Kitten Vaccine Protocol
Your kitten should come for his or her first visit between 6 to 8 weeks of age. At this time, he/she will get a complete examination by one of our veterinarians and will receive the first in a series of three immunizations against feline distemper, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis (these vaccines are combined into one injection.) We will also recommend that your kitten be tested via blood sample at this time for exposure to 2 lethal viruses, Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. A highly informative “kitten talk” is given by our staff if you feel the need for some pointers on basic training. The next visit is at 12 weeks, at which time we boost the distemper combination and also vaccinate your kitten against rabies (required by law, for licensing, and for interstate travel in many areas.) The last visit is at 16 weeks or more, at which time your kitten receives the final kitten distemper booster. We will discuss with you the risk of leukemia only if your kitten is going to be outside. If your kitten will be an "indoor-outdoor" pet, then we highly recommend giving the leukemia vaccine in a series of 2 injections between 12 to 16 weeks of age.