Rabies is a serious disease that any kitten can get. Once vaccinated, however, your kitten will be protected from this deadly infection. Vaccination should be started at six to eight weeks of age with a series of three vaccinations.
The first shot is given under the skin just in front of the scruff of the neck. Subsequent doses are given intramuscularly (IM) near the shoulder blades on opposite sides about two to three weeks apart.
All kittens should receive their rabies vaccine before they have contact with other animals outside the home and no later than 16 weeks old.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Kittens can receive a rabies shot as early as 12 weeks of age. |
| The timing of the rabies shot may depend on local laws and regulations. |
| It is recommended to consult with a veterinarian for the appropriate timing of the rabies shot. |
| Rabies vaccination is crucial for the health and safety of kittens and helps prevent the spread of the disease. |
| The first rabies shot is typically followed by a booster shot a year later. |
When Can You Give Kitten Rabies Shot?
You can give your kitten the rabies shot when they are between 12 and 16 weeks old, provided that they still have not been vaccinated before.
If you do not know how old your kitten is, they should be at least 12 weeks old to receive the first dose of rabies vaccine. After 12 weeks, kittens can get their second dose of rabies vaccine as early as 20-28 days after receiving their initial dose.
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What Are the Benefits of a Rabies Vaccine for Cats?
Rabies is a deadly disease that can be easily prevented with a vaccine. Vaccinating your cat helps keep them and you safe from this horrible condition and other potential illnesses, too.
| Benefits |
|---|
| Protects against rabies, a deadly viral disease. |
| Helps prevent the spread of rabies to humans. |
| Required by law in many regions for pet cats. |
| Provides peace of mind for cat owners. |
Two Types of Rabies Vaccines for Kittens – Which One is Best for Her?
Killed Vaccine – This is the vaccine that your pet will most likely receive at the shelter, but it does not protect as well as a modified live vaccine.
While this type of rabies vaccine is injected directly into the muscle tissue, it cannot replicate in the body and therefore does not cause an immune response as strong as other versions.
In other words, your kitten will be protected against rabies for several weeks after getting this shot, but she may need boosters every year or so to maintain immunity against the disease.
Modified Live Vaccine – With this type of vaccine injects a weakened version of the virus into your pet’s bloodstream via her skin or mucous membranes (such as those found in her nose).
The virus replicates inside her body and makes antibodies against it—essentially creating immunity without any risk that she’ll contract full-blown illness from exposure!
What are Some Things You Need to Know About Rabies?
Rabies is a serious disease that can be fatal, and it can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.
If you are bitten or scratched by a pet, wild animal or suspect rabid animal, get medical advice as soon as possible after the injury. If possible, try to capture the animal for rabies testing.
Rabies vaccination is available in two ways: 1) pre-exposure prophylaxis – which means getting vaccinated before you’re exposed; and 2) post-exposure prophylaxis – which means getting vaccinated after exposure (e.g., if you were bitten by a pet with rabies).
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Should Your Indoor or Outdoor Cat Get a Rabies Vaccine?
You may be wondering, “How do I know whether or not my cat should get a rabies vaccine?” The short answer: If you live in the United States and your cat is an indoor pet, then the answer is yes.
Indoor cats are at risk from rabies, as well as outdoor cats—the virus can be spread through bats, raccoons and other animals that can carry it. Your indoor cat could also be exposed to rabies through wild animals if he goes outside (and chances are, he does).
Are There Side Effects From Rabies Vaccines in Kittens?
There are no side effects associated with rabies vaccines in kittens, but some cats may experience mild reactions such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you notice these symptoms after administering the vaccine, take your kitten to the vet right away.
| Side Effects | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Mild Lethargy | Common |
| Mild Fever | Common |
| Localized Swelling | Common |
| Severe Reactions | Rare |
Should I Get My Kitten a Leukemia Vaccine Too?
If you’re looking to get your kitten a leukemia vaccine, the good news is that it can be administered at any age. The bad news: it’s not as common in kittens as rabies, so it may have to be ordered from your vet.
Luckily, leukemia is another virus that can be prevented with a vaccine and is most common in cats that are over 3 years old.
Like rabies, leukemia can cause anemia, fever and weight loss in your pet—all symptoms of an infected animal—and while they don’t always result directly from contracting Leukemia (a type of cancer), they’re often associated with Leukemia-like symptoms.
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How Often Do Cats Get Vaccinated After They Are Adults?
Cats are vaccinated against rabies once a year. This is because the vaccine is a killed one, not a live one. The body believes it’s been infected with rabies and creates antibodies to fight it off, as if you had been bitten by an animal with rabies.
