It’s a no-brainer, but your cat must be immunised to protect her from harmful, sometimes fatal, disease.
Immunising your cat
As most cats are adequately vaccinated against major infectious diseases, many feline diseases are relatively uncommon. But failing to immunise your cat not only puts her/him at risk, but also all other cats in your area and even the wild cat population.
Maternally derived antibodies (MDA) can interfere with the vaccine efficacy which is why your kitten will require a series of a series of boosters. Vaccinations in kittens should commence between 6 – 8 weeks of age.
The kitten vaccination schedule in Australia is:
Core vaccines - F3 FVR (feline viral rhinotracheitis), FCV (feline calicivirus) and FPV (panleukopenia).
Primary: 1st shot 6-8 weeks
Primary: 2nd shot 10-12 weeks
Primary: 3rd shot 14-16 weeks
Booster: 12 months
Repeat booster: 12-36 depending on the risk factors
Non-core vaccines
Rabies: Primary: 8 -12 weeks
Booster: 12 months
Booster: 24 months
Repeat booster: 12-36 months depending on local laws
FIV (Feline immunodeficiency virus)
Primary: 1st shot 8 weeks
Primary:2nd shot 10 weeks
Primary: 3rd shot 12 weeks
Booster: 12 months
Repeat booster:every 12 months for high risk cats
FeLV (Feline leukemia) – Requires two doses 3-4 weeks apart.
Primary: 1st shot 8 -12 weeks
Primary:2nd shot 12- 16 weeks
Booster: 12 months
Repeat booster:every 12 months for high risk cats
FIP (Feline Infectious peritonitis) – Requires two doses 3-4 weeks apart.
Primary: 1st shot 16 weeks
Primary:2nd shot 20 weeks
Booster: every 12 months for high risk cats
Chlamydophila felis – Requires two doses 2-4 weeks apart
Primary: 1st shot 9 weeks
Primary:2nd shot 13 weeks
Booster: every 12 months for high risk cats
Bordetella - Bordetella can also be given intranasally with just a single dose as early as 4 weeks of age.
Single intranasal dose at 4 weeks
Primary: 1st shot 8-12 weeks
Primary:2nd shot 12-16 weeks
Booster: every 12 months for high risk cats
According to the Australian Veterinary Association, the core vaccines need to be administered tri-annually. The best vaccination protocol for any cats with higher risk factors can be assessed by your veterinarian.
For more information, view: https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/policies/companion-animals-health/vaccination-of-dogs-and-cats/
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