Kittens usually get a first FVRCP shot at about 6 to 8 weeks, then boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until at least 16 weeks. Rabies is given from about 12 weeks, depending on local law. FeLV is two doses starting around 8 weeks. A booster follows at 6 months to 1 year. Your vet sets the schedule.
- Core kitten vaccines are FVRCP (panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus), rabies, and FeLV for kittens under one year.
- Most guidelines start FVRCP at about 6 to 8 weeks and repeat it every 2 to 4 weeks until a kitten is 16 weeks or older.
- A series is needed because antibodies from the mother can block a vaccine until they fade.
- Rabies timing depends on the vaccine label and local law; minimum ages in US state laws range from 3 to 6 months.
- Indoor kittens still need core vaccines, and kittens should avoid unvaccinated cats until the series is finished.
- Mild tiredness or a sore spot after shots is common; facial swelling, hives, breathing trouble or collapse need emergency care.
- Sources differ by a few weeks on timing, so confirm with your vet, who sets the schedule for your kitten.
If you have just brought home a kitten, one of the first jobs is booking the shots. The trouble is that every website seems to give a slightly different kitten vaccine schedule. Is the first shot at 6 weeks or 8? Is rabies at 12 weeks or 16? Does an indoor kitten really need all of this?
This guide pulls together what the main veterinary groups say. That includes the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), International Cat Care, Cornell’s Feline Health Center, the Merck Veterinary Manual and VCA Animal Hospitals. Where they agree, we say so. Where they differ by a week or two, we show you the difference rather than pick a winner.
We are a research site, not vets, and this is not medical advice. Your vet sets the schedule for your kitten, based on age, health, where you live and how your kitten lives. Use this page to understand the plan and to ask good questions. For the wider picture of the first year, see our kitten timeline.
Kitten vaccine schedule at a glance
The table below shows the ranges that published guidelines give. Treat the ages as ranges, not fixed dates. Your vet may start earlier or later, for example in a shelter or a high-risk household, and will choose products and timing for your kitten.
| Vaccine | Typical start | Repeat | Booster |
|---|---|---|---|
| FVRCP (core) | About 6 to 8 weeks | Every 2 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks or older (AAHA/AAFP: until 16 to 20 weeks) | At 6 months or 1 year, then about every 3 years in many low-risk cats |
| Rabies (core) | About 12 weeks or older, following the label and local law | One dose to start | 1 year after the first dose, then every 1 to 3 years depending on vaccine and law |
| FeLV (core under 1 year per AAHA/AAFP and Cornell; non-core per WSAVA) | From about 8 weeks | Two doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart | About 12 months after the series, then only if at risk |
Sources for the table: AAHA/AAFP core vaccine guidance, WSAVA guidelines, VCA Animal Hospitals and the Cat Fanciers Association summary of the AAHA/AAFP guide. The next sections explain each line.
If you are still working out your kitten’s age, our kitten age chart can help you match the weeks to the stage.
Core vs non-core kitten vaccines
Vets sort vaccines into two groups. Core vaccines are recommended for essentially every kitten. Non-core vaccines are chosen based on lifestyle and exposure risk.
Cornell’s Feline Health Center lists the core group as panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, rabies, and FeLV for kittens under one year. It lists FIV (no longer commercially available in North America), Bordetella and Chlamydia felis as non-core, chosen by lifestyle, exposure, age and health (Cornell). International Cat Care puts FeLV, Chlamydia felis, Bordetella and FIV (where available) in the non-core group and gives the same logic: they are used when there is a real risk of exposure (International Cat Care).
One difference is worth knowing. AAHA and AAFP treat FeLV as core for cats younger than 1 year (AAHA). WSAVA regards FeLV as non-core, based on lifestyle and how common the virus is where you live (WSAVA). Both agree that outdoor exposure raises the case for it.
Cornell says a vaccine against feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is not usually recommended because most studies show it is not effective, and that ringworm vaccines are ineffective in cats. Ask your vet if you have heard otherwise.
How much should your kitten eat?Get daily calories, portions and a feeding schedule for your kitten’s exact age and weight.
What FVRCP covers, and why panleukopenia matters
FVRCP is a combination shot. The letters stand for feline viral rhinotracheitis (a herpesvirus), calicivirus and panleukopenia. AAHA and AAFP call these three “FPV, FHV-1 and FCV” and list them with rabies as core vaccines (AAHA).
