Vaccines for Kittens & Cats

Vaccines play an important role in protecting your pet against preventable diseases. Vaccinating your pet against certain diseases either fully builds their immunity against them or lessens the severity of symptoms they’ll experience. Ensuring your pet receives all their necessary vaccines as puppies or kittens throughout their senior years ensures your pet lives a long and happy life with you. Up-to-date vaccination records are important, especially if you board or travel with your pet. We recommend keeping these records handy in order to avoid any last minute confusion. If your pet does have a vaccination plan, please contact us at 403-934-3311.

What vaccinations do you recommend for kittens and cats?

We recommend your pet get vaccinated against rabies, FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia) and FeLV (Feline leukemia virus).

• Rabies – this affects your pet’s nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord and is inevitably fatal. In Alberta, it’s most common that your pet would be infected from a wild animal’s bite like skunks, who have the highest infection rate, as well as bats, coyotes and racoons. Rabid cats can also pass on rabies through their scratches if they have saliva on their paws.
• FVRCP – this vaccine protects against a trio of viruses, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis is similar to a common cold, causing an upper respiratory tract infection causing a fever, loss of appetite and sneezing. Calicivirus also causes highly contagious upper respiratory tract infections, causing fever, ulcers and pneumonia. Panleukopenia (feline distemper) is a fatal disease with an infection rate of over 90% for feline friends who aren’t protected, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
• FeLV – Feline leukemia virus is the leading cause of death of North American cats. This disease causes a range of health problems, everything from cancerous conditions such as lymphoma to a wide range of secondary infections caused by the destruction of the immune system.

When should kittens get vaccinated?

Kittens should be vaccinated, following the schedule below:

• Rabies – The first dose given at 12 -16 weeks of age. The next dose given 1 year after first dose
• FVRCP – It’s given every 3–4 weeks from 6–8 weeks of age to 16–18 weeks of age. The next dose 1 year later
• FeLV – The first dose at 9–12 weeks of age. The next dose 3 weeks later

When should cats get vaccinated?

Cats should be vaccinated, following the schedule below:

• Rabies – Every year
• FVRCP – Every 1-2 years
• FeLV – Every year