Why Do Kittens Need Booster Shots

Statistics find 7 of 10 infected kittens do not survive the virus and those that do often suffer from neurological damage.

Why do kittens need booster shots. Most vets recommend adult cats receive an annual fvrcp booster shot while others recommend the booster shot every 3 years. Core vaccines are considered essential for kittens in most geographical locations. Booster vaccines may also be necessary to travel outside of the country. To achieve the best protection possible your kitten will need boosters over the first several months of their life at least until they are between 16 20 weeks old.

The american veterinary medical association and the american association of feline practitioners advise that kittens with lower risks of disease exposure may not need booster shots on an annual basis for most illnesses. Recent research indicates that not all vaccines require yearly boosters. However recommendations vary by breed potential of exposure the health of a cat and the geographic location in which the kitten lives. However there is no evidence that annual booster vaccination is anything but beneficial to the majority of cats.

All kittens need certain core vaccines which provide immunity against the most dangerous and widespread diseases. Rhinotracheitis or feline herpes virus is deadly in kittens. Repeated vaccines e g canine distemper parvovirus and adenovirus and feline viral rhinotracheitis panleukopenia and calicivirus are necessary to fully protect puppies and kittens but many owners misunderstand the reason why. They can also strengthen their immune system.

Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. The vaccine series doesn t boost immunity after every shot. Information on feline herpes. And even adult cats will need an initial series of shots and boosters for certain vaccinations to achieve the best level of protection.

However individual cats differ as do different brands of vaccines in terms of potency. Primary vaccination is essential in order to prevent the return of the once common deadly infectious diseases in kittens and cats. Published research has shown conclusively that abstaining from some boosters can put your cat at risk. Boosters for core vaccines revised thinking holds that cats should receive booster shots every three years for feline panleukopenia feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus.

Depending on your location and your kitten s environment certain non core vaccines may also be recommended. Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat your vet can help you figure out which. Booster shots are recommended for cats that go outdoors or spend time in the kennel when you go away. Talk with your veterinarian to determine which vaccinations are most appropriate for your kitten.

Booster shots may be needed if you were born before a vaccine became a legal requirement or in a region of the world that did not provide the immunization. Many of your kitten s initial shots will be given as a series of boosters every 3 4 weeks.