Vaccinating a Kitten
I have two
small kittens and they have had one check up, but I forgot at what age I
am to take them back for shots. Can you please let me know the best age.
And, as I am unsure of their real age is there a way to tell?
Kittens should be vaccinated between six and eight weeks of age. The vaccinations should be repeated at two to four week intervals for two additional sets of shots. The shots are boostered annually after the intial series.
One vaccintation is the FVRCPC vaccine. This provides protection for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia and Chlamydia. Another vaccine is for Feline Leukemia. A third vaccine is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). The first three vaccines are required by all cats. The forth vaccine is for Rabies. If your kitten goes outside, a rabies vaccination after four months will be necessary. It is important to have your veterinarian examine your kitten at each vaccination visit. Your veterinarian can check for normal growth, parasites, dental development, and discuss fleas, diet and behavioral problems.
A kitten's age is determined by dentition. A kitten is six to eight weeks after the premolars have fully erupted behind the canine teeth, and before any of the permanent incisors have replaced the deciduous teeth. When in doubt, visit your veterinarian. An early visit is never wasted, for, just as in human infants, there is much to examine and discuss in an newborn to insure a long and healthy life ahead.
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