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When to vaccinate my 5-week-old kitten & is licking/scratching safe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 5 days old

Hi there, I just recently adopted a kitten which is only 5 weeks old. I was wondering how many vaccinations does my kitten needs and when should i start? Also is it okay for us to let him lick our fingers and scrath it while playing since he is not vaccinated yet? Thanks

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 25th, 2017

Great questions! Pixie will not be old enough for his first vaccines until he is at least six weeks of age. Feline core vaccines include FVRCP (feline distemper combo) and a Rabies vaccine. If he is an outdoor cat, the FeLV vaccine (feline leukemia) should be considered. The FVRCP needs to be given in a series of three shots, each given four weeks apart, for her to be fully vaccinated. The schedule looks like this: The first shot is given at 6-8 weeks of age, the second at 10-12 weeks of age, and the final one given at 14-16 weeks of age. He will not be old enough for his rabies vaccine until he is 12 weeks of age, and he will need a booster of it at 16 weeks of age to be fully vaccinated. It's fine to allow him to lick your fingers, but don't let him scratch them. You want to discourage this behavior now, or it will get worse and harder as he grows ups. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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