How to Vaccinate a Kitten

When you get a new kitten, you need to ensure that it stays healthy for many years to come. To keep your kitten healthy, you should make an appointment to vaccinate the animal against common feline diseases. Vaccinations for cats typically begin at six weeks of age and should not be delayed more than 12 weeks. Read on to learn how to vaccinate a kitten.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Call your vet. Once you purchase or adopt your new kitten, set up an appointment for your pet to be brought in for vaccinations.

2. Have the cat vaccinated against feline distemper. The distemper vaccine is usually given in two doses, three to four weeks apart. Kittens as young as six weeks can receive the distemper vaccine.

3. Ask about the combination vaccine FVRC. This vaccine protects against common upper respiratory infections that occur in cats. This is also given in two doses, three to four weeks apart.

4. Get the rabies vaccine after 12 weeks of age. Kittens are eligible to receive the vaccination for rabies when they are older than three months.

5. Find out about optional vaccines for kittens. Other vaccines manufactured for kittens include the Feline Lukemia virus and the Feline Immunodeficiency virus. Your vet will decide if your kitten is at risk of exposure to these diseases.

Tips & Warnings

• Many breeders will vaccinate a kitten before you purchase the animal. Ask about what vaccinations she has received prior to sale.
• Make sure you get a certified copy of your kitten's vaccinations from your vet once she has received them.

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