Kitten Vaccination Schedule: Complete Shot Guide by Age

Everything you need to know about protecting your kitten from preventable diseases.

Kitten receiving a vaccination from a veterinarian

Quick Answer

Kittens need their first shots at 6-8 weeks, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old. Core vaccines are FVRCP (protects against 3 diseases) and rabies (given at 12-16 weeks). The complete series costs $100-$200. Indoor cats still need core vaccines.

Complete Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Age	Vaccine	Type	Cost
6-8 weeks	FVRCP #1	Core	$25-$50
10-12 weeks	FVRCP #2 + FeLV #1 (optional)	Core + Non-core	$40-$75
14-16 weeks	FVRCP #3 + Rabies + FeLV #2 (optional)	Core + Non-core	$55-$100
1 year	FVRCP booster + Rabies booster	Core	$40-$75
Every 3 years	FVRCP + Rabies (triennial)	Core	$40-$75

Core vs Non-Core Vaccines Explained

FVRCP (Core — All Cats)

Protects against three diseases: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (herpes — respiratory infection), Calicivirus (oral and respiratory disease), and Panleukopenia (feline parvovirus — often fatal). See our panleukopenia guide.

Rabies (Core — Legally Required)

Required by law in most states for all cats regardless of indoor/outdoor status. Given at 12-16 weeks, boosted at 1 year, then every 1-3 years depending on state law and vaccine type.

FeLV — Feline Leukemia (Non-Core — Recommended for At-Risk)

Recommended for kittens, outdoor cats, and cats living with FeLV-positive cats. Spread through close contact, grooming, shared bowls. Fatal once symptoms develop. Indoor-only cats with no FeLV-positive housemates may skip this vaccine after the kitten series.

Vaccination Costs Breakdown

Vaccine	Private Vet	Low-Cost Clinic
FVRCP (per dose)	$25-$50	$15-$25
Rabies	$15-$25	$10-$15
FeLV (per dose)	$25-$40	$15-$25
Complete kitten series	$150-$250	$50-$100

Many shelters include the first round of vaccines in adoption fees. Pet stores like PetSmart and Petco offer low-cost vaccination clinics through partnerships with mobile vet services.

Side Effects — Normal vs Concerning

Normal (Resolves in 24-48h)

• Mild lethargy or sleepiness
• Slight fever
• Reduced appetite for one meal
• Tenderness at injection site
• Mild sneezing (intranasal vaccines)

Call Vet Immediately

• Facial swelling or hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Collapse or inability to stand
• Swelling at injection site lasting >3 weeks

Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccines?

Yes. Indoor cats still need core vaccines (FVRCP and rabies) because:

• Viruses can enter on shoes, clothing, and hands of people who touch other cats
• Cats can escape through open doors or windows
• Rabies vaccination is legally required in most states regardless of lifestyle
• If your indoor cat ever needs boarding or professional grooming, proof of vaccination is required

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Frequently Asked Questions

When do kittens get their first shots?

Kittens get their first vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age. The first vaccine is typically the FVRCP combo vaccine, which protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Boosters are given every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 16 weeks old.

How much do kitten vaccines cost?

Kitten vaccines typically cost $25-$50 per FVRCP dose and $15-$25 for the rabies vaccine. A complete kitten vaccination series (3 FVRCP doses + rabies) runs $100-$200 total. Low-cost vaccination clinics at pet stores or animal shelters may offer packages for $50-$100.

What are the side effects of kitten vaccines?

Common side effects include mild lethargy for 24-48 hours, slight fever, reduced appetite, and tenderness at the injection site. These are normal and resolve on their own. Rare but serious reactions include facial swelling, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or collapse -- these require immediate veterinary attention.

Do indoor cats need vaccines?

Yes, indoor cats still need core vaccines (FVRCP and rabies). Viruses can enter homes on shoes, clothing, and through windows or doors. Rabies vaccination is legally required in most states regardless of indoor/outdoor status. Indoor cats may skip non-core vaccines like FeLV if they have no contact with outdoor cats.

What happens if I miss a kitten booster shot?

If you miss a booster by a few days to a week, simply schedule it as soon as possible -- the series does not need to restart. If more than 6 weeks have passed since the last dose, your vet may recommend restarting the series to ensure proper immunity, especially for kittens under 16 weeks.

Related Breed Guides

→ Cat Vaccination Guide → FVRCP Vaccine Guide → Rabies Vaccine Guide

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Introduce professional grooming after your kitten completes their vaccination series. Early grooming builds positive associations that last a lifetime.

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