Occasionally, a cat that has been recently vaccinated against distemper will show a false positive diagnosis. Older kittens and cats who are behind on their vaccines or have an unknown vaccination history generally can be caught up in two visits for vaccines given 3-4 weeks apart. feline distemper or feline parvovirus). All rights reserved. A booster vaccination is then given 6 – 12 months later, with further booster shots every 1 – 3 years depending on the cats’ needs. There can be no disputing that vaccines save lives but they also have the potential to cause serious side effects which will be discussed on this webpage.Before we get started on this discussion, it is important to understand that there is no single vaccine protocol t… The virus that causes feline distemper is a fast-moving killer that can take out a cat in a matter of days. Most vets recommend adult cats receive an annual FVRCP booster shot while others recommend the booster shot every 3 years. Extremely contagious, distemper manifests as loss of appetite, fever, vomiting and diarrhea and depression. The distemper shot for cats can be administered as early as six weeks old. The Doctor said that you can give your cat this shot 2-3 times a year, but he doesn’t consider it necessary. It’s difficult for pet parents to understand their cat’s vaccination schedule—from which ones they need to how often they need … Feline leukemia (kittens): This is a virus that causes immunosuppression in cats and is often fatal. The Doctor that is responsible for the making and testing of distemper shot said that it is enough for a cat to get this shot only once in her entire life when she is aged between 12 and 16 weeks. Do they need cat vaccinations too? Begin as early as six weeks of age, and then every three to four weeks until 16 weeks of age. Rather than give a puppy a large dose of a vaccine, distemper vaccines are given in a series of shots that are recommended to be given at 6, 9, 12 and 16 weeks old. It is, I believe, one of the conditions that leads to hyperplasia in kittens if … If the vaccine is being given to adult cats or kittens older than 16 weeks, they should receive two doses, three to four weeks apart. outdoor cats, indoor/outdoor cats, stray cats, feral cats, cats in open multicat households, cats in FELV positive households, and cats in households with unknown FELV status). True possums live in Australia, a country free of rabies. The most important vaccine and one that most states require by law that cats must have is rabies. This vaccine is considered a main vaccine for cats. While a three-year-vaccine may seem ideal, some research has linked the three-year rabies vaccine to vaccine-induced cancers. It is then administered every three to four weeks until the cat is 16 weeks old. That's a good thing, because cats who come down with it often die. This affects the part of the brain regulating movement. A dog who frequently stays at the kennel, for example, will need his Bordetella shot more often than one who doesn’t. This vaccine is considered a main vaccine for cats. My first cat had IBD-type symptoms from about age 6 to about age 13. A veterinarian can recommend whether a vaccination is needed at 3 months or 4 months, although every kitten should receive a vaccination at some point in his early life. We stopped vaccinating her at age 10 and within 3 years she didn't have symtoms anymore, and lived to be 21 in fine health. Your veterinarian may also recommend other vaccines for your cat depending on where you live and your cat’s lifestyle: Chlamydia. A veterinarian will work to combat bacteria in the intestines and stabilize hydration levels. Most vaccine combinations protect against Cat Flu (Feline Herpes and Feline Calicivirus) and … Early diagnosis and treatment is critical in saving a cat's life. ... What vaccinations do cats need and how often? Even cats that spend 100% of their time indoors should be vaccinated. Copyright © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Cat vaccinations can get confusing. Some dogs may need a second distemper vaccine as puppies if maternal antibodies block the first one, but if a puppy is vaccinated after 12 to 16 weeks of age, he will most likely be protected, for life, with just one distemper vaccine. A vaccination is a preparation of microorganisms (pathogens), such as viruses or bacteria, that is administered to produce or increase immunity to a particular disease. Distemper vaccinations are recommended because of the communicability of the virus and the danger it poses other felines. Uno. To decide when or if your cat needs booster shots, discuss your cat’s lifestyle with your veterinarian. It used to be so easy: You took your dog or cat to your veterinarian once a year, your pet received the recommended vaccinations and whatever other things he or she might need, and you went on your way. To decide when or if your cat needs booster shots, discuss your cat’s lifestyle with your veterinarian. Combination Vaccine FVRCP, or feline distemper, FeLV for felines at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus (cats that are unsupervised outdoors), and rabies annually as required by law. Speak with your veterinarian if you have any questions about the appropriate vaccination regimen or schedule for your pet. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Speak with your veterinarian for further information about his office's protocol and recommended vaccination schedule in order to save you from paying for unnecessary shots. 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