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What shots does my new kitten need and what's the vaccine schedule?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1lb

what shots does a kitten need?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on September 16th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Vaccines start around 6-8 weeks for kittens. His first Vet visit can be earlier and the Vet can start deworming John. At 6-8 weeks John would get his first FVRCP vaccine (feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia). Kittens get this vaccine multiple times, usually every 3-4 weeks until they have been given 3-4. The rabies vaccines is given sometime between 12-16 weeks. I hope this helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 21st, 2018

    A possible vaccination schedule for the 'average' indoor house cat is shown below. Age Vaccination 6-7 weeks Combination Vaccine* 10 weeks Combination vaccine Chlamydophila (Pneumonitis): include in combination vaccine where it is a concern. 13 weeks Combination vaccine Chlamydophila (Pneumonitis): include in combination vaccine where it is a concern. Feline Leukemia (FeLV): for kittens at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus. 16 & 19 weeks Combination vaccine FeLV: for kittens at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus. Adult (boosters)** Combination vaccine Chlamydophila (Pneumonitis): include in combination vaccine where it is a concern. FeLV: for cats at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus. Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (time interval between vaccinations may vary according to law). *A combination vaccine includes feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. Some may also include Chlamydophila. **According to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners, cats at low risk of disease exposure may not need to be boostered yearly for most diseases. Consult with your local veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your cat. Remember, recommendations vary depending on the age, breed, and health status of the cat, the potential of the cat to be exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, whether the cat is used for breeding, and the geographical area where the cat lives or may visit. SOURCE: https://www.petcoach.co/article/vaccines-vaccination-schedule-for-cats-kittens/

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 13th, 2019

    Cute kittens! Here is an excellent link about vaccines: https://www.petcoach.co/article/healthy-from-head-to-tail-what-you-need-to-know-about-check-ups-v/ Typically at 6 -8 weeks kittens get the FVRCP vaccine. Feline Leukemia vaccines start at 12 weeks old. Rabies is given at 16 weeks. Be sure to adhere to the vaccine schedule. I hope this helps.

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 11th, 2017

    This depends on what age the kitten is and if any vaccinations have been given. Typically we start vaccinations around 6-8 weeks of age. I typically vaccinate with feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline viral rhinotracheitis calicivirus panleukopenia (FVRCP) and Rabies vaccines. The FeLV and FVRCP are typically given as a series of 3 (1st, 2nd then annual) and the Rabies is given once and is good for one year. Each vaccine series is spread out by 2-3 weeks until finished. I always recommend going through all vaccines as a kitten and then depending on the cat's exposure to the outside, may or may not continue the FeLV. FeLV is transmitted through bites and scratches and if the cat does not have any exposure to other cats, it is considered a low risk and therefore the FeLV vaccine is optional. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions regarding this and I would be more than happy to provide you with additional information. Have a great weekend!

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