While you can’t protect your cat from everything, you can prevent them from contracting (and spreading) some common infectious diseases and illnesses. Ensuring your kitten gets its necessary vaccines is part of being a responsible pet owner and helping your cat have a long, happy, healthy life.
Let’s dive into the vaccinations your kitten will need in the first year of their life.
Vaccinations offer a safe, effective means of protecting the body from harmful diseases. They’re mostly commonly given in the form of injections, though occasionally they can be administered orally or as a nasal spray.
Each vaccine is formulated with a killed or weakened form of viral or bacterial infections to trigger the production of antibodies and strengthen the immune system against the disease. This works the same for humans and pets, including our beloved feline friends.
There are two categories of cat vaccinations: core and non-core. Core vaccinations protect against common and dangerous diseases, and they’re mandatory for all cats. Non-core vaccinations are no less important but aren’t required for every cat.
Vets recommend them for cats at a higher risk of contracting the infections they protect against. This depends on several factors including where you live, your cat’s age and breed, and their daily lifestyle.
Veterinarians recommend core vaccines for all cats, regardless of age, breed, lifestyle, or any underlying medical conditions.
Most states legally require cats to get the rabies vaccine, as well as the FVRCP combination shot, which simultaneously protects your cat against flu-like conditions including feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline panleukopenia (FP). Feline leukemia (FeLV) is also considered a core vaccine for kittens under a year.
Age restrictions tend to vary by state, but most states allow kittens to receive the first round of the rabies vaccine as early as 12 weeks. Rabies is a potentially life-threatening condition in cats that can also be spread to other animals and humans, so take the time to get your kitten vaccinated as soon as they’re eligible.
Feline panleukopenia (the kitty version of parvo) can also be fatal to cats if left untreated, with symptoms including weight loss, fever, vomiting, and personality changes. FVR and FCV are contagious viral diseases that produce upper respiratory symptoms similar to colds and the flu.
Your kitten can receive the first vaccine for FVRCP as early as six weeks old, and most are vaccinated with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until they’re four months or older.
As we explained above, vets recommend non-core vaccinations based on individual health and lifestyle factors.
For example, cats who live outside are more likely to contract a disease than indoor cats and are more commonly given these additional vaccines. On the other hand, vets may recommend fewer vaccines to cats with sensitive systems, especially senior cats.
Common non-core vaccines for cats include those for Chlamydia felis (Trusted Source) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Some vets recommend the FeLV vaccine for all kittens, while others only recommend it to those with a higher risk of contracting the disease.
Core and non-core vaccines both have their place in a kitten’s vaccine schedule, though most cats won’t need to get every vaccine available to them. Let’s take a closer look at the diseases and infections cat vaccines protect against so you can pinpoint the ones your cat needs extra protection from.
👉 If your cat tests positive for FeLV, they’ve already been infected, and they won’t receive any benefit from the vaccine.
Cat vaccination recommendations are a contentious topic in veterinary medicine. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by conflicting information on different vaccines and their supposed side effects, but you can cut through a lot of the noise just by contacting a vet and asking questions.
These numbers apply to kittens of all breeds but may differ depending on risk factors including age, medical history, vaccination history, and state laws.
*While this is a general guide to kitten vaccinations, your veterinarian will guide you on when, how often, and what vaccinations are best for your individual kitten.
For an additional cost, owners may opt to give their cat a titer test, which measures their immunity levels to determine which vaccines they need. Keep in mind that rabies vaccinations are not optional for a titer test, as it’s required by law across most of the United States.
Most cat vaccinations are relatively affordable, though costs will ultimately vary based on fees for associated testing and other veterinary services your cat may need, including a physical exam. There may also be cost differences depending on the brand and type of vaccine used.
It’s important to note that many vets will test for FeLV and FIV before vaccinating. This adds $40 to $80 to your vet visit.
In general, here’s what you can expect to pay for different cat vaccines:
While vets universally agree that the benefits of vaccines outweigh the risks involved, adverse reactions can occur. Tenderness around the injection site, lethargy, and mild fever are all normal after getting a shot and should go away on their own.
You may want to see a vet if your cat starts vomiting, having diarrhea, or turning away their food to make sure it’s not a more severe reaction.
🚨 Take your cat to the vet immediately if they develop hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or if they become unresponsive at any point.
More serious conditions linked to kitten vaccines include:
All cats need vaccines to stay safe from life-threatening illnesses. This starts with their kitten vaccinations when they’re just a couple of months old and continues for the rest of their lives.
Schedule your cat’s vaccination appointments ahead of time and take them in for regular check-ups with your local vet. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about an illness or vaccine — the more you know, the better. Remember that the professionals are there to keep your cat healthy and keep you informed.
You can catch up with adult vaccinations if your adult cat has missed their primary doses. Or, if they haven’t had a booster in a while, another shot may be needed.
The adult cat vaccination schedule usually includes booster shots every one to three years. Schedule yearly vet checks to make sure your furry friend is healthy.
It depends on the vaccine. Shots like FVRCP and FeLV must be given in two doses spaced three to four weeks apart. The rabies vaccine provides sufficient protection after a single dose, but your cat will need to keep getting booster shots every one to three years after that to maintain their immunity.
Usually, yes. Cats and kittens can be vaccinated the same day they are spayed, as long as they don’t have a prior history of adverse reactions to vaccines. Some veterinarians, however, will opt to split up these procedures.
Immunizations for cats begin between 6 and 8 weeks of age, and shots are re-administered every 3 to 4 weeks until the kitten is 4 months old.
Indoor kittens should be vaccinated for core vaccines, including rabies and the FVRCP combination shot, which simultaneously protects your cat against feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline panleukopenia (FP). Kittens can get their first FVRCP shot between six and eight weeks old and a second one three to four weeks later. The rabies vaccine is administered in a single round and can be given to kittens between 14 and 16 weeks old.
FeLV vaccine is also considered a core shot for kittens, which protects them against feline leukemia virus and is administered in two doses: one between six and eight weeks of age and another three or four weeks later.
