Vaccines Your Kitten Should Have

Potential Kitten Vaccinations Your Cat May Receive

• Bordetella: Bordetella (often referred to as kennel cough in dogs) is a highly contagious respiratory disease, which is why many vets will recommend getting the vaccine. It can be transmitted by sneezing and coughing and is especially an issue in multi-cat families. However, remember that your kitten can contract it prior to adoption, especially if raised in a place with other kittens or adult cats. This is not a common vaccination in the United Kingdom (and Republic of Ireland), and under no circumstances should your cat ever receive the canine vaccination.
• Feline Calicivirus: Considered one of the core kitten vaccinations, your vet may suggest you protect your cat from feline calicivirus. It's one of the most common respiratory illnesses, and young kittens are especially susceptible to it. Signs of this disease include swollen face and joints, hair loss and scabbed or ulcerated skin. Feline calicivirus can also attack internal organs, like the lungs, pancreas and liver.
• Feline Leukemia: According to the ASPCA, feline leukaemia is "one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of disease ... in domestic cats." Even if your kitten isn't going to be vaccinated against it, talk to your doctor about testing for it before bringing them home. This illness often does damage to your cat without any outward symptoms, meaning your new kitten may have it and bring it into your home without your knowledge. Feline leukaemia weakens the immune system and predisposes a cat to many other illnesses, such as anaemia, kidney disease and lymphosarcoma, according to the ASPCA.
• Feline Herpesvirus Type 1: The feline herpesvirus causes conjunctivitis and upper respiratory issues in cats, which is why it's considered a core vaccine for your kitten. Also called viral rhinotracheitis, this disease can infect cats of all ages. However, just like any herpesvirus, it's species-specific, so this variation can only affect your kitten — not you or other types of pets, like dogs, birds or fish.
• Chlamydophila felis: A chlamydia infection is usually passed by close contact with other cats. Unlike other feline respiratory illnesses, chlamydia is not usually fatal. It most often presents with red, swollen or runny eyes, according to the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases, and may require antibiotic treatment. The chlamydia vaccine is not a core kitten shot, but your vet might recommend it.
• Panleukopenia: The shot for panleukopenia, also known as feline infectious enteritis is another recommended vaccination. Kitten distemperment is both highly contagious in cats and often fatal. It is often passed from an untreated mother cat to her kittens. The virus goes to work on white blood cells and cells in the intestinal lining and is a common cause of "fading kitten" syndrome. The Spruce Pets explain the signs of fading kitten syndrome in a very small kitten might include an inability to nurse or a low body temperature.
• Rabies: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rabies virus is spread through the saliva of a sick animal and can affect mammals ranging from dogs and cats to bats and foxes. Undetected rabies is extremely dangerous to humans. The UK is rabies-free but a rabies vaccination is a legal requirement for cats travelling abroad / returning to the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme.

Listen to Your Vet

It can be tough to know how to make a decision on which of these kitten vaccinations is right for your new pet, which is why you should always consult your vet for advice. Your veterinarian will ask questions about your kitten's lifestyle and what the environment is like in your home. Some common questions include:

• Where did you get your kitten from? Was it a shelter or a breeder or as a stray?
• Was your kitten raised with other animals before? If so, which species?
• What other animals do you have in your home?
• Are you planning on travelling with your kitten or possibly boarding them while you travel?

Remember to answer any questions honestly, even if you're not sure of the answer. The more information you provide to the vet, the better they will be able to help you decide which, if any, vaccines your new family member should receive.