Kitten vaccination schedule

Why it takes several doses, not one

Because a kitten is born with antibodies from its mother that protect it for the first weeks and, at the same time, cancel out vaccines. Nobody knows the exact day that protection fades, so doses are given every three or four weeks from six or eight weeks of age until sixteen weeks or later. The last dose of the series should not be given before sixteen weeks, and the WSAVA guidelines also recommend a booster between six months and a year, in case a dose did not take.

The core vaccines, for indoor cats too

The core vaccine protects against panleukopenia, herpesvirus and calicivirus, and it is considered essential for every cat, whether it goes out or not. Panleukopenia is a very hardy virus that can come into the house on your shoes, and herpes and calicivirus cause most cat flu. The feline leukaemia vaccine depends on the life it leads: highly recommended for kittens with outdoor access or that will live with cats of unknown status, always after a test. In Spain, rabies is compulsory in some regions and always for travel outside the country.

Adult boosters

Not all of them are yearly. Once the first-year course is complete, protection against panleukopenia lasts for years and the guidelines recommend a booster every three. Herpes and calicivirus are boosted every year in cats at risk (those that go outside, go to a cattery or live with many cats) and every three years in indoor cats. The yearly check-up does not go away: that is when the vet decides what is needed that year.

Worming, the other calendar

Kittens are wormed from three weeks, every two weeks while nursing and then every month until six months; as adults, according to the life they lead. For fleas and ticks, always use products made for cats and for their weight. Never a dog spot-on or collar: many contain permethrin, which causes tremors and seizures in cats and is one of the most common poisonings seen in emergency clinics.