Vaccines that are labeled “multi-valent” mean they protect against multiple types of viruses or bacteria at once, like feline distemper and rhinotracheitis (the two main types of upper respiratory infections).
If your cat needs more than one dose of her vaccinations in order for them to be effective, then it’s recommended that she get booster shots every three years after that initial series. Don’t worry about giving her these boosters too early—they’ll still work just fine!
Getting Cat Vaccinations At Home – Is This a Good Idea?
Sadly, home-vaccinating is not recommended. The process of getting a cat vaccinated at home can be dangerous, and it doesn’t always work out right. That’s why we don’t recommend home vaccinating your cat.
First of all, if you try to do it yourself by looking up how to do it online (and there are plenty of YouTube videos that give advice), you’re going to run into some problems. For example:
Home-vaccinating can cause side effects like infections or reactions from the needle punctures in your cat’s skin
Home-vaccinating may not work as well as what an actual vet does; when an expert gives shots at their office, they have more expertise than you do this means that they know exactly where on a cat’s body to give shots and how quickly they need them given!
So if there are any mistakes made during the process, those could end up being harmful for pets in ways that aren’t immediately obvious at first glance.”
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What Kinds of Other Cat Diseases can a Cat be Protected Against With Vaccines?
Distemper is a serious, often fatal disease that affects the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems. It causes fever, loss of appetite and coughing.
Feline leukemia can cause severe anemia in cats over a period of time. Kittens that contract this virus may die within six months of infection.
Panleukopenia (feline distemper) kills more kittens than any other disease except coccidia or upper respiratory infections.
| Cat Disease | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) | Rhinotracheitis Vaccine |
| Feline Calicivirus (FCV) | Calicivirus Vaccine |
| Feline Panleukopenia (FP) | Panleukopenia Vaccine |
| Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) | Leukemia Vaccine |
| Rabies | Rabies Vaccine |
Why Do Some Veterinarians Recommend Declawing After a Kitten Gets Her Rabies Shot?
If you’ve ever taken your cat to the vet, you’re probably familiar with the rabies vaccine. The rabies vaccine is a live virus vaccine that protects cats from getting rabies. It’s given to kittens one year old and older who are at risk of being exposed to this potentially fatal disease.
The rabies vaccine is an intranasal injection that contains a small amount of the actual virus itself, which means it can cause your kitten’s body to react as if she has been infected by rabies—not fun!
Some common reactions include:
- fever
- diarrhea or vomiting (sometimes both)
- lethargy and sleepiness
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Conclusion
You can give your kitten the rabies shot as soon as it reaches three months of age. This is when it’s old enough to receive this vaccine, and it will start protecting your kitten from getting this potentially fatal disease.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on kitten vaccinations:
Kitten Vaccination Schedule and Costs: This comprehensive guide provides information on the recommended vaccination schedule for kittens and the associated costs, helping you understand the importance of protecting your kitten’s health.
Your Kitten Vaccination Schedule: Learn about the proper vaccination schedule for kittens, including the types of vaccines they need and the ideal timing for each vaccination, ensuring your kitten receives the necessary protection against diseases.
Common Questions About Kitten Vaccinations: This resource answers frequently asked questions about kitten vaccinations, covering topics such as the reasons for vaccinating kittens, potential side effects, and the importance of booster shots.
FAQs
How often should kittens be vaccinated?
Kittens should receive a series of vaccinations starting at around 8 weeks of age, with booster shots administered every 3-4 weeks until they reach around 16 weeks of age.
What diseases do kitten vaccinations protect against?
Kitten vaccinations typically protect against common feline diseases such as feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia (distemper), and rabies.
Can kittens receive vaccinations while nursing?
Kittens can start receiving vaccinations while nursing, but it’s generally recommended to wait until they are weaned and around 6-8 weeks old before initiating the vaccination series.
Are there any side effects of kitten vaccinations?
Most kittens tolerate vaccinations well, but mild side effects like temporary lethargy, mild fever, or localized swelling at the injection site can occur. Severe reactions are rare but possible, so it’s essential to monitor your kitten after vaccination.
Do indoor kittens still need vaccinations?
Yes, indoor kittens should still receive vaccinations. Although the risk of exposure to certain diseases may be lower for indoor cats, vaccinations are crucial for their overall health and to prevent any potential transmission of diseases from outdoor cats or other sources.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, a professional veterinarian with a deep interest in the ways that litter size affects the health of animals. I’ve spent years studying this subject and performing research on reproduction in many different kinds of creatures.
