A vaccinated kitten is a healthy kitten
Vaccinating your kitten is absolutely essential as it will protect her from life-threatening diseases.
Your new kitten will start life with some natural immunity from diseases from her mum, but as this wears off you'll need to have her vaccinated to keep her healthy. The first vaccination is usually given in two doses, the first dose at around the age of 8 - 10 weeks and the second about 3-4 weeks later.
Of course, these are only guidelines, the exact timing of the injections will depend on the type of vaccine your vet uses. Your veterinarian will be able to determine the exact schedule that's right for your pet.
Your kitten should be protected against those diseases which are most common, high contagious and which cause serious illness or death. Such diseases include Feline Panleucopenia (also called Feline Parovirus), Herpes (Rhinotracheitis) and Feline Calicivirus (these two cause snuffels), and Rabies which is compulsory in South Africa. Feline Leukaemia, Chlamydiosis, FIV and Bordetella Bronchiseptica may also be recommended, based on your veterinarian's evaluation of the risks posed by such factors as your cat's particular heredity, environment and lifestyle.
Making vaccination day easier
Nobody loves needles, and cats are no exception. Be assured, though, that you are doing the very best for your young cat by having her vaccinated. In fact, not vaccinating could cost her her life.
Hopefully you'll already have taken her to the vet for routine health checks so she'll be used to going there. A sturdy and secure cat carrier is the best way to transport her, and a familiar blanket or toy with her smell on it will make her feel more at home.
Try to allow plenty of time to get to the vet's so you're not in any rush. Above all, be as calm as possible. Cats are sensitive and soon pick up on any ‘stress signals’.
Once at the vet’s, make sure you keep your cat in her basket until you are called to the consulting room, with the door securely shut. Talk to her, and reassure her throughout the entire visit.
Maintaining immunity
To maintain your cat's immunity, regular booster shots will be required throughout her life. Your vet will probably send you out reminders but it's not a bad idea to keep a record yourself.
Vaccination Certificates
Once your cat has had her primary course of vaccinations, you'll be given a record signed by your vet. This is an important document that you should keep in a safe place. If you ever wanted to put your cat in a cattery, for example, they'd need to see certificates to check all her vaccinations are up to date.
Should you insure your kitten?
Generally speaking, insuring your kitten is a good idea. With any luck, you’ll never have to make a claim, but should your cat become ill or have an accident, she’ll be able to receive treatment without you worrying about the cost. And compared to what you might have to spend on vet’s bills, monthly insurance premiums represent very good value.
Of all the many insurance providers out there, it’s important to choose a policy that gives lifetime cover; some insurers only provide cover for a certain number of years. It’s when your cat becomes older that the need for care and treatment increases, and that’s when you’ll appreciate the safety net of insurance the most.
As with all insurance, always read the ‘small print’ before you sign anything