Why do kittens need to be vaccinated? Which drugs are better? At what age should a kitten get its first vaccination? How will he feel after the injection?

What will you learn from the article?

1. Why do kittens need to be vaccinated?
2. Kitten's first vaccination
3. Preparing for vaccination
4. What to do after vaccination
5. Vaccination schedule for kittens Mandatory vaccinations for kittens
6. Additional vaccinations

Vaccination of kittens is an important and mandatory part of medical care for pets. Kitten vaccinations are needed to protect against major infectious diseases. They help protect the baby from diseases and prevent their widespread spread. If you do not vaccinate your kitten in a timely manner, its immune system will not be ready to deal with viruses and bacteria and will not be able to fight them off.

How and when to vaccinate kittens? What vaccinations are given to kittens according to the mandatory vaccination schedule? Which ones are done only when necessary? When is the first vaccination given and how should the animal be prepared for it? You will find answers to all these and other questions in our material.

Why do kittens need to be vaccinated?

Newborn kittens do not have a fully developed immune system, so their body is vulnerable to various diseases and they cannot fight diseases on their own. During the first weeks of their life, they are protected by their mother cat, who feeds them milk rich in antibodies. These maternal antibodies form temporary immunity, the duration of which is individual for each kitten.

On average, maternal protection lasts up to 7-8 weeks.

To help the immune system, kittens need to be vaccinated against the most common and dangerous diseases. Veterinarians cannot predict exactly when any given kitten will lose its maternal protection. Therefore, kittens begin to be vaccinated at strategic intervals - when the animal’s body may be most vulnerable to a particular disease.

Important!

All kittens without exception need to be vaccinated. Even if a pet lives at home and does not go outside, it is not protected from viruses and bacteria. Other pets or you yourself can bring pathogens of dangerous diseases into your home on shoes, clothes and household items.

Why is cat vaccination necessary?

Vaccination of cats is an effective measure to prevent a number of diseases, aimed at stimulating the production of antibodies that destroy active viruses that enter the animal’s body in case of infection. Simply put, vaccinations develop immune protection against various infections that provoke the development of deadly diseases.

In veterinary clinics, domestic cats are vaccinated at the request of the owner himself, who wants to protect his pet from the risks of contracting infections.

Vaccinations are recommended for all domestic cats without exception, even those who do not go outside at all. Viruses can spread through food and water. Even the most caring owner can become the culprit of a cat infection, bringing a dangerous infection into the house on clothes or the soles of shoes.

Kitten's first vaccination

Domestic and foreign veterinarians have different views on when to vaccinate a kitten for the first time.

In Europe and America, the optimal age for the first vaccination is 6-8 weeks. Our veterinarians vaccinate kittens when they reach 8-12 weeks.

They agree on one thing - if the kitten has not yet been weaned from its mother and is breastfed, then there is no need to rush with vaccinations. While the baby receives maternal antibodies from the milk of a vaccinated mother cat, they may interact with the vaccine and the vaccination will lose its effectiveness. But, as soon as the kitten is taken from the cat, it needs to be vaccinated.

Important!

Only absolutely healthy pets can be vaccinated. Kittens are vaccinated before or after the complete replacement of baby teeth.

Vaccination of Scottish and British kittens

The Scots and the British are artificially bred breeds of cats, as a result of which they have almost no immunity of their own. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce all the required vaccines in childhood, since the possibility of infection is very high.

Although pets of such breeds are ornamental animals that rarely leave their homes, immunization must be taken seriously. These kittens do not need any special vaccinations. The drugs are suitable for any four-legged friend.

Preparing for vaccination

A mandatory preventive examination by a veterinarian is the first thing you need to do before vaccinating your kitten.

What else needs to be done before the first vaccination:

1. 10-14 days before vaccination, the animal is given anthelmintic treatment.
2. At the same time, treatment is carried out against external parasites (fleas, lice, ticks, lice).

If, after treatment, worms are found in the kitten's tray, re-treatment is carried out. Before the first vaccination, you need to get rid of worms completely!

