Vaccinations for kittens - what and when to do: vaccination schedule, possible complications

Vaccination of pets is not mandatory, but desirable. Many cats live without vaccinations, but they have to deal with viral and bacterial infections, of which not all respond to effective treatment. Therefore, kittens should be vaccinated, and which and when - the details are further.

Why do I need to vaccinate pets?

Kittens need to be vaccinated due to the spread and activation of bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Pathogenic microorganisms can provoke diseases that significantly reduce the life of pets.

Here are the main reasons why you should not refuse to administer the vaccine:

1. Vaccination protects the animal from infection with life-threatening infections.
2. Immunization eliminates death in the event of infection and facilitates the course of the disease. Vaccinated pets tolerate illnesses more easily.
3. Without vaccinations, it is impossible to travel with a cat to other countries.
4. Some pet hotels and other facilities require a certificate of vaccination.
5. Vaccinations protect not only pets, but also their owners. A vaccinated cat will not become a carrier of infections dangerous to human life and health.
6. If the cat plans to participate in exhibitions and competitions in the future, vaccinations are an important rule. Without fulfillment of this paragraph, animals may not be allowed to participate.

Important! It is necessary to vaccinate kittens even in those cases if they lead a home lifestyle and do not contact street animals. The fact is that infection can occur even in contact with dirty shoes or clothing of the owner.

Necessary vaccinations for kittens

From the first days, the kitten is at risk of contracting life-threatening infections. Therefore, it is important to strengthen the pet's immunity by vaccinating against diseases that can lead to death.

The list of the most dangerous infections from which it is necessary to protect the pet by immunization:

• calicivirosis;
• panleukopenia;
• herpes virus;
• rabies.

It is additionally recommended to vaccinate against fungal diseases:

• trichophytosis;
• microsporia.

For cats that come in contact with other animals and often go for walks, it is also necessary to administer vaccines against such infectious diseases:

• chlamydia
• rhinotracheitis;
• viral peritonitis.

For vaccination, complex, multicomponent preparations are used, corresponding to the age and stage of the schedule. It is not necessary to administer each vaccine individually. At each stage, one or two injections are needed, since the rabies drug is not compatible with all formulations.

Attention! The effectiveness of immunization drugs depends on how well the schedule has been followed. To develop immunity, only one dose administered is not enough. According to the norms of veterinary medicine, after certain periods of time, revaccination is performed - re-administration of the drug.

Vaccination schedule

The first vaccination of a kitten is administered at the age of 7-8 weeks. Initiating vaccination earlier is not recommended, as there is an increased risk of complications. Each vaccine is administered repeatedly to maintain its effectiveness. Vaccinations for kittens, what and when to do - details in the table.

If the schedule has been violated or there is no way to check the availability of vaccinations in the pet, the veterinarian will be able to develop a new scheme taking into account age and health status.

Attention! Vaccination of a kitten against rabies can be carried out not only on schedule, but also in the case of bites by other animals. In such situations, a virus antigen is administered.

Vaccine preparation

If the cat has contraindications for vaccination by the age of eight months, vaccinations should be postponed.

To exclude the negative effect of drugs on health, it is necessary to perform the following preparatory steps:

1. To destroy the intestinal parasites.
2. To test for the presence of the immunodeficiency virus of cats (this disease is a categorical, lifelong contraindication to vaccination).
3. Perform a routine examination at the veterinarian to eliminate contraindications.
4. Inform the doctor about the presence of any disturbing symptoms or contact with sick animals in the past 2-3 weeks.

Sometimes animals require two-week quarantine. If the origin and past of the pet is unknown, do not rush with the introduction of vaccines, as there is a risk of carriage or infection. For kittens found on the street or taken from a shelter, the quarantine period may be extended.

The following problems are a temporary contraindication to vaccination:

• identification of worms and fleas;
• discharge from the eyes or nose;
• the presence of lichen;
• surgical intervention.

Attention! It is better to get vaccinated in a veterinary clinic where an animal is observed. After the introduction of the drug, the doctor will be able to monitor the condition of the pet, and if necessary, respond in a timely manner to the development of negative immunity reactions.

The period after the procedure

After the injection, you need to provide the cat with full care, taking into account the features of the processes taking place in the body.

The main requirements:

• protection against drafts and hypothermia;
• balanced diet and plenty of drink;
• a ban on bathing and contact with water for 48 hours;
• restriction of contacts with other animals;
• protection of the pet from stress and irritants.

In case of undesirable side effects, it is necessary to record the phone of the veterinarian and purchase anti-allergic and antipyretic drugs.

Important! It is necessary to obtain as much information as possible from the veterinarian about the vaccine used and consult on a plan of action in case of complications. In emergency situations, hospitalization may be required.

Possible complications

The risk of adverse reactions and complications after the introduction of vaccines is low, since manufacturers offer the safest drugs, additionally purified and tested.

But not everything depends on the quality of the vaccine, complications can be triggered by the following factors:

• violation of the rules of administration;
• the presence of individual intolerance;
• diseases.

According to veterinary statistics, the percentage of adverse reactions after vaccination is low - from 1 to 15%, depending on the type of vaccination. But they do not pose a threat to the body and are considered as a normal immunological response.

After administration of the drug, a pet may develop symptoms for a short time:

• lethargy;
• drowsiness;
• loss of appetite;
• pain, hair loss, focal baldness at the injection site;
• increase in body temperature;
• cramps
• changes in behavior.

The following diseases are dangerous for the health and life of a pet:

• polyneuritis;
• encephalitis;
• arthritis;
• allergic reactions.

The problem with complications is that they cannot be predicted. The reaction of the pet is individual.

Attention! Adverse reactions may occur during the first 14 days after administration of the vaccine. If the pet's health worsened later, then the problem is not in vaccination.

It is not necessary to give all the necessary vaccinations for kittens, but veterinarians recommend adhering to the vaccination schedule. If you follow all the rules, this will provide high chances of maintaining health and increasing the life expectancy of cats and cats.