Vaccinating Your Cat

Cat vaccination is the number one health defence in protecting your cat or kitten from many serious (and sometimes fatal) viral diseases.  Vaccinations limit the spread and severity of these viruses and may save you significant cost should your cat fall ill.

Pet owners are generally aware that kittens require boosters to establish immunity, however they sometimes don’t realise cats need ongoing boosters throughout their life to maintain immunity.

We are happy to talk with cat owners about which vaccines are suitable for your cat or kitten, and the schedule you should follow.

Here are some of the frequently asked questions you may have about vaccines. 

Why Are They Important?

Vaccines assist a cats own immune system in building defence to disease.  This is most commonly done by introducing a mimic or weakened version of the disease-causing virus or organism, which teaches a cat’s body in advance how to fight it off, or reduce the effects should it ever catch the real virus in the future.

What do the common cat vaccines in New Zealand protect against?

  • Cat Flu
  • Feline Enteritis 

Are There Optional Cat Vaccines?

Yes, your vet may recommend additional vaccines (eg Feline Chlamydophila) based on things like:

  • Age
  • Medical history
  • Environment
  • Overseas Travel
  • Lifestyle

 Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Kittens initially gain protection from their mother’s milk, so if your kitten is not able to have this, please speak with your vet as soon as possible.  You should always confirm a suitable vaccination schedule for your kitten with your vet, however a general vaccination guide is:

  • At 8-9 weeks: first core vaccination
  • At 12 weeks: booster core vaccination
  • At 16 weeks: booster core vaccination
  • At 6 months: booster core vaccination

Your cat will also require ongoing annual vaccinations, with the first due at 18 months (one year from the 6-month vaccination).

Are vaccines safe?

Vaccines are extremely safe with only rare negative reactions.  If your cat does experience any reaction, call us to discuss.  These rare cases would most likely show as:

  • Fever
  • Sluggishness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Facial or paw swelling and/or hives
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Pain or swelling around the injection site
  • Collapse, difficulty breathing, and seizures (anaphylactic shock)

Not unlike humans, mild symptoms can be ignored as your body processes the vaccine, but for anything more severe give us a call. 

Scheduling an Appointment for Cat Vaccinations

You can book online (select vaccination as the appointment type) or give us a call to arrange a time.  Every vaccination appointment includes a health check for your kitten/cat.