What vaccinations are needed to keep your kitten healthy

You have a new kitten, and you aren’t sure what vaccinations it needs to keep it healthy. We can help with that. 

You’ll want to start with core vaccines. Your kitten with need a series of three FVRCP vaccinations. FVRCP stands for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. 

The first vaccine is due at eight weeks. This is also the time to start your kitten on heart worm preventative. The next booster is due at 12 weeks, and they get their first FELV (Feline Leukemia Virus) vaccination. The final boosters are due at 16 weeks. This is also the time to get your kitten his rabies vaccination (this vaccine is required annually by Texas law). Always check with your veterinarian for a current recommended schedule and what’s recommended for your cat. 

The rabies vaccine can be given as early as 12 weeks.

What about tests and deworming? At eight weeks, deworm for hookworm, roundworm, and tapeworms and start on parasite prevention (flea, tick, heart worm). At 12 weeks, deworm again and test for FeLv/FIV and heart worms.

A word of caution, kittens have been getting a lot of upper respiratory infections this year. People get very scared of this and think it’s “too expensive” to take care of. In fact, it can be fairly easy to help your kitten recover from this if you get help early. Also, cats are very good at hiding illnesses, by the time you notice something is wrong, they may need help, so please, be safe instead of sorry and get them seen as soon as possible if you think something is wrong.