Here at Hope Animal Hospital, our greatest concern is the health and safety of your pet. We know that getting a new kitten is an exciting time, and we don’t want you to have to worry about when and what vaccines are needed. That is why we are giving you a general schedule to go by that explains what vaccines are needed and some information about them. Your kitten will need to come see us every 3-4 weeks until the kitten series is complete. If your kitten should need anything other than what is on this schedule, Dr. Moseley will discuss that with you.
Testing for FeLV/FIV:
First and foremost, we highly recommend that your kitten be tested for Feline Leukemia and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). Both of these diseases compromise the immune system, so your kitten may not be able to fight off an infection like a healthy cat. These two diseases can be debilitating and fatal.
6-9 weeks old:
- Wellness Exam: Performing a comprehensive examination is very important to make sure your
kitten is healthy…from head to toe.
- 1st FVRCP (Feline “Distemper”) vaccine: This vaccine actually protects your kitten from a
number of diseases including feline herpes virus, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia. These
are upper respiratory and intestinal diseases.
- Fecal exam: We check a stool sample for any intestinal parasites.
- Dewormer: We will administer an oral or a topical deworming medication to treat for any
roundworms, hookworms, or tapeworms.
10-13 weeks old:
- Wellness Exam
- 2nd FVRCP vaccine
- 1st Feline Leukemia vaccine: We have two choices for this vaccine. It comes in a combination
vaccine which is adjuvanted and combined with the FVRCP. We also have the new “non-
adjuvanted” PureVax Feline Leukemia. Unlike traditional vaccines that are administered under
the skin with a needle, this vaccine is administered with the Vet Jet transdermal system directly
into the skin. It causes less local skin reaction and inflammation. Please ask us for more details on
this particular vaccination.
- Dewormer, +/- Flea Preventative
14-16 weeks old: “Last visit”
- Wellness Exam
- 3rd FVRCP vaccine
- 2nd Feline Leukemia vaccine (either in “combination” vaccine or PureVax transdermal vax)
- 1 year Rabies vaccination: We also have 2 choices for your kitten’s rabies vaccine. We have the
standard adjuvanted rabies vaccine. The new “non-adjuvanted” PureVax Rabies vaccine is now
available – please let us know which you would prefer.
- Dewormer, +/- Flea Preventative
Congratulations on your new member of the family! We look forward to many years with you and your growing kitten.