KITTEN VACCINATION

WHY WE VACCINATE KITTENS AT NORTH ROCKS VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Vaccinating your kitten is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure their lifelong health and well-being. At North Rocks Veterinary Hospital, we routinely vaccinate against five serious infectious agents to protect kittens from potentially fatal diseases. Additionally, we vaccinate against FIV, a disease that has become increasingly significant, especially for outdoor cats. Here, we’ll explain the diseases we vaccinate against and why vaccination is crucial for your furry friend. 

1. Feline Herpes Virus

is a common viral infection that affects a cat’s respiratory system and eyes. While most cats recover from the initial infection, the virus can remain dormant and reactivate during times of stress, causing recurring symptoms. Though not usually fatal, FHV-1 can cause ongoing discomfort and secondary infections if untreated. Vaccination helps reduce the severity of symptoms and is an important part of protecting your cat’s health, especially in multi-cat environments.

Symptoms

Symptoms like sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, conjunctivitis, and fever. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia and other complications. 

2. Feline Calicivirus

A highly contagious respiratory virus spread via direct or indirect contact.

Symptoms

Causes sneezing, nasal discharge, and conjunctivitis. Importantly, it can also lead to painful ulcers in the mouth and gums, and in some cases, severe and even fatal illness. 

 

3. Feline Panleukopenia

Caused by the feline parvovirus (FPV). This highly contagious virus attacks the body's rapidly dividing cells such as those in the intestinal lining and bone marrow. It's washable resistant and extremely persistent in environments.

Symptoms

severe vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody), lethargy, fever, and dehydration. It can be fatal, especially in kittens, and is highly contagious often fatal, spreading through direct contact or contaminated materials. Mortality rates range from 25-90%, with sudden death common in acute cases.

4. Chlamydia

is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects a cat’s eyes and respiratory system. It often causes symptoms like sneezing, watery or swollen eyes, and nasal discharge. While not usually life-threatening, untreated infections can cause discomfort and may lead to more serious complications. The bacteria spread easily between cats in close contact, especially in multi-cat households or shelters. With early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, most cats recover well. Vaccination can help reduce the risk of infection and is often recommended for cats at higher risk.

Symptoms

Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye), nasal discharge, and sneezing.

5. FeLV

Feline Leukaemia Virus

is a contagious viral infection that can seriously affect a cat’s immune system and overall health. It spreads primarily through close, prolonged contact such as grooming, sharing food bowls, or bite wounds. FeLV can lead to a variety of health issues, including anemia, cancer, and increased vulnerability to infections. Unfortunately, FeLV is often life threatening, but early detection through testing and preventive vaccination can greatly reduce the risk

Symptoms

Can cause a range of problems, including immune suppression, anemia, tumors, and secondary infections. Many cats may not show any symptoms for a long time, but eventually, they may experience weight loss, lethargy, and increased susceptibility to other illnesses.

6. FIV

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

a viral infection that affects a cat’s immune system, making it harder for them to fight off illnesses. Often spread through deep bite wounds—most commonly between unneutered outdoor males—FIV can remain in a cat’s system for life. Many FIV-positive cats can live long, healthy lives with proper care, but they are more susceptible to infections and certain diseases over time. While there is no cure, management focuses on keeping cats indoors, providing regular veterinary check-ups, and preventing secondary infections. Testing and early detection are key to protecting both your cat and others in the community.

Symptoms

Fever, lethargy, weight loss, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), and recurrent infections due to weakened immune system. FIV is transmitted primarily through bite wounds. 

FIV Vaccine is not covered by your F3 or F5 vaccinations so it is important to discuss with your vet if your kitten is going to be an outdoor cat to ensure full coverage and protection.

VACCINATION SCHEDULE AT NRVH

We follow a structured vaccination schedule to provide optimal protection for your kitten:

  • 1st Vaccination: 8 - 11 weeks
  • 2nd Vaccination: 12 - 15 weeks
  • 3rd Vaccination: 16+ weeks
  • Annual Booster: Given 12 months after the initial series

Once your kitten has finished their vaccine schedule at North Rocks Vet, they will require annual boosters to remain protected against the above diseases. We will set up reminders to make sure you're always on top of their vaccinations.

The Importance of Early Socialisation

Kitten socialisation is one of the most important steps in raising a confident, happy, and well adjusted cat. Between two and fourteen weeks of age, kittens are especially receptive to learning about new people, animals, environments, and experiences. Positive exposure during this period helps prevent fear based behaviours such as aggression, anxiety, or hiding later in life. Socialised kittens are more adaptable to changes, more comfortable with handling at home and during vet visits, and more likely to form strong, trusting bonds with their owners. At North Rocks Veterinary Hospital, we encourage early and gentle socialisation to give your kitten the best start in life setting them up for years of calm, affectionate companionship.

Potential Risks and Considerations

Our tailored vaccination programs are designed for pet owners in North Rocks, Carlingford, Epping, Baulkham Hills, Parramatta, West Pennant Hills, Northmead and surrounding suburbs, ensuring your kitten receives the right protection at the right time. Whether your cat is an adventurous outdoor explorer or a stay at home snuggler, vaccinations are essential for a healthy, happy life. Book your kitten vaccination near North Rocks today and give your pet the lifelong protection they deserve.

Kitten vaccinations protect against serious and potentially fatal diseases such as panleukopenia, cat flu (feline herpesvirus and calicivirus), and feline leukaemia. These viruses are highly contagious and can be present in the community, even if your kitten stays indoors. By vaccinating at North Rocks Vet Hospital, you’re giving your kitten the strongest defence against disease.
We recommend starting your kitten’s vaccinations at 6–8 weeks old, followed by boosters every 3–4 weeks until they’re around 16+ weeks. This schedule is designed to keep kittens safe during their most vulnerable stage. Our reminder system means pet owners never miss a due date.
  • Feline Panleukopenia (feline distemper) – a severe, often fatal viral disease.

  • Feline Herpesvirus (rhinotracheitis) – a major cause of cat flu.

  • Feline Calicivirus – causes respiratory illness and mouth ulcers.

  • Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) – recommended for outdoor or multi-cat households in Parramatta, Carlingford, and Epping where risk of exposure is higher.

  • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) - recommended for outdoor or multi-cat households in Parramatta, Carlingford, and Epping where risk of exposure is higher.

Yes. The vaccines we use at North Rocks Vet are, safe, and effective. Most kittens only experience mild effects like a little sleepiness or tenderness at the injection site. The protection they offer far outweighs any minor risks, especially in community areas like North Rocks, Carlingford, and West Pennant Hills where contagious diseases can spread quickly.
If your kitten misses a scheduled vaccine, their immunity might not be complete, leaving them more vulnerable to disease. We can create a catch up vaccination plan to keep your kitten safe and protected, if required. We regularly help pet owners get back on track with their kitten’s health.
Yes. Even indoor cats can be exposed to disease through human contact, other pets, or airborne particles. Core vaccinations are essential for all kittens, whether you live in a high traffic area like Parramatta or a quieter suburb like West Pennant Hills.
JOIN OUR
PET CARE COMMUNITY!

 

Opening hours

Monday-Friday: 8am-7pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8am-12pm

Parking Front and Back

Visit Us at