Why Do Kittens Need Booster Shots

Core vaccines are considered essential for kittens in most geographical locations.

Why do kittens need booster shots. They can also strengthen their immune system. Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat your vet can help you figure out which. Repeated vaccines e g canine distemper parvovirus and adenovirus and feline viral rhinotracheitis panleukopenia and calicivirus are necessary to fully protect puppies and kittens but many owners misunderstand the reason why. Information on feline herpes.

Statistics find 7 of 10 infected kittens do not survive the virus and those that do often suffer from neurological damage. Boosters for core vaccines revised thinking holds that cats should receive booster shots every three years for feline panleukopenia feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus. However individual cats differ as do different brands of vaccines in terms of potency. Kittens should receive this shot at 6 8 weeks because they are very vulnerable to calicivirus and distemper.

All kittens need certain core vaccines which provide immunity against the most dangerous and widespread diseases. And even adult cats will need an initial series of shots and boosters for certain vaccinations to achieve the best level of protection. To achieve the best protection possible your kitten will need boosters over the first several months of their life at least until they are between 16 20 weeks old. Primary vaccination is essential in order to prevent the return of the once common deadly infectious diseases in kittens and cats.

However recommendations vary by breed potential of exposure the health of a cat and the geographic location in which the kitten lives. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Talk to your veterinarian about your kitten s risk of exposure to these diseases. Booster shots are recommended for cats that go outdoors or spend time in the kennel when you go away.

Many of your kitten s initial shots will be given as a series of boosters every 3 4 weeks. Booster vaccines may also be necessary to travel outside of the country. Published research has shown conclusively that abstaining from some boosters can put your cat at risk. The vaccine series doesn t boost immunity after every shot.

Talk with your veterinarian to determine which vaccinations are most appropriate for your kitten. Depending on your location and your kitten s environment certain non core vaccines may also be recommended. Most vets recommend adult cats receive an annual fvrcp booster shot while others recommend the booster shot every 3 years. Recent research indicates that not all vaccines require yearly boosters.

The american veterinary medical association and the american association of feline practitioners advise that kittens with lower risks of disease exposure may not need booster shots on an annual basis for most illnesses. Rhinotracheitis or feline herpes virus is deadly in kittens.