The following are not allowed for vaccination:

• weakened and emaciated animals;
• sick kittens;
• pets under 8 weeks of age;
• kittens during the period of changing baby teeth.

What to do after vaccination

Information about antiparasitic treatment and vaccination must be entered in the veterinary passport (date of vaccination and type of vaccine). In the future, all other vaccinations and revaccinations, as well as the dates of preventive treatment against parasites, are noted there.

After the first vaccination, the kitten is kept in “home quarantine” - not allowed outside and not allowed contact with other pets. Specific immunity is developed from 10-15 to 28-30 days. This is exactly how long quarantine should last.

All this time, you need to measure the animal’s body temperature - once every 3-4 days. If there is an increase in temperature or changes in the pet's behavior, this should be reported to the veterinarian. To help the kitten survive the period after vaccination, you need to protect it from stressful situations and prevent hypothermia and overheating.

Primary vaccination and its distinctive features

From the age of 2 months, each kitten needs to be vaccinated regularly. At earlier stages, vaccinating an animal is pointless, since the body will not develop the required immunity. Primary immunization is necessary so that the pet’s body learns to resist many pathogens. This will help improve the health of the four-legged animal and also prolong its life.

Immunization is a strong stress for the baby's body. To avoid possible consequences, it is recommended to give the injection at home. In a familiar environment and next to the owner, the cat will tolerate this procedure more easily.

Before vaccinating a kitten for the first time, the possibility of contact with sick relatives should be excluded. If the baby interacts with an infected animal, immunization must be rescheduled.

This requirement also applies to pets who have undergone surgery. Primary vaccination for a four-legged friend is allowed only 25 days after surgery.

If a cat's baby teeth are replaced by permanent ones, the injection should be carried out after they are completely replaced.

Primary vaccination can provoke the development of adverse reactions in the form of lethargy, drowsiness, loss of appetite, loss of interest in games. This phenomenon is a normal reaction of the body to the administered drug.

If the baby refuses food for more than 24 hours, there is an increase in temperature and indifference, you urgently need to seek help from a veterinarian.

Vaccination schedule for kittens

The vaccination schedule, type of vaccines and revaccination dates are established by the veterinarian, taking into account the age and condition of the animal.

Mandatory vaccinations for kittens

All kittens and adult animals are vaccinated against four infectious diseases:

1. Rabies.
2. Panleukopenia (canine distemper, distemper).
3. Calicivirus.
4. Viral rhinotracheitis.

The first complex vaccination against three diseases (calicivirus, rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia) is given to kittens at the age of 8-10 weeks. The second injection is given after 3-4 weeks. Vaccination against the rabies virus is carried out at 12-13 weeks. In the future, all mandatory vaccinations are repeated annually throughout the pet’s life.

Additional vaccinations

According to indications, vaccines against the following diseases can be added to the mandatory basic vaccinations:

1. Leukemia virus (FelV) - at 2 months, second vaccine - at 12 weeks.
2. Chlamydia - at 8-10 weeks, the second vaccine - at 3 months.
3. Infectious peritonitis - 16 weeks, second vaccine - at 20 weeks.
4. Ringworm (trichophytosis, microsporia) - at 8-10 weeks, the second vaccine is administered after 10-14 days.

To reliably protect the animal, all vaccinations are repeated annually at the same time.

Revaccination

Revaccination is the repeated administration of a vaccine against one or more viruses. When kittens are vaccinated, they receive a second injection 3-4 weeks after the first vaccination. The first vaccination is given at an age when babies still have maternal antibodies in their blood that protect against viruses.

The second vaccine is administered when maternal antibodies stop working. This is necessary for the kitten to fully develop immunity to a particular disease.

In the future, revaccination is carried out every year. If a cat has not been vaccinated in accordance with the vaccination schedule until it is one year old, and it is vaccinated for the first time as an adult, revaccination after 3-4 weeks is not required.

Repeated vaccinations are given after 1 year, repeating them annually throughout the animal’s life.

Important!

I do repeated annual revaccinations 7-14 days before the expiration date of the previous vaccination.

