Kittens are adorable little furballs that we instinctively want to protect. Unfortunately, even our loving arms cannot shield them from everything. We also need to enlist the help of cat vaccines to ensure their comprehensive protection. At Summit Veterinary Hospital, we are ready to assist all Los Gatos residents seeking vaccines for their pets. Are you curious about the type of protection vaccinations provide? Continue reading this article to learn more about their benefits and their critical role in successful preventative care for your furry friend.
The Role of Vaccinations in Your Kitten’s Preventative Care Regimen
There is no substitute for vaccinating your pet cat. It's crucial to schedule an appointment with the vet clinic near you as soon as possible to ensure your pet has the protection they need. But why are these vaccinations so important?
Simply put, vaccinating your kitten is the only dependable way to shield them from potentially deadly diseases. For instance, the distemper shot provides kittens with immunity against feline panleukopenia. Feline panleukopenia is a destructive virus that targets a cat’s cells, specifically focusing on white blood cells and stifling their production. Sadly, kittens infected by this virus often succumb to it.
The feline calicivirus is another potential threat that the distemper shot eliminates. While not as deadly as feline panleukopenia, calicivirus can still wreak havoc on your kitten’s health, primarily due to its high contagion rate. Preventing these viruses without the help of vaccinations would be an arduous task. Even if you keep a close eye on your pet, there's no guarantee they won't be exposed to these viruses. Your best course of action is to get your pet vaccinated.
Although California does not have state laws requiring pet owners to inoculate their cats, ordinances vary among different towns and cities. Los Gatos is one of the places in California where cat vaccinations are strongly recommended. Avoid any potential issues by getting those vaccinations done as soon as possible.
The Right Time to Vaccinate Your Cats
Cat vaccines are essential, but how soon should you get them? You won't have to wait long before booking that first vet visit. Experts agree that the initial round of vaccinations can be administered by the time a cat is six weeks old. Cats should receive the FVRCP vaccine first. Wait for four weeks after the initial appointment and bring your pet in for a follow-up FVRCP shot. Once the FVRCP shots are completed, the veterinarian can administer rabies vaccinations. For adult cats, yearly FVRCP and rabies vaccinations are recommended.
Make Arrangements for Your Cat’s Vaccinations
Scheduling your cat’s vaccination appointments doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Contact us at Summit Veterinary Hospital, and we can assist you in making those arrangements. You can also visit our Los Gatos location to have your kitten's vaccinations done.
