When to vaccinate and why

As a responsible owner, you need to be aware of the health risks facing your kitten. Feline infectious enteritis (FIE), feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), feline calicivirus (FCV) and cat influenza are all extremely infectious and can prove very dangerous for kittens. Fortunately, however, there are vaccines which are highly effective against all of them.

His first injections will usually be given at nine weeks, followed by a second lot at 12 weeks. Influenza vaccine is often given as nose drops rather than by injection.

It takes up to a fortnight after vaccination for his immunity to fully develop, so during that time you’ll have to keep him indoors. And remember, from then on he will need to have booster injections every year. Be sure you keep his vaccination certificates in a safe place. If you ever want to leave him in a cattery when he’s older, you’ll need to produce them

Vaccination against rabies is a must if you need to take your cat overseas and other vaccinations available include ones against feline leukaemia virus and feline chlamydia. Ask your vet if you need more information.