Vaccines are a preventive treatment against diseases, consisting of inoculating virus or inactivated bacteria or attenuating in the body, so that it produces defense antibodies against said virus. Until the kitten has been weaned, and subsequently dewormed (from the first month of life), you will not be able to start the vaccination process.
DISEASES OF CATS
All cats are susceptible to infection, and therefore must be immunized against the following three diseases:
1. Feline panleukopenia: it is an often lethal gastroenteritis, which causes loss of appetite, fever, vomiting and diarrhea.
2. Feline calicivirus: severe viral infection that causes ulcers.
3. Rhinotracheitis: causes cold-like symptoms.
WHEN TO VACCINE A CAT
The vaccine that immunizes against these diseases is called "Trivalent", and the veterinarian must give it to your kitten at 2 months of age. In the third month, it will be applied again as a reinforcement.
If your cat has access to the outside and contact with other cats, it is recommended to also vaccinate against feline leukemia, which affects the immune system and often has fatal consequences for the life of the animal. This vaccine should also be given after 2 months, and apply a booster 2 to 4 weeks later.
In addition, and throughout the life of your cat, every year you should go to the veterinarian to inject a souvenir dose of each of the types of vaccines mentioned.
In geographical areas where there may be a risk of rabies, rabies vaccination may even become mandatory. So is it if you plan to travel with your cat, and cross borders within the European Union.
There are other vaccines to protect cats from certain diseases, but it is only recommended to be given if they are exposed to specific conditions (in shelters or hatcheries, when an outbreak of a certain disease occurs).
A vaccinated kitten is a healthy kitty
Your kitten will have started life with natural immunity to certain diseases that he will have received from his mother, but as this influence weakens little by little, you will have to vaccinate him to stay healthy. Vaccines are essential to protect your kitten from many dangerous and even fatal diseases. Most veterinarians recommend a combination vaccine that is given at approximately 8-9 and 11-12 weeks of age. This vaccine will protect your kitten against the three most dangerous diseases:
Feline Leukemia Virus
Feline infectious enteritis (also called panleukopenia or feline parovirus)
The exact timing of vaccination will depend on the type of vaccine your veterinarian uses. However, as a general rule, you can expect the two injections to be made at approximately 8 and 12 weeks of age. After the second injection, it is important to have your kitten at home and away from other cats. After that, socialization can once again be the priority issue! There are some other vaccines that could be useful for your kitten. They are to protect against:
There are a number of factors that determine whether these additional vaccines are suitable for your kitten, and it will be your veterinarian who can best advise you.
Reassuring your kitty on vaccination day
Nobody likes needles and cats are no exception. But you can be sure that vaccinating him is the best thing you can do for him. In fact, not doing so could cost you your life. Surely you will be used to take it to routine veterinary checkups, so it will not scare the place. The best way to carry it is in a sturdy and safe carrier and it will not hurt to put your blanket or a toy with its smell to give it a 'familiar touch'. When you arrive at the veterinarian's office, keep the cat in its carrier with the door tightly closed until they call you in the office. Talk to him and reassure him throughout the visit.
Should you insure your kitty?
In general, securing your kitten is a good idea. With a little luck, you'll never have to use it, but if your cat gets sick or has an accident, he can get treatment without worrying about its price. And compared to what you might have to spend on vet bills, monthly insurance premiums are a good investment. There are many companies that offer pet insurance, and it is important to choose a policy that offers lifetime coverage, some companies offer coverage only for a certain number of years. When your cat gets older, the need for care and treatment will increase, and that is when you will value more the security provided by the policy. As with any other insurance, always read the "small print" before signing.
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