Kittens have developing immune systems that require a timed balance of injections to make sure that they are well protected from infectious diseases during their growing months, and that they develop the proper “memory cells” which continue to protect them into their adulthood.
When should kittens get their first vaccination?
Kittens should receive their first set of vaccines at 8 weeks old. Kittens have protective antibodies from their mother’s milk which helps prevent them from getting sick. These antibodies fade away and leave the kitten vulnerable to disease, on average, at around 8 weeks old.
How often does my kitten need to be vaccinated?
After the initial vaccination at 8 weeks old, their vaccines are then boosted at 12 and 16 weeks of age. These vaccines then need to be boosted again one year later.
Does my kitten only need core vaccines?
Kittens are at high risk of being infected with these preventable, life-threatening illnesses because their immune systems are still developing. The core vaccines are essential for every kitten starting at 8 weeks of age. The inclusion of the non-core vaccine, FeLV, is dependent on their risk of exposure in the future (ie. whether they will be going outside or if they will be in contact with other cats that are at higher risk of infection). Since most owners are still getting to know their cats at this early age and are unsure of the lifestyle they will have, we often recommend including the non-core vaccine at least during these more susceptible stages of development.