How many vaccines does a kitten need?

A kitten needs to receive a total of four vaccines in its first year, including three infectious disease vaccines and one rabies vaccine. The age for the first infectious disease vaccine is around two months, and it is not recommended to vaccinate early. The rabies vaccine is administered around three months of age, and it cannot be done prematurely. Additionally, stress should be avoided after vaccination.

The infectious disease vaccines for kittens are mainly used to prevent viral infectious diseases such as feline distemper and feline upper respiratory tract infections. Due to the nature of the vaccine, three doses are required to reach the ideal antibody level. Meanwhile, the rabies vaccine only needs one dose in the first year, so a kitten needs a total of four vaccines.

The interval between each dose of the infectious disease vaccine is 28 days, and it is generally not recommended to vaccinate early or late. This can affect the immune response and even lead to immunization failure. After vaccination, a kitten may experience local itching and pain, but it is essential to avoid the kitten from scratching the vaccination site to prevent swelling. If a swelling occurs at the vaccination site, applying a warm towel or hot water bottle can help it subside. Additionally, mild or severe adverse reactions may occur after vaccination. Mild reactions include mild fever and loss of appetite, which usually disappear within 1-2 days. If a kitten experiences severe reactions such as loss of appetite or high fever after vaccination, it is advised to seek medical attention promptly.

It is also essential to minimize stress in kittens after vaccination. Common causes of stress include switching cat food and feeding environments, being frightened by other animals, and long-term transportation. If a kitten is exposed to these adverse factors after vaccination, it may become sick. The rabies vaccine requires a stronger immune response and should not be administered before three months, as it could seriously threaten the kitten's health.