around the injection site
• Lameness

What Should I Do If I ThinkMy Cat is Having an Adverse Reaction to a Vaccine?

If you suspect your cat is having a reaction to a vaccine, call your veterinarian immediately.