The one vets stress most for kittens is panleukopenia, also called feline distemper. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes it as a highly contagious, often fatal viral disease caused by a parvovirus. It is seen less often because of vaccination but remains common in unvaccinated cats. Kittens are affected most severely, and those under 5 months old are the most likely to die. The virus can survive in the environment for over a year unless strong disinfectants are used (Merck Veterinary Manual).
Merck also says effective vaccines give strong, long-lasting immunity, that kittens need several doses, and that the first is usually given at 6 to 9 weeks of age. That fits the ranges in the other guidelines.
Why kittens need a series of shots, not just one
The reason is maternal antibodies. A kitten that nurses absorbs protective antibodies from its mother’s milk. Cornell explains that these antibodies also interfere with the vaccine, and that they fade within a few weeks, so timing matters. It adds that very early vaccination is not effective for this reason (Cornell).
The Merck Veterinary Manual says the same thing for owners: maternal antibodies can block vaccines until they wear off, which is why the schedule starts at a few weeks of age (Merck Veterinary Manual).
Nobody can see exactly when a particular kitten’s antibodies drop. WSAVA notes that maternal antibody levels differ between litters, and cites a study finding that up to one third of kittens may fail to respond to a final core vaccine given at 16 weeks of age. That is why guidelines repeat the shots every few weeks and finish at 16 weeks or later, and why some suggest a booster at 6 months (WSAVA).
Think of it as casting a net over a moving window. Each dose gives the kitten a chance to respond as soon as its mother’s antibodies fade. The last dose in the series is the one meant to catch the slowest kittens.
The FVRCP series, step by step
This is the general pattern. Your vet may adjust it, and the dates will depend on your kitten’s age when you adopt.
- First visit and first dose, about 6 to 8 weeks. WSAVA says to begin at 6 to 8 weeks. AAHA/AAFP says no earlier than 6 weeks. International Cat Care says the course often starts at 8 to 9 weeks.
- Boosters every 2 to 4 weeks. WSAVA gives 2 to 4 weeks. AAHA/AAFP gives every 3 to 4 weeks. International Cat Care puts the second injection 3 to 4 weeks after the first.
- The last kitten dose at 16 weeks or older. WSAVA says to continue until 16 weeks of age or older. AAHA/AAFP says until 16 to 20 weeks. International Cat Care says a third dose, especially for panleukopenia, is now commonly recommended at 16 to 20 weeks.
- A booster at 6 months or 1 year. Covered in its own section below.
Citations: WSAVA, AAHA/AAFP, International Cat Care. VCA Animal Hospitals sums it up as 3 to 4 FVRCP doses during kittenhood (VCA).
The number of visits depends on when you start. A kitten that gets its first shot at 8 weeks may need fewer visits than one that starts at 6 weeks. Your vet will count back from the 16-week mark.
Where the guidelines differ (and what to do about it)
It can feel confusing when one page says 6 weeks and another says 8. Each source below is correct for its own guideline. Real differences are small, and they exist because different panels weigh risk and practicality differently.
| Source | First dose | Interval | Last kitten dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAHA/AAFP 2020 | No earlier than 6 weeks | Every 3 to 4 weeks | 16 to 20 weeks |
| WSAVA | 6 to 8 weeks | Every 2 to 4 weeks | 16 weeks or older |
| International Cat Care | Often 8 to 9 weeks | Second dose 3 to 4 weeks later | Third dose at 16 to 20 weeks |
| Cornell | 6 to 8 weeks | Series over roughly 12 to 16 weeks | Not given as one age |
| Merck (panleukopenia) | Usually 6 to 9 weeks | Several doses | Not given as one age |
Sources: AAHA, WSAVA, International Cat Care, Cornell, Merck. International Cat Care adds that earlier vaccination may be advised where infection risk is very high, such as in rehoming centres.
The common thread is simple: start at roughly 6 to 8 weeks, repeat every few weeks, and make sure the final dose is given at 16 weeks or later. That is why your vet sets the schedule. They know your kitten’s age, history and local disease risk.
Rabies shot for kittens: timing and the law
Rabies is a core vaccine. Cornell says the virus spreads mainly through bites, or through saliva entering an open wound, that it is routinely fatal once symptoms develop, and that people can be infected too. It lists skunks, raccoons, coyotes, foxes and bats as common wild carriers in North America (Cornell). The CDC advises keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccines and away from wild animals (CDC).
When do kittens get the rabies vaccine?
