Vaccination of kittens: vaccination schedule and everything you need to know

Proper vaccination of kittens is key to their health and longevity. Many owners have underestimated the threat of infectious diseases, believing that pets are safe. However, viruses can enter the home through clothing or shoes, and for a kitten, infection can end fatally. Vaccination is the only reliable way to protect your little furry friend from deadly diseases.

What diseases are kittens vaccinated against?

Kittens are vaccinated against a number of diseases that can be fatal. Vaccinations protect not only from diseases that a pet can meet on the street, but also from those that can enter the house with other people or animals. The main diseases against which it is recommended to vaccinate kittens are:

1. Leptospirosis, a disease that affects internal organs including the kidneys and heart, quickly leading to death if untreated.
2. Herpes (rhinovirus) - causes laryngeal swelling, sore throat and pneumonia, which can be fatal.
3. Calcivirosis - affects the respiratory tract and causes kidney complications, often ending in death.
4. Panleukopenia (feline distemper) - a disease that attacks the immune system and can kill a kitten within hours.
5. Leukaemia and Chlamydia are additional vaccinations for kittens that may be walking outside or in contact with other animals.

These vaccinations are an important part of your pet's health care.

Kitten vaccination schedule

Vaccinations should be given on a set schedule starting at 8 weeks of age. This is to ensure that your baby is well protected during all stages of growth. Vaccination schedule:

• 8 weeks - first vaccination against calcivirosis, herpesvirus and panleukopenia;
• 12 weeks - second vaccination + rabies vaccination.

If the vaccinations were not given on time, it is important to revaccinate 4 weeks after the first vaccination.

Which vaccines are used to vaccinate kittens

There are several popular vaccines for kittens, each protecting against a specific set of diseases:

1. Nobivac Forcat is a live vaccine to protect against calcivirosis, herpesvirus, chlamydia and panleukopenia.
2. Nobivac Tricat Trio - vaccine for triple protection against herpesvirus, calcivirosis and panleukopenia.
3. Nobivac Rabies - rabies vaccine administered from 3 months of age.
4. FELOVAX-4 - protects against four viruses including rhinovirus and calcivirosis.
5. Purevax RCP - protection against panleukopenia, herpesvirus and calcivirosis.
6. Purevax RCPCh - live vaccine for protection against panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calcivirosis and chlamydia.
7. Leucorifelin - protection against viral viroses and panleukopenia.
8. Quadricat - protection against distemper, herpes, calcivirosis and rabies.
9. Rabisin - rabies vaccine, used from 3 months of age, can be used for pregnant cats.
10. Leukocel 2 - protection against leukaemia, administered from 9 weeks of age.
11. Felocel CVR - vaccine against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and herpes.
12. Microderm is a vaccine against rhychophytosis and microsporia (skin diseases).

Before choosing a vaccine, please consult your veterinarian to find the best vaccine for your small pet.

Possible complications after vaccination

As in humans, animals can have adverse reactions after vaccination. However, in most cases they are not dangerous and disappear after a few days. Here's what can happen after vaccination:

1. Lethargy, refusal to eat, and fever are normal reactions to stress.
2. Allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing or increased salivation, require immediate medical attention.
3. Swelling or thickening at the injection site is common and will go away in a few days.

If symptoms worsen or persist for more than a few days, a veterinarian should be contacted.

Vaccination rules for kittens

Proper vaccination of kittens is key to their health and longevity. To minimise risks and side effects, it is important to follow a few simple but very important rules:

1. Pre-vaccination preparation. Two weeks before vaccination, be sure to visit the veterinary clinic for a preventive check-up. At this appointment, you should also carry out worming and flea treatment.
2. Check the pet's condition on the day of vaccination. Immediately on the day of vaccination, it is important to check the kitten once again. Vaccination should be postponed if the animal shows symptoms of lethargy, lack of appetite, fever or other warning signs.
3. Restrictions for pregnant and lactating cats. Do not vaccinate if the cat is pregnant or nursing babies.
4. Vaccination and surgery. For elective surgeries, vaccination should be given at least 3 days before or 3 weeks after surgery.
5. Combination with antibiotics. It is not recommended to vaccinate the kitten for at least 2 weeks after taking antibiotics. It is also advisable to refrain from using medication for another 2 weeks after vaccination.
6. Monitoring the kitten's condition after vaccination. After vaccination, it is important to monitor your pet's condition. If any alarming symptoms appear, contact your doctor immediately.
7. Minimum age for vaccination. You should not vaccinate your kitten before it is 2 months old.
8. Proper feeding after vaccination. After vaccination, feed your baby only low-fat, easily digestible foods. It is important to follow the diet to help the body recover faster.
9. Restriction on contact and quarantine. For 2 weeks before vaccination, restrict your pet from any contact with other animals and create a quarantine area to avoid infection. Vaccinating an already infected cat can be life-threatening for the baby.
10. Kitten immunity. Keep in mind that kittens don't have strong enough immunity yet, so it's important to stay in touch with your vet and follow all recommendations to protect your pet.

Following these simple but important rules will help your little furry kitty to tolerate vaccinations more easily and protect them from serious illnesses.

Vaccinating kittens is not only an obligation, but an important part of caring for the health of your furry friend. A correct vaccination schedule and following all recommendations will protect your kitten from dangerous infections, ensuring a long and healthy life.

Remember, vaccinations are the only way to prevent many serious and potentially fatal diseases. Keep in close contact with your vet, monitor your pet's condition and don't forget about regular check-ups. After all, a healthy kitten is a happy and active pet in the future, which will please you with its love and loyalty for many years.