Kitten Vaccines in Redmond, WA

October 31st, 2024

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Welcoming your new cuddly kitten into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. One of the most important steps to take in your first weeks as a cat parent is to vaccinate your little furball. Vaccinations help prevent serious infectious diseases, safeguarding your newcomer’s health. Our dedicated team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital will recommend a vaccination schedule tailored to your kitten’s needs, providing maximum protection and peace of mind.

What Is the Importance of Vaccines for Kittens?

Immunizations are essential to protect your kitten from diseases that can cause serious and life-threatening illnesses. A vaccine works by triggering an immune response to a disease and preventing future infection. Vaccinations are especially important for newborn kittens because their immune systems are not fully developed, leaving them susceptible to infectious diseases.

How Often Are Kittens Vaccinated?

We begin a series of vaccines at around 6-8 weeks of age. During your kitten’s first visit and comprehensive veterinary exam, we will outline a vaccine schedule and discuss additional treatments, such as deworming and parasite prevention. 

Before any vaccinations, we will perform a thorough examination to rule out fever and any other illnesses. It’s important to note that vaccines may take a week or a little longer to become effective, and some vaccines may require additional doses for maximum protection. 

We recommend keeping your kitten indoors during these critical early weeks and avoiding exposure to unknown animals until all the booster vaccines are completed. The initial phase of a kitten’s life sets it up for lifelong health, so it’s important to be extra cautious. 

What Are the Types of Vaccines for Kittens? 

We recommend core vaccines for all kittens. The non-core vaccines will depend on your furry friend’s lifestyle and your geographic location. 

Core Vaccinations for Kittens: 

• Rabies: Rabies vaccinations are required by law in the state of Washington. We typically recommend the first shot as early as 12 weeks. Your furry friend will need boosters at one year of age and every one to three years from then on. Rabies is a deadly disease that can be passed to humans with no treatment available, so it’s important to keep your cat protected. 
• FVRCP: This core vaccine protects your kitten against feline distemper (panleukopenia), calicivirus, and viral rhinotracheitis (feline herpesvirus). Your kitten will need the first shot at around eight weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old.  Your furry friend will require boosters at one year of age and every three years from then on.

Non-Core Cat Vaccinations for Kittens:

• FeLV (Feline Leukemia): We recommend vaccinating all kittens against the feline leukemia virus after testing negative and again at one year of age. From then on, only outdoor cats and those living with indoor/outdoor cats require FeLV vaccination.

Kitten Vaccines Near Me in Redmond, WA

Congratulations on your tiny newcomer! At All About Cats Veterinary Hospital, we emphasize the importance of kitten vaccinations for long-term health and well-being. We are always happy to offer tips on caring for your new furry friend. You can always count on us for exceptional care for your new kitten because, after all, we are all about cats. Call us at 425-636-8201 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!