Bringing a new cat into our home can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. Whether you've adopted one, purchased one, or even had one show up unexpectedly, there are a few things we must remember before jumping straight into vaccinations.

Today, let's discuss the proper steps to take when a new cat enters your life.

Don't Rush to Vaccinate!

First things first—do not vaccinate your new cat immediately upon bringing them home! Yes, we know that vaccines are important, but there are critical steps that need to be followed first. It's crucial for your cat's health and wellbeing, and here's why.

We should always prioritize doing things in a safe, responsible order. Here's the correct sequence for taking care of your new cat:

Step 1: De-worming

Before even thinking about vaccinations, we must do a de-worming treatment. Start with external de-worming, followed by internal de-worming. External de-worming takes care of fleas, ticks, mites, and other external parasites. For this, you can use topical solutions like Bayer's Advantix, Frontline, or Bravecto, which are well-tested and effective. These treatments are easy to apply and will prevent parasites from spreading in your home.

Step 2: Quarantine Time

It's advisable to keep your new cat isolated for about two weeks, regardless of whether you have other pets at home. This quarantine period helps to ensure that your new cat is healthy and isn't carrying any contagious diseases that could affect other animals. It's also a great time to observe if your cat shows any signs of illness.

During this time, if your new cat shows any respiratory or digestive symptoms, it's essential to consult a veterinarian. Do not rush to vaccinate until you are confident that your new pet is in good health.

Step 3: Waiting After De-worming

After de-worming and observing your cat for about two weeks, and if there are no signs of illness, that's when you can think about vaccinating your cat. It's ideal to space vaccinations at least a week after de-worming treatment.

Don't vaccinate if your cat is showing any signs of sickness, such as digestive or respiratory issues. Vaccines require a healthy immune system to be effective, and vaccinating a sick cat might lead to complications or waste the vaccine altogether.

Why the Waiting Game?

You may be wondering, “Why wait?” The key is that vaccination can be ineffective if the cat's immune system is already compromised. For instance, diseases like feline distemper (panleukopenia) can be fatal, and the incubation period for this virus is typically 7 to 10 days. If your new cat is a silent carrier of such diseases, it will show symptoms during this waiting period.

The purpose of quarantining is to ensure your new pet doesn't infect your other pets or introduce parasites into your home. If your new cat does develop any symptoms, immediately postpone vaccinations and consult with your vet.

Step 4: Vaccination Time

Once your cat has been de-wormed, isolated for a couple of weeks, and shown no signs of illness, it's time to give the vaccines. The vaccines we recommend in this case are typically the trivalent vaccine (e.g., for feline distemper, herpesvirus, and calicivirus). These vaccines work by introducing the virus in an inactivated form to build immunity.

But remember, for vaccines to be effective, your cat must be in good health, free of parasites, and not carrying any diseases. A weak immune system might lead to ineffective vaccination.

Additional Tips on Vaccine Effectiveness

Some sellers might claim that the cat has already been vaccinated, but we advise caution. If a seller claims they've vaccinated the cat before selling it to you, ask for proof. A reliable seller should provide clear documentation, including video footage of the vaccination process, batch numbers on the vaccine vial, and confirmation from a professional veterinarian. Be cautious, especially if the cat was shipped or transported from a poor environment—these cats might have had an inadequate vaccination experience.

We also highly recommend purchasing vaccinations from authorized clinics or reputable sources to ensure the vaccine is legitimate and stored under proper conditions. This is not just about saving money, but ensuring the health of your new cat.

Conclusion: Protect Your New Cat

So, before you think about getting that vaccine for your new cat, be sure to follow these steps. It's about doing things the right way to ensure your cat is healthy and safe. We hope this article helps you prepare for the arrival of your new feline friend! Take your time, care for them properly, and they will grow up to be healthy and strong.

Welcome to the world of cat parenting, Lykkers! If you've just brought a new cat into your life, take it step by step. And remember, patience is key!