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Kitten Basics: Do Kittens Get Hairballs?

Cats are generally considered to be low-maintenance pets. However, that’s nothing but a myth. You need to care for a cat the way you would care for any baby, especially with regards to its health and overall well-being. Although medical treatments are available for most feline illnesses, prevention is always better than cure. Cat vaccinations, such as the anti-rabies and FVRCP vaccine, protect your furry friends from deadly infections like rabies. But did you know? These diseases are transmissible to humans as well. Yes. So, when you vaccinate your cat against such medical conditions, you also reduce the possibility of contracting fatal diseases from your own pet.
 

Feline vaccines are scientifically developed to boost the cat’s immunity and fight fatal diseases. Even though there is no ‘one size fits all’ protocol for immunization, veterinarians suggest cat injections depending on your pet’s age, overall health, lifestyle, and breed. Moreover, these vaccinations are primarily divided into two categories – core vaccines and lifestyle vaccines. Core vaccines are essential for every cat irrespective of their lifestyle, breed, and region. Lifestyle vaccines are given to cats after considering certain circumstances.
 

Different Cat Vaccinations and When to Vaccinate

Administering rabies and other precautionary vaccines from a young age protects cats from falling prey to serious diseases. Mentioned below are essential cat vaccinations that every kitty must get:

1. Rabies vaccine

These are anti-rabies vaccines for cats. They are given annually or once in 3 years – depending on the type of vaccine you choose – to protect your kitty from the fatal rabies virus. While this disease is fatal for your feline friend, it can also prove terminal for humans. Rabies often spreads through bites or scratches of infected animals. And rabies patients develop signs of aggression, disorientation, and hydrophobia post incubation stage. If not treated in time, rabies often results in fatal consequences for both animals and humans. Hence, anti-rabies vaccines for cats are a must from a young age.

2. FVRCP vaccine

These are 3-in-1 vaccine for cats. FVRCP vaccine prevents cats from three different viruses – feline rhinotracheitis virus, calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia virus. Instead of getting the kitten inoculated three times, you can simply get the FVRCP vaccine. This 3-in-1 vaccine for cats is recommended annually to protect them from highly infectious diseases.

3. FeLV vaccine

Protect your kitty from leukemia virus by getting them vaccinated. This disease can spread through body fluids like urine, saliva, and feces; hence, FeLV infects cats while grooming or sharing a bowl with an infected cat. This fatal virus can process into various associated conditions such as anemia, lymphoma, or immunosuppression. Hence, the FeLV vaccine is recommended for cats from a very young age. This vaccine consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart for kittens and is followed by revaccination a year later for adult cats.

4. FPV vaccine

An FPV vaccine also protects your cat from feline panleukopenia. Kittens should receive an FPV shot once they turn 6-8 weeks old. You should also revaccinate your four-legged angel every three to four weeks until the age of 16 weeks. After this, a booster dose should be given between the ages of 1 to 2 years.

5. 4-in-1 vaccine for cats

Developed to combat 4 diseases, 4-in-1 vaccine for cats protect against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and chlamydia. These 4 in 1 cat vaccine are also called 4-way vaccines or FVRCCP. Feline chlamydia is part of the feline upper respiratory complex and an underlying cause of most early ocular infections. Hence, kittens should receive 4-in-1 vaccine for cats at the age of 8, 12, and 16 weeks, and a revaccination once they turn a year old. Cat parents are also suggested to revaccinate their kitty every 3 years to keep their purrfect pal hale and hearty.

6. 5-in-1 vaccine for cats

F5 or Fevac 5 vaccines are 5-in-1 vaccine for cats that boosts your kitty’s immune system to tackle five viruses. Getting your kitty inoculated for this combination will ensure that it is safe from a range of fatal illnesses.
 

Cat Vaccination Side Effects

Vaccines are built to boost immunity and fight deadly illnesses. However, after getting vaccinated, your kitty might show mild signs of discomfort and other symptoms. These signs and symptoms are nothing but proof that its body is building a defense mechanism to defeat deadly viruses. Side effects of anti-rabies, FVRCP vaccine, or other combination vaccines for cats may include the following symptoms:

1. Lethargy

2. Loss of appetite

3. Vomiting 

4. Fever

5. Diarrhea

6. Swelling and redness around the injected area

Ensuring that your feline friend is vaccinated from time to time aids in keeping them healthy and lively. Hence, every cat parent is recommended to plan a proper vaccination schedule for their fur babies.