Home › Guides › Kitten vaccination schedule
Kitten vaccination schedule: every shot, by age
Kittens get their first FVRCP shot (feline herpesvirus, calicivirus and panleukopenia) at 6 to 8 weeks, then a booster every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 to 20 weeks old. FeLV is given as two doses 3 to 4 weeks apart from 8 weeks, and rabies at 12 to 16 weeks. After the first-year boosters, FVRCP is usually repeated every 3 years.
Kitten shot chart
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | FVRCP #1 |
| 9 to 12 weeks | FVRCP #2, FeLV #1 |
| 12 to 16 weeks | FVRCP #3, FeLV #2, rabies |
| 16 to 20 weeks | Last FVRCP dose (at 16 weeks or older) |
| 6 months to 1 year | FVRCP booster, FeLV booster, rabies booster |
| Adult | FVRCP every 3 years; rabies every 1 or 3 years; FeLV every 1 to 2 years for cats that go outside |
Your vet adapts the plan to your kitten's health, the vaccine brand and local law.
What FVRCP protects against
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis (feline herpesvirus 1), a common cause of cat flu and eye infections.
- Calicivirus, another cat flu virus that also causes mouth ulcers.
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper), a parvovirus that is often fatal in kittens.
Does an indoor cat need vaccines?
Yes. FVRCP and rabies are core vaccines for every cat. Panleukopenia virus survives for months and comes indoors on shoes and clothes, and indoor cats do escape. FeLV is recommended for all kittens, because their lifestyle as adults is not known yet, and afterwards only for cats with outdoor access or FeLV-positive housemates.
Rabies and travel
Rabies vaccination is required by law in most US states. Every country with pet entry rules checks it. Microchip first, vaccine second, if there is any chance you will travel. See pet travel requirements by country.
Fleas, worms and other prevention
Kittens are dewormed every 2 weeks from about 3 weeks of age until 9 weeks, then monthly. Monthly flea prevention suitable for the kitten's age and weight is recommended year round, also for indoor cats.
Frequently asked questions
How many shots does a kitten need?
Usually 3 or 4 FVRCP doses, 2 FeLV doses and one rabies shot in the first 4 to 5 months, then boosters at 6 months to 1 year.
How often do adult cats need vaccines?
FVRCP every 3 years after the first-year booster, rabies every 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine and law, and FeLV every 1 to 2 years for at-risk cats.
Can a kitten get vaccinated before 6 weeks?
Generally no. Antibodies from the mother block the vaccine; the series starts at 6 to 8 weeks.
Are vaccine reactions common in cats?
Mild tiredness or a sore spot for a day is common. Swelling of the face, vomiting or breathing trouble needs a vet straight away.
Sources
Rules change. Always confirm with the official source above and your vet before you travel or change a vaccine plan.