Read more about vaccinations for kittens

Types of vaccines

To protect against infections, monovalent and polyvalent vaccines are used. Monovalent ones develop immunity to one disease, while polyvalent ones are effective against several infections.

There are “live” and “inactivated” vaccines. The first contain live (not killed) strains of the virus. The second group contains “dead” (killed) strains of the virus. “Live” vaccinations produce longer and stronger immunity in cats, but more often cause complications. “Dead” - safer, but less effective.

Required vaccinations

For rabies

Rabies is a deadly disease that can be transmitted from cats to other pets and humans. Therefore, vaccination against the rabies virus (Rabies) is included in the mandatory vaccination schedule in many countries, including ours. This vaccination is mandatory for all kittens and adult animals. The effect of the vaccine lasts about a year, after which revaccination is necessary.

To protect against this deadly virus, monovalent and polyvalent vaccines are used:

• Rabifel (Russia) – inactivated monovaccine. Forms immunity 2-3 weeks after a single injection. The action lasts 1-3 years. The cost of one dose is 65-97 rubles.
• Nobivac Rabies (Netherlands) – inactivated monovaccine. Forms the body's immune response after 3 weeks. Cats are vaccinated once at the age of 3 months. Revaccination is carried out every year. The price of one dose is 150-170 rubles.

• Quadricat (France) is a complex vaccine containing strains of plague, calicivirus, rabies and rhinotracheitis viruses. Develops immunity for 1 year 2-3 weeks after administration. The price of one dose is 1100 rubles.

• Rabisin (France) is a single drug with inactivated strains of the virus. The vaccine is effective and safe. Cats are vaccinated once, followed by annual revaccination. The price of one dose is 150-190 rubles.
• Defensor-3 (USA) is a highly purified monovalent inactivated vaccine. Develops intense immunity to rabies after 21 days. Annual booster vaccination is required. The price of one dose is 170 rubles.
• Rabigen® Mono (France) is an inactivated monodrug. Forms an immune response after 14 days. The action lasts 1 year. The price of a dose is 165-220 rubles.

For panleukopenia, calicivirosis and rhinotracheitis

In our country and many foreign countries, primary vaccination against plague, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis is practiced using polyvalent (complex) vaccines. This is convenient, since the animal receives one injection instead of the three required, and the cats experience less stress.

Cat plague

Panleukopenia (feline distemper, parvovirus enteritis) is a disease caused by the parvovirus Virus panleukopenia feline. This virus affects the cat's gastrointestinal tract, its lymphatic system and bone marrow cells.

The disease is highly contagious. Sick animals experience disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea, vomiting), hyperthermia, disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, dehydration and severe intoxication. The virus is not dangerous for humans, but causes a 90% mortality rate in kittens.

Calicivirus

The disease is caused by the Caliciviridae virus, which, when ingested by a kitten, disrupts the functioning of the respiratory tract. The disease is characterized by severe discharge from the nose and eyes of the animal, ulcerations of the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose.

Infected pets sneeze and develop a fever. With the addition of a secondary bacterial infection, life-threatening complications such as pneumonia and arthritis can develop.

Rhinotracheitis

This infectious disease is caused by a virus from the Herpesviridae family, so its second name is herpesvirus infection. The disease can occur in acute and chronic forms, affecting the upper respiratory tract and eyes of the cat.

Characteristic symptoms of infection: rhinitis, cough, conjunctivitis, high temperature (up to 40°C). Bronchitis and pneumonia may develop as complications. The disease is especially dangerous for small kittens and weakened animals. The mortality rate for this category of pets can reach 5-20%.

Complex vaccines

To protect cat offspring from dangerous infections, a mandatory comprehensive vaccination is given at the age of 8-10 weeks. The vaccine is reintroduced after 3-4 weeks. In the future, mandatory revaccination is carried out once a year.

