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 Diseases and Vaccination for Cats

Your cat counts on you for protection

One of the very best things you can do to give your cat a long and healthy life is to ensure that they are vaccinated against common feline diseases. Your cat’s mother gave her kitten immunity from disease for the first few weeks of existence by providing disease-fighting antibodies in her milk. After that period, it is up to you with the help and advice of your veterinarian to provide that protection.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines contain small quantities of altered or “killed” viruses, bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. When administered, they stimulate your cat’s immune system to produce disease fighting cells and proteins or antibodies to protect against disease.

When should my cat be vaccinated?

Generally, the immunity that a kitten has at birth begins to diminish after 9 weeks. It is then usually time to begin the initial vaccinations, with the booster following at 3 to 4 weeks later. Thereafter, your cat will require repeat vaccinations for the rest of his or her life. Of course, these are only guidelines – your veterinarian will be able to determine the exact schedule that is right for your pet.