What vaccinations do kittens need at different ages?

Recent advances in veterinary medicine have led to an increase in the number of vaccines available for cats. Measures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of immunizing drugs are constantly being improved. There are 2 types of vaccination - basic and additional. Basic drugs should be administered to all animals without exception; additional drugs are used selectively, in accordance with the environment and lifestyle of the pet. The set of basic vaccinations for cats varies depending on the country of residence.

Cost of vaccination

Vaccinations against the following infections are used as the main ones on the territory of the Russian Federation:

1. panleukopenia (distemper) caused by feline parvovirus;
2. viral rhinotracheitis, also known as herpesvirus type I;
3. feline calicivirus disease, caused by various strains of feline caliciviruses.

Non-core (discretionary or elective) vaccines are required for kittens and cats at high risk for specific diseases. Their list includes:

1. feline chlamydia;
2. feline leukemia;
3. infectious peritonitis of cats;
4. bordetellosis;
5. rabies.

Feline vaccines, which are not routinely recommended by leading veterinary associations but may be appropriate under certain conditions, prevent the following diseases:

1. giardiasis;
2. ringworm.

How to properly organize kitten vaccinations

In order for the vaccination process to proceed correctly, a number of important measures should be taken 10-12 days before the start of vaccination. Firstly, we are talking about anthelmintic drugs, the dose of which should be calculated based on the baby’s weight. After this, you should make sure that the kitten definitely does not have helminthiasis. If you have not yet succeeded in getting rid of the parasites, you should hold off on vaccinations and focus all your attention on this disease.

Vaccination in modern clinics can be carried out comprehensively - this is a variant of the procedure when one vaccination contains several viruses. To consolidate the result, a second vaccination is carried out a month later. Moreover, the same components should be used the second time. The third stage takes place a year later. If you plan that the kitten will often be outside or take part in exhibitions, then you definitely need to take care of vaccination against lichen - this precaution will help protect both the pet and its owners from many troubles.

What is the difference between different types of vaccines

There are three main types of vaccines:

1. Modified (live). Contains living organisms that have been weakened or genetically modified so that they are unable to cause disease, but can reproduce in the body of cats. These agents induce stronger and longer-lasting immunity than inactivated vaccines. They are not recommended for use on animals whose immune systems do not work properly (for example, cats infected with the immunodeficiency virus or suffering from other diseases).
2. Killed (inactivated). Made using original or genetically modified bacteria that have been killed using various methods. They do not provide as high a level of protection as live drugs, so they may contain an adjuvant (added ingredient) that makes the immune response stronger.
3. Recombinant. Preparations in this group include only certain specific structures of a pathogenic strain, implanted into a microorganism that is safe for cats.

Vaccinations for cats are comprehensive. In this case, protection against several diseases is achieved with one injection. Some vaccines are available in intranasal form (drops in the nose), but most are administered by injection.

Complex vaccination for cats at Alisavet is:

• hypoallergenic imported complex vaccination for cats
• Same day procedure
• injection and paperwork in 10 minutes

Select a vaccine and register your cat for vaccination
Click on the button below and fill out an application if:

• the pet has not been vaccinated previously;
• you don’t know what vaccine you need;
• or a different brand of vaccine was used.

We will call you back and offer options for solving the problem, and also calculate the final cost of vaccination in advance.

I want to vaccinate my cat, but I don’t know how or with what

When should a cat be vaccinated?

Kittens are vaccinated for the first time at the age of 6–8 weeks, and the subsequent vaccination of the cat is carried out at 10–12 weeks, then at 14–16 weeks. Immunity to rabies and other diseases does not develop instantly. This requires at least 7–10 days. During this period, the animal is not protected from infection. It is recommended to limit his contacts with other representatives of the species.

It is important to remember that vaccination given too early may not produce the required response. The fact is that the infection that has entered the body will be destroyed by the antibodies that the kitten inherited from the mother. In this case, permanent protection will not be developed. On average, the concentration of maternal antibodies decreases by the 6th week of life, but in 6% of kittens it remains at a high level until 18–20 weeks.

