Bringing home a tiny kitten is such an exciting moment! They're mischievous, playful, and filled with energy! But with fun and cuddles, of course, they also need protecting and being taken care of. One of the very best methods for that? Vaccinations!

Many people believe that indoor kittens don't require vaccinations, but it's not quite true. Bacteria and viruses are brought into your home on your clothing, shoes, or even through an open door. Vaccinations ensure your kitten stays safe from severe diseases such as feline distemper, herpesvirus, and rabies, so they can be healthy and happy as adults.

At Supertails+ , we highly recommend vaccination for cats, whether they are indoor cats or outdoor cats. In this guide, we’ll go over why vaccines are important when your kitten needs them, and how to take care of them afterward. To ensure your cat receives the best care, Supertails offers  professional online consultations  with expert veterinarians who can guide you through the vaccination process and overall feline health. Book an online consultation today to keep your feline friend safe! Let’s make sure your little kitten gets the best start in life!

Throughout this guide, we will address:

• The value of indoor kitten vaccinations

• Core and non-core vaccines

• An in-depth kitten vaccination schedule

• Post-vaccination care and side effects

• Dispelling myths and worries about kitten vaccinations

Now, let's get started so your little buddy remains safe and healthy in a good ecosystem.

Several parents of cats are under the notion that because they will keep their kitten indoors alone, vaccinations become irrelevant. Not at all is this true. Even if your kitten never gets outside, he can still pick up dangerous diseases. Here's how:

1. Indirect Contact with Diseases

You may not even know it, but you may unwittingly bring bacteria and viruses in from the outside world.

• Shoes and clothes : If you've been out, your shoes and clothes might be harboring germs that your kitten can come into contact with.

• Guests and other animals : If visitors, family members, or other animals come into your house, they may unwittingly bring infections in with them.

2. Danger of Airborne and Surface Contaminants

Several infectious diseases, such as calicivirus and feline herpesvirus, are airborne or remain viable on surfaces for several hours to days. Even just going to the vet can leave your kitten at risk from inadmissible pathogens.

3. Unintended Outdoor Exposure

Things do go wrong, despite all your care.

• Your kitten could slip outside through an open door or window.

• If they manage to escape onto a garden or balcony, they may find themselves in contact with dirty surfaces or stray animals.

4. Avoiding Lethal and Zoonotic Diseases

• Diseases such as rabies are not just lethal but also transmissible to humans. Vaccination against rabies is thus not merely advisable but obligatory according to legal rules in most places.

• Bottom Line: Vaccinating your kitten protects them for a lifetime against deadly diseases, giving you and your pet peace of mind.

Also, read-  Understanding the Importance of Cat Gut Health  

Kitten vaccines can be categorized as core vaccines that are necessary for all cats or non-core vaccines that are administered based on the lifestyle and level of risk to which the pet is exposed. Knowing the distinction allows pet owners to make enlightened choices regarding kitten care.

1. Core Vaccines (Must-be's for All Kittens)

Core vaccines guard against extremely contagious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. Core vaccines are required for all kittens, whether indoor or outdoor cats.

• Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) / Feline Distemper : A serious and usually fatal illness that attacks the immune system and the intestines, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. The virus is extremely resilient and can last for months on surfaces.

• Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) / Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis : A frequent cause of upper respiratory disease in cats, causing sneezing, runny nose, and eye infections. Infected cats will carry the virus for life.

• Feline Calicivirus (FCV): Also one of the top causes of respiratory illness, causing mouth ulcers, fever, and pain in the joints. Severe infections lead to pneumonia.

• Rabies: A lethal neurological illness that infects mammals, including humans. Rabies vaccination is legally mandated in most areas even for indoor cats because of the potential risk of exposure through accidental bites or infected animals.

They are typically administered all at once as a combination vaccination known as the FVRCP vaccine, plus a stand-alone rabies shot.

2. Non-Core Vaccines (Immunisation Depending on Risk Factors)

Non-core vaccines are not necessary for all kittens but could be advised by veterinarians based on exposure in the environment and lifestyle.

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Although prevalent in outdoor cats, FeLV can be contracted through close proximity, such as food-sharing bowls or grooming. It compromises the immune system and makes cats susceptible to infection and cancer.

• Chlamydia: Shields against a bacterial infection that leads to conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) and respiratory problems. Generally suggested for multi-cat homes.

• Bordetella: Stops bacterial respiratory disease, particularly helpful for kittens who are likely to be exposed to other cats in shelters, boarding establishments, or grooming shops.

Your kitten's lifestyle, environment, and risk factors will be evaluated by a veterinarian prior to non-core vaccine recommendations.

