Adopting a new kitten means going through many milestones together, including bringing your cat home for the first time, litter training her and introducing her to other animals to name a few. Other important first steps will take place in your veterinarian's office. From vaccinations to spaying and neutering, being a new pet parent comes with new responsibilities.
To help you prepare, here's a list of the most common kitten vaccinations vets recommend and why they're important for your new family member. Educate yourself first, and then work with your vet to create a vaccine schedule right for your family.
Did you know a kitten's disease-fighting ability begins with a healthy mother cat? According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), kittens take in disease-fighting antibodies from the mother cat's milk when they nurse. Most kittens are weaned by around 8 weeks and receive their first vaccinations around the age of 6 to 8 weeks. Boosters will continue to be given every three to four weeks until the kitten reaches 16 weeks old or until the full series of vaccinations are complete.
If you adopt a cat older than that, your vet will help you identify what vaccines are recommended, what age you should begin with the shots and how long they'll need to be given.
It can be tough to know how to make a decision on which of these kitten vaccinations is right for your new pet, which is why you should always consult your vet for advice. Your veterinarian will ask questions about your kitten's lifestyle and what her new environment is like in your home. Some common questions include:
Remember to answer any questions honestly, even if you're not sure of the answer. The more information you provide to the vet, the better they will be able to help you decide which, if any, vaccines your new family member should receive.
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