List of popular polyvalent vaccines:

• Felocel CVR (USA) is a “live” three-component vaccine. Induces stable immunity 3 weeks after administration, which lasts for 1 year. Price of one dose: 290-390 rubles.
• Feligen CRP (France) is a drug containing “live” strains of three viruses: panleukopenia, herpesvirus and calicivirus. Animals are vaccinated twice - at 8 weeks and at 12 weeks. Thereafter they are vaccinated annually. Price of a dose of the drug: 380-470 rubles.
• Nobivac Tricat Trio (Netherlands) - a “live” vaccine forms the body’s immune response 10 days after repeated administration. The effect of the vaccination lasts 12 months. Cost of one dose: 440 rubles.

Recommended (optional) vaccinations

These vaccinations are not included in the mandatory vaccination schedule for cats, but they are given for medical reasons in case of a high probability of contracting a particular disease. Cats that have access to the outdoors and live in crowded conditions (hotels, shelters, nurseries) are most in need of vaccination against these diseases.

For leukemia

Leukemia (viral leukemia) is an infectious disease characterized by damage to the hematopoietic system and malignant neoplasms (lymphosarcoma). This serious pathology is caused by an oncogenic virus (FeLV). Having penetrated the cat’s body, the virus actively multiplies in the animal’s tonsils, from where it spreads to other lymphoid tissues, including the bone marrow.

Sick animals develop anemia, loss of appetite and exhaustion, disturbances in the functioning of the heart and failure of reproductive function (dead offspring, miscarriages, intrauterine resorption of fetuses). Pets' immunity drops sharply and they become susceptible to other infectious diseases. The prognosis for infection with the FeLV virus is unfavorable; cats die within 3-4 years.

Vaccination against leukemia is carried out with the vaccine:

• Purevax FeLV (France) is a monotherapy for feline leukemia. Forms a specific response of the body 2 weeks after vaccination. Cost of one dose: 650-690 rubles.

For chlamydia

The causative agent of chlamydia is the microorganism chlamydia. Infected kittens show signs of rhinitis, pharyngitis, conjunctivitis and pneumonia. Pets that live together in crowded conditions are at risk. Chlamydial pneumonia is usually fatal.

Preparations for vaccination against chlamydia:

• Felovax-4 (Fel-o-vax) (USA) is a tetravalent drug against three major viruses and chlamydia. It is highly immunogenic. Immunity occurs 8-10 days after the first injection, persistent immunity occurs 8-10 days after repeated vaccination. The effect lasts for at least 12 months. Cost of one dose: 450-490 rubles.
• Katavac Chlamydia (USA) is an effective monovalent “live” drug. Not for retail sale, available in veterinary clinics.
• Chlamykon (Russia) is a domestically produced monovaccine against chlamydia. Not for retail sale, available in veterinary clinics.
• Multifel-4 (Russia) is a domestically produced inactivated complex drug with an anti-chlamydial component. Price: 260-290 rub.

From peritonitis

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious disease that is often fatal. The disease is caused by coronavirus. It is transmitted between pets through shared food utensils and trays. At risk: kittens, young and weakened animals. Most often, cats get sick when kept together.

Peritonitis vaccine:

• Primucel FIP (USA) - a monovalent drug causes an immune response 4 weeks after a double dose. It is administered intranasally (into the nose). Efficiency – 50-70%. Annual revaccination is required. Price: 280-320 rub. per dose.

From deprivation

Ringworm is a common fungal disease that often occurs in cats and poses a danger to their owners. Treatment for this disease can take a long time, so many pet owners resort to protecting their pets and themselves through vaccination. It is especially important to vaccinate cats that have access to the outdoors.

Vaccination against lichen is carried out with the following drugs:

• Polivak-TM (Russia) is a domestic therapeutic and prophylactic drug for developing immunity to dermatomycosis. Contains “live” strains of fungi. Animals are vaccinated twice, with an interval of 10-14 days. After this, cats develop protection against several types of fungi, including trichophytosis and microsporia. Price of one dose: 68-82 rub.
• Vacderm F (Vacderm-F) (Russia) is a “live” vaccine for the prevention and treatment of dermatophytoses in cats. Used to immunize animals against microsporia and trichophytosis. Price: 135-165 rub. per dose.

