Vaccinations for Your Kitten & Cat

Early vaccinations, and regular booster shots can help your cat lead a long and healthy life. To protect your kitten from a number of potentially deadly feline diseases our Thomasville vet recommends following this vaccination schedule.

Why get your cat vaccinated?

Having your kitten vaccinated is a critical part of your pet's ongoing healthcare. Vaccines will protect your kitten from contracting a number of serious feline specific diseases.

One round of vaccines isn't enough for a lifetime, it is important to follow up with regular booster shots throughout your cat's life. 

As the effectiveness of the initial vaccine wears off, booster shots 'boost' your cat's protection against a range of feline diseases. Schedules for booster shots vary, based on the specific vaccine being given. Speak to your vet to find out when your cat should return for their booster. 

Cat Vaccines

Vaccinations for cats fall into two basic types.

Core vaccinations are recommended for all cats.

Core vaccinations are considered vital for protecting your cat from the following common and serious feline conditions: 

• Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
• Feline calicivirus (FCV)
• Feline herpesvirus type I (FHV, FHV-1)
• Rabies

Non-core vaccinations

Your vet will advise you as to which non-core vaccines are recommended for your cat. These vaccinations are suitable for some cats, based on factors such as age and lifestyle. 

Non-core vaccines include protection against:

• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
• Bordetella
• Chlamydophila felis
• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

When should my kitten get their first shots?

Your kitten should receive their first round of vaccinations at about six to eight weeks of age. After the initial vaccinations, your kitten should receive a series of vaccines at three or four week intervals until they are about 16 weeks old.

When should I bring my cat back to the vet for booster shots?

Depending on the specific vaccine, adult cats should receive booster shots either yearly or every three years . Your vet will let you know when to bring your adult cat back for their booster shots.

Will my kitten be protected after the first round of shots?

Your kitten isn't considered full vaccinated until they have received all of their injections, at about 12-16 weeks of age. 

Keep your kitten confined to low risk areas such as your own backyard if you want to allow your kitten outdoors before they have received all of their vaccines. 

Do I need to get my indoor cat vaccinated?

In North Carolina, pet owners are required to have their dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated against rabies by four months of age, then to keep the vaccinations up to date throughout the pet's lifetime.

Each time you have your cat vaccinated your vet will provide you with a dated and signed certificate of vaccination that you should keep in a safe place.

Whether your cat is an outdoor adventurer, or an indoor fur-baby, our vets recommend that all cats receive all of the core-vaccinations. Having your indoor cat fully vaccinated will protect them from diseases they may be exposed to if they manage to escape the safety of home.