Kitten Vaccination Schedule Every Owner Should Keep

Kittens need a series of vaccines to build protection against serious diseases. The schedule below is typical. Your vet will confirm what's right for your kitten.

Typical kitten vaccination timeline

6 to 8 weeks: first FVRCP vaccine (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia), exam and deworming

9 to 12 weeks: second FVRCP booster. Feline leukemia (FeLV) testing and the first FeLV vaccine are commonly recommended for kittens

12 to 20 weeks: continue FVRCP every three to four weeks through 16 to 20 weeks. Rabies timing follows local law; complete the two-dose FeLV series as directed

Around 6 months: ask your vet about FVRCP revaccination rather than waiting until one year. Rabies and FeLV boosters follow the vaccine label and individual schedule

After that: boosters every one to three years, depending on your cat's lifestyle and the vaccine

AAHA/AAFP recommends FVRCP doses every three to four weeks until 16 to 20 weeks of age. A young kitten's earlier doses may be affected by maternal antibodies.

Indoor cats need vaccines too

Viruses can come in on clothing and shoes, and indoor cats may escape, visit boarding or meet new pets. Core vaccines are recommended for indoor cats.

Watch for reactions

Mild sleepiness and a sore spot are common. Call a vet if your kitten has swelling of the face, repeated vomiting, difficulty breathing or severe lethargy. For anything urgent, go to an emergency clinic.

Keep the record

Every vaccine should be documented with the date, product and vet's signature. Save certificates to your Waggle Vault and set booster reminders in a separate phone calendar.

Book it

To schedule kitten exams and vaccines, find a nearby veterinarian.

FAQs

Does my kitten need the FeLV vaccine?

AAHA/AAFP classifies FeLV vaccination as core for cats under one year, including indoor kittens. Test before vaccination and discuss adult exposure risk at later visits.