Why Do Kittens Need Distemper Shots

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.

Why do kittens need distemper shots. To help protect kittens they ll need two sets of vaccinations to get them started. 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. Distemper shots are included in every veterinarian s list of annual vaccines or semi annual vaccines. The vaccine series doesn t boost immunity after every shot.

Distemper is a serious illness and one that nearly every cat comes in contact with. After this kittens and cats usually need booster vaccinations every twelve months. The first series of shots a kitten will usually get is a drcc fvrcp vaccination against feline distemper panleukopenia rhinotracheitis and calici virus. Kittens should receive this shot at 6 8 weeks because they are very vulnerable to calicivirus and distemper.

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. Core vaccines are considered essential for kittens in most geographical locations.

Do cats and dogs need a distemper vaccine. 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. As a result it is extremely important that cat owners monitor their pet s health records and ensure that their pets are adequately vaccinated. The virus that causes feline distemper is a fast moving killer that can take out a cat in a matter of days.

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. A vaccination should help create antibodies that help a kitten fight diseases and protect him as long as the antibodies are in the cat s system. Depending on your location and your kitten s environment certain non core vaccines may also be recommended.