Cat and Kitten Vaccinations and Tests

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Vaccinations and tests for cats and kittens are critical to their healthy development and long term well being. If you have a new cat or kitten, or have introduced a new feline friend into your home that already has cats, the following information will help you avoid any future problems and keep your pets safe and feeling good. 

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First, you will need to vaccinate your kitten or cat to protect it from some widespread and deadly diseases. If you don't know whether or not shots have been given, it's all right to have them given again - shots given twice will not hurt a cat. 

Here are some approximate times for kitten tests and vaccinations:

Tests & Vaccinations That Should Be Done As Soon As Possible 

1. Take a fecal sample to your vet to check for worms.
2. Test for Feline Leukemia Virus (FLV). If you have other cats at home, this is best done before introducing someone new. FLV is fatal and extremely contagious, spreading through contact with saliva such as bites, sneezing, shared food. 

Vaccinate for FLV as soon as your vet recommends. Usually, there is a series of 3 shots: at 10 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks.

Vaccinations Done At 6 to 10 Weeks

Generally, at 6 to 10 weeks, kittens have their first shots, which provide immunization against Feline Leukemia Virus - see above

1. Feline Panleukopenia, better known as feline distemper, a potentially fatal viral disease
2. Feline Rhinotracheitis, a widespread and very severe upper respiratory infection
3. Feline Calicivirus, another widespread feline upper respiratory infection
4. Feline Chlamydiosis, an upper respiratory disease that causes conjunctivitis if left untreated

Vaccinations Done At 12 to 16 Weeks

1. Rabies is usually given now.
2. Plus another round of the same shots given in weeks 6 to 10.

Boosters are usually given at 1 year of age.

The last two concerns for a cat owner are: 

1. Bodetella, a serious, contagious illness, for which there is now a nasal vaccine -no shot! 
2. Heartworm, which can be prevented by applying a monthly topical medication. Notice - not a monthly pill. 

If you've adopted an adult cat, all of the same shots apply, and your veterinarian will recommend the correct timing and course of shots, but often they receive all of the vaccines listed above at their initial visit, and the FVRCP and Leukemia vaccines are boostered 3 weeks later. 

If your cat is protected from all above mentioned illnesses, they will have a comfortable long life, and you'll have a worry-free existence, which is a great thing to have!

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