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How to vaccinate adult cats

If for some reason the animal was not vaccinated at kitten age or it is not possible to determine when the vaccinations were given, the schedule and timing of vaccination are determined by the veterinarian.

Adult cats are vaccinated against the same diseases as kittens. The only peculiarity is that the vaccine is administered once, without duplicating it after several weeks. The immunity of adult cats is already formed, so one injection is enough. Revaccination is carried out annually.

Rules for vaccination of adult cats

1. Only healthy animals are vaccinated.
2. Pregnant and lactating cats are prohibited from receiving “live” vaccines.
3. 10-14 days before vaccination, the animal must be dewormed and treated for fleas.
4. Unvaccinated pets are not allowed to breed. If the annual vaccination period has expired, it is imperative to vaccinate both the cat and the cat a month before the planned mating.
5. It is forbidden to vaccinate cats that have recently undergone surgery or those who will undergo surgery in the next 30 days.

Important!

Animals that have undergone antibiotic treatment are vaccinated 2-3 weeks after the end of antibiotic therapy.

Do cats need vaccinations?

The answer is clear - it is necessary. This way the owner will protect the animal from a number of health problems. But the risk of getting a bacterial or viral infection remains.

Prejudice against vaccination:

• Domestic cats do not need to be vaccinated;
• outbred animals have strong immunity;
• kittens from the nursery do not need vaccinations;
• A purebred cat does not need vaccination if it does not participate in competitions and exhibitions.

The mistaken position of pet owners is not to vaccinate their kitten because it lives at home and does not go outside. They forget that harmful microorganisms can enter the apartment on shoes and outerwear.

Expert opinion

Chepa Natalya Semenovna

Veterinarian

Ask an expert

How else can a domestic cat become infected with a dangerous infection? For example, an animal fell out of a window or ran out of an apartment. Often such a cat can spend several days outside or in the basement before its owner finds it, this is enough time for infection. The likelihood of coming into contact with a sick animal is also high when visiting a veterinary clinic. Please note that your veterinarian has the right to refuse to accept a cat that has not been vaccinated against rabies. By law, owners are required to vaccinate their pets against rabies annually, regardless of their living conditions.

The second myth is that street kittens have strong immunity, their body will successfully fight off any infection. In fact, outdoor cats are even more susceptible to attack by viruses or bacteria. No one is giving them vaccines. Kittens become infected in the womb or after birth through their mother's milk.

Important! The lifespan of outdoor cats and cats is 50–70% less than indoor cats. They are susceptible to attacks from stray dogs and irresponsible people, get poisoned after preventative treatment of basements by housing and communal services, and die from infections due to lack of vaccination.

A cat from a cattery may not be vaccinated. It is important to check how honestly the organization’s employees do their job of caring for the animals and whether they take care of the kitten’s first vaccination. If he was given to a family without a veterinary passport, this is the first sign of dishonesty among the nursery workers.

Important! The veterinary passport serves as the only proof of vaccination of the animal. The document must have the appropriate stamps and the dates of vaccinations given.

The vaccination schedule is the same for everyone. First, the required complex vaccine is selected. Then an appointment with the doctor is scheduled and the vaccine is given. After 3 weeks, revaccination is done to consolidate the result and improve the body’s adaptation.

This is true for both purebred and outbred animals. Persian kittens receive the same vaccinations as regular street kittens.

