It is one of the most important things we should do as pet owners.

Vaccinations keep your cat safe from:

• Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)
• Feline calicivirus
• Feline viral rhinotracheitis
• Rabies

The feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccinations often come in a combination shot (FVRCP).

Your kitten should receive their first FVRCP vaccination at 8-9 weeks of age. This timing is important – if your kitten receives a vaccination too early, the antibodies from their mother’s milk will interfere with their immune response. Given too late and the kitten will be susceptible to infection.

Two FVRCP vaccines are needed to ensure a good level of immunity and should be given 3-4 weeks apart. Then your cat should then receive a yearly booster vaccination.

Rabies vaccines are given a little later, at around 3 months of age, followed by yearly booster vaccinations.

It is a good idea to speak to your vet about your cat’s lifestyle and come up with a tailored vaccination plan to suit their needs.