$ $ Vaccinating A Kitten: $120 - $160 |
In the last few years, a lot has been said and argued about the efficacy and consequences of vaccines, whether it’s in humans or animals.
Yet there’s an undeniable fact: vaccines prevent major viruses and diseases to spread uncontrollably among our society.
They’ve become a valuable tool for the progress of human beings and animals.
As pets, cats are in close contact with humans, but they can still catch viruses and other diseases that could put them and ourselves in danger.
But is it necessary to vaccinate my cat? When should I do it? How much does it cost? Let’s talk about these questions next.
Table of Contents
Should I Vaccinate My Cat?
Yes, you should vaccinate your cat.
It’s not only the responsible thing to do for your cat’s health and wellbeing but think that you’ll be also helping to keep your community safe.
Even if your cat is mostly indoors, there are still going to be times when it must go outside and interact or share spaces with other cats or animals, like going to the vet, to a groomer, or traveling.
In these circumstances, your cat could get infected and then pass that to other cats or animals, or people in your home.
That’s why vaccinating your cat is a win-win situation for all, and mostly to your beloved cat.
How Do Vaccines Work?
Vaccines stimulate your cat’s immune system to fight specific infectious organisms, like viruses or bacteria.
It can either help the cat not get infected at all or have less serious consequences when infected.
This will vary according to the disease in question and the cat’s immune system.
When Should I Vaccinate My Cat?
If you got your cat as a kitten, they can be vaccinated as soon as they’re 6 to 10 weeks old.
All cats need the same core or essential vaccines: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia) or feline distemper shot, rabies vaccine, FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) vaccine, and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) vaccine.
If you plan on getting a cat in a shelter, it will probably already have all the vaccines needed.
They’ll give you a certificate with everything written down so you can show it to the vet at your next appointment.
Cats usually need a booster shot after a year, but again, it’s always better to consult with your veterinarian first.
Some cats might need extra vaccines depending on their surroundings or environment.
Are There Any Side Effects in Vaccinating My Cat?
This will depend on your cat’s organism, but most times vaccines will have none to mild reactions in cats.
Some of the common side effects are soreness where the vaccine was injected, fever, or allergic reactions.
In very rare cases, cats can develop injection site tumors or immune disease, but again, this is extremely rare.
How Much Does Cat Vaccination Cost?
There’s not a fixed price for vaccines, but most of them will be between $20 to $60 per shot.
If you’re getting your kitten vaccinated with the essential vaccines, you can expect to pay from $120 to $160, total.
However, if your cat requires extra vaccines because of its surroundings or special conditions, the price could be higher.
You should also take into account that some vaccines need a booster shot after a year has passed, so it’s an extra cost you must consider.
But remember that paying for vaccines will always be cheaper than paying medical bills if your cat gets a major preventable disease, so vaccinating your cat is always recommended.
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