Vaccination is an excellent way to keep your cat or kitten from developing a dangerous contagious disease. Since 2003, we’ve been reviewing and reducing the frequency of vaccination to ensure ideal protection for your pet without any unnecessary risk.

What vaccines should my cat or kitten receive?

Your veterinarian will establish a vaccination schedule that is specific to your pet’s needs. Here are the vaccines provided at our veterinary hospital:

• The standard FVRCP vaccine prevents three kinds of illnesses: feline panleukopenia, calicivirus and feline viral rhinotracheitis.
• The vaccine against feline leukemia, which is contracted through sexual contact, fighting or in utero.
• Rabies vaccine

If you want to travel with your pet, some destinations may require certain vaccines to be up-to-date. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) can provide with more information on this subject.

At what age can a kitten be vaccinated?

Cats should get their first round of shots around six to eight weeks old. Before this age, kittens are protected by the antibodies found in their mother’s milk. To ensure these vaccines remain effective, kittens will need several monthly booster shots until about 16 weeks of age.

How often does my adult cat need to get shots?

Boosters for some vaccines should be given at one-, two- or three-year intervals. Refer to the vaccination schedule your vet established that’s based on your pet’s needs and the dates of the last doses they got.

How will my cat react to their vaccines?

Some pets are more tired after their shots or have a fever or lose their appetite. They might also experience some mild discomfort at the injection site. Other pets have no side effects. Severe allergic reactions, such as swelling, repeated vomiting and breathing difficulties, are rare. We will always tell you what signs to watch for after they got their shot.