Most adult cats who have completed their full course of childhood vaccinations should be re-vaccinated every 1 to 3 years. The period is determined based on an assessment of the risk of infection. For free-ranging animals, the common practice is to administer core vaccines every 3 years and additional ones every year. This schedule may be changed at the discretion of the veterinarian observing the animal.

How much does a comprehensive vaccination for a cat cost?

We give a 100% guarantee that for more than 10 years, the Alisavet network of veterinary clinics has been purchasing imported vaccines with all the necessary documents only from reliable and time-tested suppliers. All bottles are brought to us in special containers subject to temperature control.

We believe that any preventative treatment should be available to you. Therefore, we do not inflate the cost of high-quality vaccines, correctly executed documents, examination and the procedure itself.

Registration of a veterinary passport is not included in the cost of vaccination and is paid separately, since many pets already have this document

Are vaccinations guaranteed to protect a cat from diseases?

With the help of vaccinations, a high level of immune protection is achieved, allowing one to prevent the disease in 95% of cases. Unfortunately, there are situations in which vaccination is not effective enough. These include the following:

1. Mutation of viral strains. The causative agents of infectious diseases are capable of changing, adapting to environmental conditions. Sometimes these changes are so significant that the immune system of the vaccinated cat ceases to recognize the virus. Available vaccines can only partially protect against some of these strains.
2. Maternal antibodies. Kittens acquire antibodies from their mother. They may block the effects of your kitten's vaccinations. This effect decreases over time as maternal antibodies gradually disappear.
3. Carrying out vaccinations against the background of stress or illness. Mental stress or physical illness may make it impossible to respond well to vaccination. For this reason, it is best to place the kitten in its new home five to seven days before the procedure. Immediately before injecting the drug, the veterinarian should examine the baby and rule out the presence of painful conditions.

In some cases, immunizing your cat may not completely prevent the disease. However, in an animal that has received vaccinations, it occurs in a milder form. It may seem that the vaccine did not work, but without it the pathology would be much more severe.

Types of vaccines

The drugs used to vaccinate cats help protect animals from various diseases. But it is worth considering that they are divided into varieties that have some characteristics.

Vaccinal drugs can be classified according to the degree of impact. According to these criteria they can be:

• monovalent . The effect of drugs of this type is aimed at developing immunity to a specific disease;
• polyvalent . When vaccines of this type are administered, cats and kittens develop immunity to several diseases.

Vaccines are also divided into groups according to the duration of their effect:

• active . The drug contains live but weak viral organisms that do not pose a high danger to cats. About a week after the vaccine is administered, the animal develops immunity with a long-lasting effect on pathogens;
• inactivated . Preparations of this type are produced on the basis of dead viral organisms. It is for this reason that animals develop immunity almost immediately after receiving the medicine. However, it exists for a short period of time.

Dead and live vaccines

In order for a pet owner to be able to choose a high-quality and effective vaccine, it is imperative to consider the popular live and dead vaccines. There are many drugs, they may differ in action and composition.

Important! At the appointment, the veterinarian should tell you about the popular vaccines that are used to vaccinate cats and kittens. He must explain their effect and indicate the duration.

The table below shows popular dead and live vaccines.

There are also mixed vaccines that are used to vaccinate against plague and toxoplasmosis. The most popular complex drugs include the following:

• Nobivak Tricat Trio . A complex vaccine that protects the animal from distemper, from rhinotracheitis viruses, calicivirus, and from coronovirus;
• Purevax RCP and RCPCh . Combined preparations that contain inactive and active strains of viruses of dangerous cat diseases. Protects against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, chlamydia, calcivirosis.

See also - Vaccines for cats by disease.

Which vaccinations are most important?

