How to Get a Kitten a Shot

A veterinarian will examine your kitten to make sure it's healthy.

You can get shots for your kitten from a veterinarian or clinic. Kittens are typically vaccinated against rabies, feline panleukopenia (distemper), feline leukemia virus, feline viral rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus. Rabies vaccination is required by law in many areas, and it's a good idea to get the other vaccinations as well. Distemper has a mortality rate of more than 90 percent in kittens, and most cats will be exposed. Fortunately, vaccines work in more than 95 percent of vaccinated animals and are relatively safe.

Instructions

1. Find a veterinarian or clinic that will be open when you are available. Some veterinarians have extended weekday hours, and others may have weekend hours. You can find this information online through websites like Healthy Pet, Yelp, Yellow Pages or Insider Pages. You can also use Google and other search engines to find veterinarians or free clinics.

2. Check reviews and ask your neighbors for a recommendation. Yelp, Yellow Pages and Insider Pages display user reviews. Pick out a few veterinarians with a lot of positive reviews.

3. Check out the veterinarians' or clinics' websites. Their websites may tell you about the veterinarians, their experience, their education, if they belong to any professional organizations, details about the services that are offered and may list pricing information. Consider finding a veterinarian that also has other services you may need in the future. Not all veterinarians will provide the same services, such as boarding, declawing and emergency care.

4. Call the veterinarians once you have narrowed your list. Ask questions, like how much an office visit and vaccinations will cost. Once you have found a veterinarian or clinic that you like, make an appointment to get your kitten vaccinated.

5. Take your kitten to the veterinarian. Most veterinarians ask that you bring your kitten in a carrier. Gently place your kitten in a carrier and close the door. Make sure you hold the carrier level when you walk and secure the carrier in the car. Your veterinarian will give your kitten the necessary vaccines and booster shots. According to Dr. Christianne Schelling, most vaccines are initially given when the kitten is 12 weeks old, and booster shots are given 2 to 4 weeks later.

Tips & Warnings

• After a vaccination, give your kitten a dark, quiet place to relax. Animals usually like to sleep after they are vaccinated.

References

• Luv My Pet; Cat Vaccinations; 2010
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine; Feline Vaccines: Benefits and Risks; 2006
• Feline Journal of Medicine and Surgery; Feline Panleukopenia. ABCDG Guidelines on Prevention and Management; Truyen et al.; July 2009
• Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association; Adverse Events After Vaccine Administration; George Moore, DVM, PhD, DACVPM, DACVIM et al.; July 2007
• Cat Vaccines; Feline Vaccination Guidelines; Dr. Christianne Schelling; 2011

Resources

• Google
• Yelp
• AT&T
• Insider Pages