Over the years, vaccinations have saved the lives of millions of animals, including countless kittens and cats.

They work by introducing a little of an imitation disease into your pet's body and while it won't cause her harm, it will trigger an autoimmune response that causes her body to make antibodies to fight it. Vaccines have proven to be extremely effective when administered correctly. However, they must be given on a strict schedule as each is only effective for a period of time before its ability to cause an autoimmune response decreases. When this happens, your pet - in this case your adorable new kitten - could be at risk of catching serious and even deadly diseases.

It is essential that your feline furbaby starts to receive protection against the many infectious diseases that could threaten her health from an early age. This is because her immune system is still developing at this puts her at greater risk of contracting any illnesses or diseases that are around her. However, because she is still not yet fully grown, it isn't possible for her to receive a full dose of the vaccine immediately. Instead, it must be given over the course of a number of months in a series of shots.

After this time, your vet in Port Charlotte will put together a vaccination schedule specifically for your kitten. This will enable you to keep track of when her booster shots are due and help you ensure that she will remain protected at all times. If you have not yet got a vaccination plan in place with your vet, our kitten vaccination packages available at our Port Charlotte animal hospital can be tailored to suit your requirements.

Types of vaccination your kitten will receive

Vaccinations are usually divided into two categories. These are 'core' and 'non-core' vaccines. Core vaccines are given to all kittens regardless of their breed and where they live. Non-core vaccines are only given on the recommendation of your vet and these will be based on whether your kitten goes roaming outdoors, where you live and her general health.

Core vaccines

Core vaccines for kittens and cats include:

• Feline rhinotracheitis
• Feline calicivirus
• Feline panleukopenia
• Rabies

Non-core vaccines

Non-core vaccines for kittens and cats include:

• Feline leukemia
• Feline AIDS
• Feline infectious peritonitis
• Bordetella
• Feline chlamydia

Kitten vaccination schedule

The normal guidelines for the vaccination of kittens are as follows:

• 6-18 weeks old - FVRCP vaccine (feline distemper)
• 9-11 weeks old - FVRCP booster and FeLV (feline leukemia)
• 12-14 weeks old - FVRCP and FeLV boosters
• 15-17 weeks old - FVRCP final booster and Rabies

After this initial series of vaccinations, you can expect your vet to schedule annual or 3-yearly boosters for your cat depending on the type of vaccine and your individual circumstances. It is essential that you adhere to these appointments so that your feline is not left exposed to potentially deadly diseases at any time.

When vaccination requirements change

Although you can find generic vaccination schedules available online, these may not always be applicable to your pet. Circumstances can change that mean that a non-core vaccine that your kitten previously never needed would now be extremely beneficial. Vaccination recommendations for your kitten may change if you need to put her in a boarding facility, if she suddenly goes from being an indoor kitty to roaming outside or if you relocate to a different area. It is always worth checking with your vet if any of these circumstances arise.

To speak to our highly experienced veterinarians in Port Charlotte about kitten vaccination packages, pleasecontact our offices in today at 941-214-4250.