The answer to this question depends on individual circumstances, including the area where you live and the cat's lifestyle. Your veterinarian will be able to advise on the most appropriate immunization schedule. Below is a list of diseases that pose the greatest danger to a cat:

1. Feline panleukopenia infection. This disease is rare today due to widespread vaccination, but the risk of its occurrence remains. The disease occurs in the form of severe, often fatal gastroenteritis with severe dehydration. The infection is very contagious and easily transmitted. Vaccination provides a high level of protection.
2. Feline respiratory viral infection. A very common infection in unvaccinated cats. May cause delayed complications. The vaccine is moderately effective because immunity to these viruses is short-term and unstable. Vaccination reduces the severity and duration of the disease, but does not always prevent it completely.
3. Feline chlamydia. It is a bacterial process caused by Chlamydophila felis that causes painful inflammation and swelling of the conjunctiva or membrane around the eye, as well as upper respiratory tract infections. May cause infertility. Vaccination completely eliminates the risk of infection.
4. Feline leukosis. This virus is widespread. Infected animals die either from tumors or from damage to the immune system. Modern vaccines provide a good level of protection.
5. Feline infectious peritonitis. It is caused by coronavirus. More often, the infection occurs in the form of carriage, but under certain conditions a full-blown clinical picture develops, and the pet may die.
6. Rabies. The disease almost always leads to death soon after the first symptoms appear. A bite from an infected animal can spread the infection to people. A vaccine intended to combat rabies should be administered to all cats that come into contact with representatives of any species.

First vaccinations for Scottish kittens

In order for a Scots kitten to benefit from the first vaccination, it is important to carry out the preparatory procedures correctly!

Procedures that include preparation before vaccination:

• It is necessary to undergo an examination by a veterinarian for any diseases (the health of a Scot is the most important condition);
• Two weeks before the vaccine, you need to perform deworming (for worms);
• Also, two weeks before vaccination, treat the Scotsman against fleas and ticks (the second and third points can be combined by choosing a complex anthelmintic drug in accordance with the age and weight of the kitten).

How can a veterinarian help your kitten?

Veterinary doctors specialize in providing medical care in a comfortable home environment that only the owner can create. This is why administering injections at home is so important. After the injection, the cat can immediately fall into the hands of a caring owner, who will console him and, of course, give him a treat. Having a doctor visit your home is very convenient, just check out our advantages:

• You don't waste time visiting the veterinary center.
• You can get modern doctor's help.
• Avoid nervous sitting in line.
• You can communicate more productively with a specialist.

All these advantages prevail over the advantages of staying in a regular veterinary clinic. very convenient that you can donate blood, if necessary, at your home. Of course, preparation for analysis will also be required, but that’s a completely different story. Caring for straight-eared and lop-eared kittens is slightly different , since lop-eared kittens have a more weakened immune system. A veterinarian from our Ya-Vet center will also give recommendations on caring for the kitten in the period after the vaccine.

"Sputnik V"

This is the first coronavirus vaccine registered in Russia. It is recognized as one of the best vaccines in the world; this drug has passed all stages of testing and is recognized by the global medical community. Sputnik V is used not only in Russia, but also abroad. The vaccine has been registered in dozens of foreign countries.

The vaccine consists of adenovirus vectors that cannot reproduce. The coronavirus gene is embedded in their DNA, which the vaccine delivers to the body so that it gives an immune response.

Who can I bet on?

The drug passed three stages of clinical trials and was considered successful. Anyone over 18 years of age can be vaccinated with Sputnik V.

Contraindications for vaccination

It should not be given to those who have severe allergies. It is also worth waiting for recovery for those who have worsened chronic diseases. It is prohibited to vaccinate pregnant and lactating women, as well as minors under 18 years of age.

Interval between vaccinations

Sputnik V is given at intervals of 21 days between two doses.

When will antibodies appear?

Within three weeks after the second vaccination, antibodies will appear in the person’s body. The test will show them no earlier than on the 42nd day after the first vaccination.

How long does immunity last?

The developers of the drug guarantee that immunity from the vaccine lasts up to two years, taking into account data on other vector vaccines. Definitive data on antibody retention will be several years away.