Veterinarians offer many different types of vaccinations for your cat. Some you need. Learn about the different vaccines and make up your own mind.
One of your main obligations toward your cat is to provide it with good health. That includes making sure it has the needed vaccinations against diseases.
Cats can easily catch diseases that we wouldn't think about. Especially cats that spend a significant amount of time outdoors will run into all kinds of viruses and diseases that they can bring to you, your family, your other pets, and other animals in the neighborhood. But if you have the proper foresight, you can keep your pets from acquiring these diseases through vaccinations.
Different cities and states have different rules when it comes to what vaccines you need to give your cats. You should check with your vet or with your county health department to find out what the rules are in your area.
There are certain vaccinations that are standard among cats. These are the normal vaccines that most cats get. It's important to make sure your cat has the needed annual vaccines each year. Perhaps you do it the same time each year in order to remind yourself to keep your pet current on its shots. When you are planning to travel with your pet, you may be required to show proof of such vaccines, so in the weeks leading up to your trip, you probably should take your cat in for a check up to make sure it's healthy.
The first shot you need to make sure your cat gets is Distemper for panleukopenia. Your cat should have its first Distemper shot at about eight weeks of age. This should continue every year afterward. The next shots that come into play should first be administered when your cat turns 10-12 weeks of age. They include the Rhino-tracheitis, Pneumonitis, and Calici-virus. These shots should then be administered to your cat each year. The final shot that's standard for cats is one for Rabies. This should be given first when your cat turns six-months old. It should be given every year.
These are the standard shots that most jurisdictions require for pets in the United States. There may, however, be others. You should also know that if your pet's ancestry has a history of other diseases, your vet may request that your cat is given other vaccinations in order to fight the potential diseases that are brought on through its heritage.
