Vaccines for Kittens & Cats

Regular vaccination is crucial in shielding your pet from severe diseases. It does not matter if you have an adult cat or a young kitten, scheduled vaccinations can help provide protection. Neglecting to vaccinate your pet may leave them more vulnerable to a wide range of grave medical conditions. To get started, call us at 250-727-2125.

How do vaccines work?

To help pets develop immunity against diseases, vaccines are given in small doses of pathogens so that their immune system can recognize and fight them. When a pet is exposed to a virus or bacteria for the first time, they do not have immunity, but vaccination prompts their immune system to produce antibodies to combat it. These antibodies remain in their bloodstream, so if the pet encounters the pathogen again, they will already have the means to fight it.

How many boosters would my kitten need to be fully protected?

Ensuring your kitten receives their vaccines on schedule is crucial in protecting them from fatal infectious diseases. The vaccines need to be given as a series at specific intervals of 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks of age in order for them to be effective. Adult cats should be revaccinated every 1-3 years based on their lifestyle and the risks they may be exposed to.

Why does my kitten need so many boosters?

Newborn kittens receive temporary immunity from their mother's antibodies immediately after birth, which lasts for a few weeks. But to maintain protection from life-threatening diseases, the kitten needs to produce its own antibodies. Vaccinations help to stimulate this active immunity. However, the maternal antibodies can inhibit the response to vaccines, so it's crucial to start the vaccine series at around 8 weeks, after the maternal immunity has waned but before the kitten is exposed to infectious diseases. Administering a series of booster shots promotes long-term active immunity.