Why vaccinate my cat?
Vaccines are medications designed to stimulate the body’s immune system to produce disease-fighting antibodies to help protect against disease.
Cats should be vaccinated to help protect them from many highly contagious and infectious diseases. When kittens are born, mothers pass on some immunity to their kittens through colostrum in their milk, but this protection is only temporary and the best way to ensure a long and happy life for your cat is to help provide protection with vaccination against common diseases.
It is important to talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s lifestyle. Factors such as contact with other animals, indoors versus outdoors, and time spent travelling or boarding all affect your cat’s risk of exposure to disease. Most veterinarians will recommend that your cat be protected against diseases which are the most common, are easily spread and which cause serious illness. Your veterinarian may also recommend additional vaccines based on your cat’s risk factors for other diseases.
In most cases, kittens will receive 3 vaccinations, 2-4 weeks apart, starting at 6-8 weeks of age*. An annual booster is recommended. Your vet may have specific recommendations for your cat based on their lifestyle and risk factors. Consult your vet if you have any questions about vaccination.
- Don’t let your cat get sick from a preventable disease.
- Discuss any questions you have with your vet.
- Ask your vet about disease risks in your area.
