What Vaccines does a New Kitten Need

Congratulations on bringing home your new furry four-legged friend! A cat will undoubtedly be a cherished member of the family for years to come. Our veterinarian at Cochrane Animal Hospital in Morgan Hill, CA, is ready to assist as you and your new kitty acclimate to life together.

If this is your first time owning a cat so young, you might wonder about the kinds of vaccinations your kitten needs. Read on for all the information you are looking for.

Vaccines New Kittens Require

As your new kitten gets used to life at home, your kitten will need to be protected against these diseases and conditions:

•           Distemper

•           Rabies

•           Feline leukemia

•           Bordetella

•           Panleukopenia

•           Feline calicivirus

•           FVRCP

•           FeLV

When Do Kittens Need These Vaccines?

You should bring your kitten in to see the vet within the first six to eight weeks of life. Here is a standard vaccination schedule.

•           6 to 8 weeks: Initial FVRCP and FeLV if possible

•           10 to 12 weeks: Second FVRCP and second FeLV

•           14 to 16 weeks: Third FVRCP, rabies, third FeLV

•           One Year: FVRCP booster and rabies

•           Three Years: Rabies booster and FVRCP booster

Are Kitten Vaccines Expensive?

The cost of kitten vaccines varies depending on factors such as the type of vaccine, your location, and the manufacturer. On average, vaccine pricing starts at $15 to $20 and can cost as high as $45 to $50 per shot.

While getting one cat up to date on vaccines can be costly, it is far more price-effective than having to take your cat to the vet and pay for expensive treatments because you skipped the vaccines.

Do Kitten Vaccines Cause Side Effects?

Please be advised that your kitten may experience some side effects after receiving a vaccine for rabies, FeLV, or FVRCP. Your kitten’s appetite may be diminished immediately after the vaccine, and your kitten may have a fever.

The cat could have warmth around their injection site, sometimes with swelling. Your cat may also be sleepy and not in a playful mood.

Although a little distressing, these symptoms are all considered normal and should abate within a day or two.

Cochrane Animal Hospital, a Trusted Veterinarian Near You in Morgan Hill, CA

We know you value your pets like family. At Cochrane Animal Hospital in Morgan Hill, CA, so do we. Our experts provide pet vaccinations near you so you can get your feline friend up to date on shots and ready to live a happy, long, fulfilling life. Contact us today to schedule your appointment or if you have any questions.