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Kitten Vaccinations

By Roxanne Willems Snopek

Recommendations vary according to location and individual health needs; here are the vaccines available:

Standard Vaccines

The standard, single-injection vaccine (FVRCP, sometimes called the "distemper vaccine") immunizes cats against:

Panleukopenia – ("Feline Distemper") has a mortality rate of up to 70%, and is very contagious.
Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus – upper respiratory infections.

Optional Vaccines

Your veterinarian may also recommend vaccinating against:

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) – this virus kills more cats than any other infectious disease. Most veterinarians recommend this for any cat that goes outdoors, even occasionally. An FVRCP vaccine that includes FeLV is available.
Pneumonitis – chlamydia infections.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis – not routinely recommended; available upon request.
Rabies – mandatory in most areas due to human health implications.

Timing is Important

First vaccination: 8-10 weeks

FVRCP
Feline Leukemia

Second vaccination: 3-4 weeks later

FVRCP
Feline Leukemia
Rabies

Mature: All vaccines are repeated annually. (Some rabies vaccines are good for three years, after the first year.)

Side Effects

An estimated 10% of cats will have a mild reaction (fever or lethargy), but serious complications are rare and should not deter owners from having their cats vaccinated appropriately. The diseases they prevent are deadly; the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.