Mary Allen
The immune system of young kittens is not yet fully developed. That is why vaccination protection for kittens is particularly important. In order for the little furballs to be able to lead a healthy life right from the start, you should absolutely comply with basic vaccinations.
In the first few weeks after birth, vaccination protection for kittens is guaranteed by the cat’s mother’s antibodies. The kittens ingest them with their mother’s milk and are initially protected. However, this type of immunization wears off over time.
Vaccinations as Important Protection in Puppyhood
The antibodies that kittens absorb from their mother’s milk gradually decrease and are no longer sufficient for comprehensive protection against diseases. Therefore, the immune system must be additionally supported with vaccinations. However, the maternal antibodies make it more difficult to develop immunization through vaccination, since they fight the vaccines like pathogens. That is why kittens have to be vaccinated more frequently in the beginning.
In this way, a so-called booster – i.e. reinforcement – of the vaccination protection is achieved until the antibodies have completely disappeared from the breast milk. In return, the antibodies formed by the vaccine now protect against the corresponding diseases.
Vaccination Protection for Kittens: This Is What Your Kitten Needs
Basically, there are two vaccinations that are absolutely necessary for all kittens – regardless of whether they become cozy house cats or active outdoor cats. You should definitely protect your little ball of wool from cat flu and cat epidemics. Both diseases can also be transmitted without contact with other conspecifics. For example, you could unintentionally carry the pathogens on your shoes from outside into your home. Vaccination in puppyhood is particularly important here.
Your kitten will get its first prick when it is eight weeks old. A refresher is given four weeks later. From then on, repeating these vaccinations every year is enough to protect your little darling from the worst. In some cases, vaccination is only required every two years. However, you should have the vet carry out a titer determination to ensure that the immunization continues.
Which Vaccinations for Kittens Can Also Be Useful
If your kittens are later released or go on holiday with them, further vaccinations are advisable. Outdoor cats should also be vaccinated against rabies and feline leukosis to be on the safe side. The reason for this is that cats that move freely outside have contact with wild animals and strangers from the neighborhood – their risk of contracting leukemia is significantly increased. Rabies is considered to be eradicated in Germany, but better safe than sorry. The rabies vaccination is also a requirement in many countries in order to be allowed to enter the country with your pet.
There is also a vaccination against feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a dangerous form of peritonitis. Discuss with your veterinarian whether vaccination against this disease is suitable for your cat.
When Should Kittens Not Be Vaccinated?
Only healthy kittens can be vaccinated. If your pet becomes ill, it must first cure its illness before it can be protected from other illnesses. You will also need to delay vaccination if your kitten is suffering from parasitic infestations such as worms. In this case, deworming has priority. 14 days later, your kitten will be ready for its first vaccination.