Vaccinations are a fundamental aspect of feline healthcare, providing essential protection against various infectious diseases. In Canada, a standardized vaccination schedule is recommended to ensure kittens develop robust immunity during their formative weeks (Canadian Veterinary Medical Association [CVMA], 2024). The recommended kitten vaccinations timeline is as follows:
- 6 to 8 weeks of age: Administer the first dose of the Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine (VCA Canada, n.d.).
- 10 to 12 weeks of age: Provide the second dose of the FVRCP vaccine (VCA Canada, n.d.).
- 14 to 16 weeks of age: Administer the third dose of the FVRCP vaccine and a single dose of the rabies vaccine (American Association of Feline Practitioners [AAFP], 2020).
This schedule aligns with guidelines from veterinary authorities, emphasizing the importance of timely vaccinations to protect against prevalent feline diseases.
Vaccination Considerations for Sphynx Kittens
Although Sphynx kittens have unique physiological traits that sometimes influence their healthcare needs, Sphynx generally follow the same vaccination schedule as other breeds. However, their exposed skin may render them more susceptible to environmental stressors, underscoring the importance of timely vaccinations and regular veterinary check-ups to ensure overall health and well-being.​
Timing of the Rabies Vaccine
Administering the rabies vaccine at 14 to 16 weeks of age is standard practice. This timing ensures that the kitten’s immune system is sufficiently mature to mount an effective response, providing robust and lasting immunity against rabies (AAFP, 2020). Some studies suggest that vaccinating younger kittens (before 12 weeks of age) may result in a weaker immune response due to maternal antibodies interfering with the vaccine’s efficacy (Schultz & Larson, 2020).
Delaying the rabies vaccination beyond 16 weeks, however, is generally not recommended. Unvaccinated kittens remain vulnerable to rabies, which is almost universally fatal once symptoms appear. Furthermore, many jurisdictions in Canada legally require rabies vaccination, reinforcing the importance of timely administration (CVMA, 2024).
FeLV Vaccination Recommendations by the CVMA
The Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccine is not considered part of the standard vaccination schedule for all cats, but it is highly recommended for certain at-risk populations. According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA, 2024), the FeLV vaccine is:
- Recommended for all kittens, as they are more susceptible to persistent FeLV infections if exposed at a young age.
- Recommended for adult cats at risk, such as those that go outdoors or live in multi-cat households where FeLV status is unknown.
- Optional for strictly indoor adult cats that have no exposure to other cats.
FeLV is a leading cause of infectious disease-related death in cats, and vaccination helps protect against this disease. The FeLV vaccine is generally administered to kittens as part of their vaccination series at 8 and 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster at 1 year (CVMA, 2024). For adult cats, FeLV vaccination should be considered based on risk factors, and a veterinarian can provide guidance tailored to the cat’s lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Following the recommended vaccination schedule is crucial for safeguarding kittens from various infectious diseases, including rabies and FeLV. Administering the rabies vaccine at 14 to 16 weeks of age ensures optimal immune response and compliance with regional health regulations. For FeLV, the vaccine is highly recommended for kittens and at-risk adults, but it is not part of the routine schedule for strictly indoor cats. Pet owners should consult with their veterinarians to establish a vaccination plan tailored to their kitten’s specific needs and circumstances.
References
American Association of Feline Practitioners. (2020). Feline vaccination guidelines. Retrieved from https://catvets.com/guidelines/practice-guidelines/feline-vaccination
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. (2024). Vaccination of animals: Position statement. Retrieved from https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/
Schultz, R. D., & Larson, L. J. (2020). Current and future vaccination strategies in veterinary medicine. Journal of Veterinary Science, 21(4), 567-579.
VCA Canada. (n.d.). Vaccination recommendations for cats and kittens. Retrieved from https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/vaccines-for-cats
