Why Do Kittens Need Distemper Shots

Booster shots whether your now grown cat received his first fvrcp shots as a kitten or an adult he ll need a booster one year after the initial series and then another booster every three years.

Why do kittens need distemper shots. Do cats and dogs need a distemper vaccine. The feline viral rhinotracheitis calicivirus and panleukopenia vaccinations often come in a combination shot fvrcp which is sometimes called the distemper shot your cat may need extra shots. The vaccine series doesn t boost immunity after every shot. The first series of shots a kitten will usually get is a drcc fvrcp vaccination against feline distemper panleukopenia rhinotracheitis and calici virus.

To help protect kittens they ll need two sets of vaccinations to get them started. Distemper shots are included in every veterinarian s list of annual vaccines or semi annual vaccines. Here s everything you need to know about the distemper vaccine and why it s important. It s easily spread but the good news is that there are several vaccines for preventing the disease administered often in combination with other vaccines.

The fvrcp vaccine is important for all cats including indoor cats because it protects against three viruses that are airborne and spread without cat to cat contact. All kittens need certain core vaccines which provide immunity against the most dangerous and widespread diseases. If you find a stray cat or adopt a cat with an unknown vaccination history the cat receives an initial shot with two more shots three to four weeks apart. Feline distemper is a disease that is both widespread and potentially fatal.

Kittens should receive this shot at 6 8 weeks because they are very vulnerable to calicivirus and distemper. Core vaccines are considered essential for kittens in most geographical locations. Kittens should have their first set of vaccinations at nine weeks old and at three months old they should receive the second set to boost their immune system. Repeated vaccines e g canine distemper parvovirus and adenovirus and feline viral rhinotracheitis panleukopenia and calicivirus are necessary to fully protect puppies and kittens but many owners misunderstand the reason why.

Distemper is a serious illness and one that nearly every cat comes in contact with. As a result it is extremely important that cat owners monitor their pet s health records and ensure that their pets are adequately vaccinated. Depending on your location and your kitten s environment certain non core vaccines may also be recommended.