Vaccinations for traveling abroad and before exhibitions

If you plan to travel with an animal in our country or abroad, as well as participate in exhibitions and competitions, you must adhere to the following rules:

1. Obtain an international veterinary passport.
2. No later than 1 month before the trip and no earlier than 11 months before it, the cat must be vaccinated against the most common infectious diseases: rabies, distemper, rhinotracheitis, calicivirosis, chlamydia. The dates of vaccination and types of vaccines are marked in the passport and certified by the doctor’s signature and seal.
3. Use polyvalent imported vaccines for vaccination.
4. For domestic travel, a rabies vaccination stamp no later than 30 days prior to travel is usually sufficient.
5. Some countries require their own set of necessary vaccinations; you need to check this in advance with the embassy of the corresponding country.
6. Before traveling abroad, the pet must undergo a 30-day home quarantine. The animal is protected from contact with other pets, not allowed outside, its temperature is measured and any changes in its health are reported to the veterinarian. Biting by other animals is not allowed.
7. 3 days before the trip, you must obtain a veterinary certificate from the veterinary clinic for export within Russia and outside the country. Check in advance whether the clinic has a license to issue such a certificate. This document is valid for 3 days, including the day the document is issued. It is important that it is not expired at the time of boarding the vehicle: train, plane.

Without what vaccinations will a cat not be allowed abroad?

Owners will not be allowed to transport a cat across state borders without mandatory vaccinations:

• from rabies;
• viral leukemia;
• panleukopenia;
• viral nature of immunodeficiency;
• rhinotracheitis;
• calcivirosis;
• infectious peritonitis;
• mycosis.

A kitten and any other animal must have an initial rabies vaccination one month before departure on a trip.

Important! The disease called “panleukopenia” has a popular name – “distemper”.

Risks and reactions to vaccinations

Immunization, for all its advantages, also has its disadvantages, which must be taken into account when deciding on vaccinations. That is why we insist that the question of the timing of vaccination, types of drugs, and vaccination schedule should be decided by a veterinarian.

It is also unacceptable to inject yourself. All medical procedures must be performed in a clinic or at home by professionals.

Risks

Veterinarians do not deny the possible risks, but believe that the benefits of immunization outweigh them. This especially applies to kittens and young unvaccinated animals.

1. Allergic reaction. Can lead to death if medical care is not provided to the animal in a timely manner. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your kitten develops hives, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing!
2. Autoimmune disorders. Vaccination is aimed at stimulating the immune system, so in rare cases the development of autoimmune diseases is possible.
3. Sarcoma. Malignant neoplasm at the site of vaccine administration. Rarely seen.

Side effects

1. Apathy, refusal to eat.
2. Hyperthermia.
3. Soreness and swelling at the injection site.
4. Hair loss and discoloration at the injection site.
5. Changes in behavior.
6. Lameness when a needle hits a nerve ending.
7. Arthritis.
8. Kidney failure.
9. Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
10. Impaired movement coordination.

Important!

Monitor your cat closely after vaccination. If alarming symptoms appear, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Possible side effects

In most cases, vaccination is well tolerated by kittens. Sometimes animals experience drowsiness, lethargy and decreased appetite within 2-3 days after vaccination.

Very rarely, an allergic reaction occurs due to individual intolerance to the components of the vaccine, which is manifested by the following symptoms:

• itching,
• diarrhea,
• vomit,
• difficulty breathing,
• swelling of the muzzle and paws.

In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Cost of vaccinations

According to Russian legislation, cats are vaccinated against rabies free of charge in state veterinary institutions.

The cost of vaccination in private clinics varies and depends on a number of factors:

• the cost of the initial examination of the animal;
• selection and cost of grafting material;
• the need to use antihistamines;
• consumables used;
• vaccination sites: at home or in a clinic;
• cost of obtaining a veterinary passport.

In Russia, the cost of vaccination varies from 800 to 3000 rubles

In Ukraine, comprehensive vaccinations for kittens cost from 50 to 500 UAH.

Learn about essential drugs in animals

• Dirofen for cats
• Vetoma for cats
• Use of multifel-4 in cats
• Fosprenil in cats
• Kotervin
• Cat Bayun in cats
• Feliferon in cats
• Stronghold for cats
• Milbemax for cats
• Information about the drug gamavit
• Instructions for the use of spirovet in animals
• Tiamulin
• Sevaxel
• Thiam-oxy
• Tetravet
• TAF 25%
• Tsefkin
• Intramycin
• Application of inotil
• Instructions for use of cobactan in dogs
• Colisid for animals
• Marbox for animals
• Inosel
• Oxytetra for animals

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