How many shots does a cat need to get vaccinated?

A cat needs to get four shots in total during its first year of vaccination. Three of these shots are for preventing infectious diseases transmitted between cats, such as feline distemper, feline rhinotracheitis, and other viral infectious diseases. The fourth shot is for preventing rabies. After the initial vaccination series, cats should get a booster shot for infectious diseases every 11-12 months.

A cat needs to get four shots in total during its first year of vaccination. After the initial vaccination series, only one shot of rabies vaccine and one shot of an infectious disease vaccine are needed every year or so.

Cats should get their first vaccination at around two months of age. Ensure that the cat is in good health before vaccination and does not show any symptoms of coughing, fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. Vaccinating a sick cat may increase the risk of adverse reactions or even vaccine-induced illness. Cats need to get three shots of infectious disease vaccines within a 28-day interval during their first year. The vaccination has a clear immune procedure, and it is best not to postpone or advance the schedule.

After getting vaccinated, cats may experience side effects such as facial swelling, red and swollen eyes, and excessive tear production. In this case, immediate desensitization treatment is necessary. If the cat shows mild signs such as decreased appetite, it is recommended to observe the cat and wait for the symptoms to disappear within 1-2 days. If the symptoms do not improve or get worse after two days, consult a veterinarian promptly.

Rabies vaccines are mainly used to prevent rabies disease. The initial vaccination age is three months, and it is generally recommended to combine the last infectious disease vaccine. Rabies vaccines are more likely to cause allergic reactions than infectious disease vaccines, so cats should be observed at a pet hospital for a period after vaccination to ensure no issues arise before returning home. Continue to closely monitor the cat's condition at home, and seek medical attention promptly if an allergic reaction occurs.

Lastly, cats should not be bathed during the entire vaccination period because bathing may weaken their immune system and lead to illness. Additionally, do not change the cat's main food, feeding environment, or subject it to long-distance transportation during this time.