You may have a new kitty and you wonder, “What do I need to do to keep this little guy happy and healthy for a very long time?” At least, that is how the responsible cat owner feels, as we can’t help but truly love our pets and want them around for as long as possible.
When you get your cat, you pretty much have an idea what nutritious diet you want to put him on, toys, litter box, bed, and all the necessities for him to be very happy. Of course you want him to be very healthy and bring him in to the vet to get a clean bill of health ASAP after you adopt him into your home, and find out just what you as his “new parent” need to do to provide him a long healthy life . . . what vaccines might he need to keep him protected.
There are many diseases and viruses that pets can get, some of which can be fatal but with their routine vaccinations, these can be prevented. Vaccinations surely are not cheap but it would cost a whole lot more should you have to get vet care for your cat because of a serious situation due to not getting vaccinated. Please don’t take that risk. It is so heartbreaking when our pets get sick . . . even more so when we could do something to prevent it from happening.
Young kittens get most of their immunity while nursing from their mom but once they are weaned, their vaccination schedule should begin (usually by 8 weeks old) and your vet can set this schedule up with you.
There is what they call core and non-core vaccinations. Core vaccinations are a must-have, while the non-core is by choice, depending on the circumstances: age, breed and health status of the cat, and whether your cat is an outdoor cat, where he may encounter a great number of diseases and problems from other animals and elements out there.
In cats, the suggested core vaccines are feline panleukopenia (distemper), feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and rabies. These are a most important part of your cats’ healthy yearly routine. There have been studies in regards to administering these vaccines once every 3 years, as some rabies shots are now being offered to dog owners. However, it has been concluded that your cat needs to be vaccinated once yearly to be safe. The vaccination schedule should be discussed and agreed upon with your vet.
Feline leukemia, feline infectious peritonitis, ringworm, and Chlamydia are all non-core vaccines and should only be given to outdoor cats and under specific conditions that warrant these vaccines. Initially it may be recommended that a kitten get the leukemia vaccine, since they are most susceptible.
If you are a cat owner, all you ever need to know about what is best for your kitty can be found through research, books on the subject and, for the best advice, working with your vet to be sure that your cat will be protected from day one. Have a happy long healthy life with your new feline family member!