Also read,  Dog Vaccination Made Easy: A Complete Care Guide  

Vaccines have to be administered at regular time intervals to be fully effective. Below is a complete kitten vaccination schedule you should adhere to:

If you live in Bangalore you can visit Supertails+ Clinic .  This is Bengaluru’s first pet clinic with Fear-Free Certified Vets, we provide expert guidance on vaccinations and health checks. 

The majority of kittens handle vaccines okay, but, like humans, they can get mild side effects as their body reacts. They are typically short-term and innocuous, passing within a day or two without any intervention. That being said, pet parents should be aware of what might happen and how to comfort their pets in the meantime.

Common Side Effects

• Mild lethargy: Your kitten will be expected to be more sleepy than usual and would prefer to sleep than play. This is normal as their body adjusts to building immunity.

• Mild swelling around the injection site: There may be a small lump or soreness at the place where the injection was administered, but this resolves within a few days.

• Loss of appetite for a temporary period: Your kitten will likely consume less than normal for several hours following vaccination, but then their appetite will be normal.

• Mild fever: There is a mild rise in body temperature, as the immune system responds to identify and battle the components of the vaccine.

These are usually cleared up within 24-48 hours without treatment.

How to Handle Your Kitten in Recovery

• Provide your kitten with a resting area: Make a peaceful, quiet space without any noise or hustle-bustle where they can sleep undisturbed.

• Provide fresh water and food: Even if they seem less thirsty, try to give them water and soft, easily digestible food if necessary.

• If they seem tired, minimize handling: allow them to rest, and don't over-cuddle or play until they have their energy back.

• Watch for any unusual reactions: Swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or excessive drowsiness. If any of these happen, call your veterinarian at once.

There are several misconceptions surrounding kitten vaccinations that can cause pet parents to stall or get it wrong about how important they are. To get your kitten the best care, it's vital to separate fact from fiction and make an informed decision about their health. Let's put the most prevalent kitten vaccine myths to rest.

1. Myth: Indoor kittens don't need vaccines.

✅Truth: Although your kitten will never be outdoors, they are still subject to life-threatening viruses and bacteria. Pathogens causing disease are carried into your house on clothes, on footwear, or even an open window. Your trip to the veterinarian or exposure to other animals brings infections as well. Core vaccinations protect against extremely contagious and lethal diseases, so these are recommended for all kittens, regardless of lifestyle.

2. Myth: Vaccines are dangerous and have serious side effects.

✅Fact: Vaccines are strictly tested for safety prior to approval for use, and they need to be effective and safe for kittens. The overwhelming majority of kittens have only minor, transient side effects like mild drowsiness, a low-grade fever, or mild swelling at the site of injection that last a day or two. Serious side effects are very unlikely, and the dangers of vaccine-preventable, life-threatening diseases are overwhelmingly greater than the risks of vaccination.

3. Myth: Once my kitten has been vaccinated, they don't need booster shots.

✅Fact: A single vaccine does not provide a lifetime immunity. The level of protection of the vaccine decreases over time and therefore booster doses are necessary for long, solid protection. The booster shots may be necessary annually or in the case of some vaccines, every few years. Routine checks at the vet will keep your kitten totally safe throughout their life.

Immunizing your kitten is perhaps one of the best and most responsible decisions you can ever make as an owner. It not only prevents them from suffering from potentially lethal, severe illness but also the overall well-being of the entire feline society by preventing outbreaks. Even if your kitten stays indoors only, they are not entirely protected from disease exposure—viruses and bacteria can still be brought into your home on clothing, shoes, or even other pets.

By sticking to an appropriate vaccination schedule, you are strengthening your kitten's immune system and giving it the best chance of a long, healthy, and happy life. Regular vet check-ups, timely booster injections, and preventive treatments keep them secure as they grow. A vaccinated kitten is a healthy, active, and cheerful companion, poised to share a lifetime of affection and adventure with you.

1. What happens if I miss a vaccine appointment?

If you do miss a vaccine appointment, contact your vet immediately. In some cases, it is required to start the series of shots over again, especially in kittens. If you follow a good schedule, your kitten will be totally protected against fatal diseases.

2. Can my kitten get sick from vaccinations?

Vaccines do not infect the kitten with disease but stimulate the immune system of the body to become aware of and fight disease. Your kitten may develop mild flu-like symptoms for a few days, but they are temporary and far less unpleasant than the disease being vaccinated against.

3. How much do kitten vaccinations cost?

The kitten vaccination rates vary by location, vet clinic, and vaccine. On average, the whole series of kitten vaccines may range between ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, depending on optional non-core vaccines. Most vet clinics offer packages for vaccination at a discounted rate to ensure it's affordable.