Is it ok to introduce an unvaccinated kitten to an already vaccinated cat, with the plan to get the kitten vaccinated straight away? Thank you x

You've asked a very interesting question. Most breeders have the first vaccinations given to a kitten as there are age-related vaccinations for cats, just like babies.

That being said, would I introduce an unvaccinated kitten to a vaccinated cat? Yes! Most cats are vaccinated for rabies, distemper and FeLV (feline leukemia). The first two are fairly rare these days but FeLV is quite common. If your cat has been vaccinated against these three, it is unlikely to be transmitted to a kitten. And most kittens have an immune system so they do not transmit these diseases to another cat -- the odds are highly unlikely that there would be an issue. The other issue is FIV (Feline AIDS) which has no vaccine or cure and is transmitted through blood and saliva. There is no vaccine that will prevent the transmission of FIV. FIP is a totally different situation which also has no vaccine and no treatment.

HOWEVER, since you appear to be concerned about this, the BEST advice I can give is to contact your vet office and ask their opinion. And know that vaccinations do not take effect immediately!

Thank you for your reply - I will speak to the vet just to be sure but your answer has helped allay my fears!!!

would speak to the vet, but if in doubt would try to keep them separate

Kittens usually have a good immune system from their mother's milk. However, I don't know how long it lasts once they are weaned. I just feel is your other cat is fully vaccinated, there would be no harm to your kitten.

Kittens immunity lasts until around week 8-10. Hence the recommended vaccination schedule that most vets follow.

There can be some remote risks to introducing them - the calicivirus, for example, is part of the standard vaccination - an unvaccinated kitten can get it from a vaccinated one if they are a carrier (not likely but possible).

The risks aren't high especially if you've seen no symptoms...

however, introductions should be slow (days) with a new kitten. You should have lots of time to vaccinate before they can spread diseases.