Is it safe for new kittens to be together before FVRCP shots?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding the kittens. I would also check to see that they have been tested for FeLV (feline leukemia) and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). They need a fecal sample tested and to have been dewormed prior to introducing them to each other. If they have had these tests done, then they certainly would likely enjoy some companionship. I hope this information helps!

I would worry a little more about the new kitten passing on diseases to the older cat - viral upper respiratory infections in particular are common. I'd recommend vaccinating both cats with the FVRCP combo and rabies vaccines. If the cats are going to continue to be outdoors then the FeLV vaccine would also be recommended, and I actually usually recommend vaccinating all kittens for FeLV since you never know if their lifestyle might change.

First of all, Gene is beyond adorable! To answer your question, no, you should not be worried about him receiving two FVRCP vaccines in a one month span. This vaccine is typically given every 3-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age to maximize the immune response, but sometimes circumstances result in an additional vaccine being administered. Not to worry - everything should be fine!

Because Jiji hasn't been vaccinated before, she will need at least two rounds of vaccines given four weeks apart in order to have full immunity. Vaccinating her on Monday will not be enough to protect her. Make sure your dad fully cleans the room, and bring your own food and water bowls as well as litter box so that she doesn't share anything with his cat. Keep your kitten in the room, and allow her to have no contact with the other cat. I do recommend getting her vaccinated, so have her seen by the vet on Monday to start the process. Best of luck!

Hi there! It's wonderful that you are adopting and fostering kittens! Thank you for helping these animals in need. If you plan to only have the foster kittens for a week I think it would be safest and maybe easiest to keep them separate. Often times shelter and rescue kittens can come down with upper respiratory infections and sometimes it can take a couple days for the symptoms to appear. So even though they may appear healthy initially it is possible they may be sick a few days later. The other concern would be parasites such as worms, coccidia and Giardia which can be shed in the bowel movements. So if they are sharing a litter box they are are increased risk for that too. If you wind up keeping the foster kittens longer than the week and if they haven't shown any signs of upper respiratory infection (sneezing, runny nose, discharge from the eyes, coughing) you could consider introducing them with supervision. I would also recommend having a fecal checked by the rescue on those kittens and Bob as well before letting them play together. With young animals it's always better to err on the side of caution as they can get much sicker, much faster, than an adult cat. I hope you find this information helpful. I wish you and Bob and your foster kitties all the best!

Kittens can take weeks to get to know each other although some never settle down as friends. I would recommend keeping them isolated until fully vaccinated and also tested so as not to spread viral infections unknowingly

Kitties don't get vaccinated for parvovirus becuase they can't get parvovirus as this is a dog only disease. However cats do get vaccinated for FVRCP combo vaccine which includes the Panleukopenia virus. If you were to get your cat vaccinated for FVRCP now and he has not recently been exposed to any other animals or outside in the past 10-14 days, then he is fine to meet your new kitty this weekend. However if your cat Zeus does go outdoors, you should vaccinate now and then wait at least 10 days before introducing a new kitty into the home. Most adoption agencies will vaccinate for FVRCP, but then again if it is not in your cat Zeus's records, you have to assume he did not get this vaccine. I hope this helps. Best wishes with Zeus and good luck on your new kitty adoption. Take care.