Pet health
Vaccinations
All kittens need to be vaccinated to protect them against infectious diseases. Our recommendations for vaccination are based on the North American AAFP Vaccination Guidelines.
These guidelines recommend that all kittens be vaccinated against panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus and rabies. These diseases are either highly contagious, serious or fatal or, in the case of rabies, a public health concern. In addition, we recommend vaccination against feline leukemia virus for all kittens and for adult outdoor cats or those living in multi-cat households.
Before determining what to recommend for vaccines, we review your kitten’s lifestyle and previous vaccines. We also consider your pet’s age, breed and health status. Most kittens receive their first vaccines at between two and four months of age, then another a year later, and then throughout life at an interval determined by the vaccine. For instance, panleukopenia/herpesvirus/calicivirus vaccines are given every three years to adult cats, whereas rabies and feline leukemia virus vaccines are given annually.
While reactions to vaccines do occasionally occur, the vaccines we recommend and the schedule we advise are designed to minimize the risk while helping to protect your cat.
Although not obvious, indoor cats also require some vaccines. Panleukopenia virus, herpesvirus and calicivirus can be transmitted by droplets in the air (for example, from another cat’s sneeze) or by contact with infected hands or materials. There is also a risk of exposure if a cat requires hospitalization, or if an owner handles another cat outside the home.
Because of the serious public health risk associated with rabies, the law requires that all cats and dogs be vaccinated, even though the risk may be low for an indoor cat.