Title: 
To Stay Happy And Healthy Your Kitten Will Need Vaccinations

Word Count:
449

Summary:
As a cat owner, you have a responsibility to protect the cat.  One of the things you'll need to do is to have the cat vaccinated.


Keywords:
dog, dogs, cat, cats, pet, pets, animals, family, home


Article Body:
As a cat owner, you have a responsibility to protect the cat.  One of the things you’ll need to do is to have the cat vaccinated.  

6-8 weeks old

The first vaccination will need to happen when he is about six to eight weeks old.  Before now, his mother’s antibodies are helping to protect him.  But, once he is weaned from the mother, he needs his own antibodies to protect him.

The vet will give your kitten a physical exam which will likely include a fecal exam to insure that the cat doesn’t have worms.  Before vaccinating them, they will do a blood test to insure that the does not already have Feline Leukemia or Feline Infectius Peritonitis.  These tests don’t take long to be done, likely only minutes.  The first vaccine to be received will likely be Feline Leukemia and FIP vaccines.  Cats that never leave their home may not need these vaccines.  

But, all cats are likely to receive FVRCPC vaccine even if he never leaves home.  This vaccine is actually a combination of several vaccines. FVRCPC protects kittens from rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleudopenia and chlamydia.  

10-12 weeks old

Two to four weeks later, you cat will need to visit the vet again.  This time he will get his second FVRCPC vaccine and his second FIP and feline Leukemia vaccines as well.  He may get a second worming too if he had one at his first visit.  When they reach twelve weeks old, those cats that spend time outdoors will also need their first rabies vaccine.

The next visit will happen at ten to sixteen weeks old.  The third FVRCPC vaccine will be given.  And some cats will get their rabies shot now too.  

1 year old

At one year old, the cat will need Rabies and FVRCPC vaccines again.  If the rabies shot is given within one year of the first one, it will be good for up to three years.  The cat will return though for FVRCPC vaccines each year.  He’ll also receive boosters of FIP and Feline Leukemia as well.

Your pet needs these vaccines to stay healthy.  Although they are meant to help your pet stay healthy, the cat may develop a reaction to the injection itself.  Although rare, the cat can develop a cancer from the Leukemia vaccines and that is why they are not recommended for cats that do not need them.  Also, cats can develop lumps or tumors as well.  It is important that you make sure to let the vet know if there are any signs of these things with your pet.  

When you follow these simple steps your kitten should be assured a happy and healthy future.