When you get a new kitten, it is essential that you follow a strict schedule and get your cat the shots that he or she needs to stay happy and healthy. Young kittens are susceptible to a variety of illnesses, and if you don’t get your animal vaccinated, then chances are that he or she will get sick. Even if a cat is kept inside, germs from previous animals and bacteria can still affect your animal.
Outdoor kitties are at an even higher risk to obtaining a deadly disease. While it may seem like a pain to pack up your feline and take him or her to the vet, it will be worth it in the end. It’s much better to get your cat the shots he or she needs at a quick clinic appointment than it is to take your cat to the vet with an illness that will cost hundreds in treatments.
Some people fear that vaccines can be harmful, rather than healthy for your cat. While there is common suspicion that vaccines can cause cancer at the site of the injection, this has never been scientifically proven. Sometimes, your vet may offer alternative vaccines that don’t contain adjuvants, if you would prefer to shield your cat from this possibility. Adjuvants are the chemicals that are added to the vaccine to help the serum take hold and work in the animal’s body.
If you decide not to vaccinate your cat because of a medical concern, or because you don’t believe in vaccinations, then you need to purchase dietary supplements to boost the animal’s immune system. The PetAlive Immunity & Liver Support Formula is one of these formulas which will help your cat to stand against any harmful germs or bacteria. You should talk to a holistic veterinarian before you decide to forego vaccinations altogether in favor of other mediums.
Typically, your cat will need to get his or her first round of shots at 10 weeks old. When you take your cat in, you will want to get your cat vaccinated for feline distemper, feline herpes, feline calicivirus, and rabies. Some vets recommend saving the rabies shot for a cat that is slightly stronger at 12 weeks. All of these vaccinations come with a follow-up shot two weeks later. Feline distemper is a shot that provides complete protection from panleukopenia. You will want to get your cat a third round of this vaccination at one year old, and then a follow-up vaccination ever three years.
The Feline Herpes shot will protect your cat from up to 90 percent of all respiratory infections. While the shot won’t provide complete protection, it will certainly help your kitten to fight the illness, and will lessen its severity. The Feline Calicivirus shot will protect from 90 percent of respiratory infections as well. While these are the core shots that you need to get your kitten, there are other shots that you can choose to obtain if you believe that your cat is at risk. Some kittens are immunized for feline leukemia virus, which will protect them from obtaining this fatal form of cancer.
This vaccine is recommended for cats that will be living outdoors. Most often, cats can receive this shot up to 16 weeks old. It does not require a follow-up shot. Certain cats from defined breeds may need to get a dermatophytosis show, which will prevent a skin infection. Others may need to receive a shot for Feline infectious peritonitis, or for giardiasis. Talk to your veterinarian about the various diseases that your cat is most prone to, to determine if you need to purchase any additional vaccinations. If you are diligent with your vaccinations, you have a greater potential of raising a healthy and happy kitty.