The ranges differ a little:
- VCA Animal Hospitals: the first dose once a kitten is at least 12 weeks old, a booster 1 year later, then annually or every 3 years depending on local regulations and vaccine availability (VCA).
- The CFA summary of the AAHA/AAFP guide: start at 12 to 16 weeks, depending on local laws (CFA).
- AAHA/AAFP: follow the vaccine label instructions and local laws (AAHA).
- WSAVA: rabies is core where the disease is endemic (WSAVA).
Rabies laws vary by place
There is no single national rule for cats in the US. The Animal Legal and Historical Center’s state table shows minimum ages that range from 3 months in places like Alabama, Connecticut and Maine, to 4 months in Arkansas, Florida, Illinois and Texas, to 6 months in Delaware and Massachusetts. It also notes that city and county rules can apply, and that some states allow a vet to certify an exemption on health grounds (Animal Legal and Historical Center).
That table covers laws as of its publication and rules change, so ask your vet or local health department what applies where you live. Ask your vet about any certificate or licensing paperwork you may need.
FeLV vaccine for kittens
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is the one most people ask about. Cornell calls it the leading cause of virus-associated deaths in cats. It spreads through saliva, nasal secretions, feces, urine and milk, through casual contact, bites or nursing, and mothers can pass it to kittens. Kittens are at greater risk than adults because their immune systems are immature, and are much more likely to develop a progressive infection (Cornell).
For the vaccine itself:
- AAHA/AAFP: two doses 3 to 4 weeks apart, beginning as early as 8 weeks, then a revaccination 12 months after the last dose in the series (AAHA).
- WSAVA: two doses 2 to 4 weeks apart, starting no earlier than 8 weeks, suggested for cats under 1 year with any outdoor exposure in areas where FeLV is still prevalent (WSAVA).
- VCA: recommended for all cats under 1 year, with a test before vaccination (VCA).
Cornell says the vaccine does not protect every cat, so avoiding exposure still matters, and that the vaccine does not cause false positives on FeLV tests. It also says all cats should be tested before joining a household, and a single test is not always enough, so follow-up tests may be needed (Cornell).
After the first year, AAHA/AAFP lists FeLV as non-core, Cornell says it is non-core for adults with no potential exposure, and VCA suggests boosters only for at-risk cats, such as those who go outside, board often or live with FeLV-positive cats.
The 6-month and 1-year booster
After the kitten series, most cats get a booster. Here the guidelines differ again.
- WSAVA lists the first FVRCP booster at either 6 months or 1 year of age. It brought the booster forward from 52 weeks to 26 weeks of age, citing the maternal-antibody findings described above. After the booster, low-risk cats should be vaccinated not more often than every 3 years (WSAVA).
- AAHA/AAFP says to consider a booster at 6 months rather than 1 year if the kitten had maternal antibodies at its last kitten dose, then revaccinate every 3 years (AAHA).
- VCA says a booster is due 1 year after the initial series, then every 3 years, because previously vaccinated adult cats have long-lasting immunity (VCA).
- International Cat Care says a first booster is due 12 months later, sometimes sooner, then every 1 to 3 years depending on the vaccine, the disease and the cat’s risk (International Cat Care).
Rabies has its own timeline, as described above. A one-year visit is a good moment to line up the FVRCP booster, the rabies booster and any FeLV booster your vet thinks your kitten needs. It is also a chance to ask about the adult plan.
Cornell notes that vaccines do not give 100% protection, so reducing exposure to other cats and risky places still helps (Cornell).
Do indoor kittens need vaccines?
Yes, for the core ones. Cornell says the core recommendation applies to cats kept indoors at all times (Cornell). International Cat Care says core vaccines are essential for all cats, including indoor-only cats (International Cat Care). The guideline text hosted by AAHA says indoor-only cats can still be exposed through other cats, visits to the clinic or things carried in on people, and states that even cats living exclusively indoors require regular vaccination (AAHA guidelines).
WSAVA defines a low-risk cat by lifestyle, not just by being inside. In its words, a low-risk cat might be a solitary indoor animal that does not visit a boarding cattery. A multi-cat household with indoor-outdoor cats is higher risk (WSAVA).
Rabies is another reason. A bat or other wild animal can get into a home, and local law may require the shot whether or not your cat goes out. Your vet can talk you through which non-core vaccines make sense for your kitten’s life.
Keeping your kitten safe until the series is done
The Merck Veterinary Manual advises keeping kittens away from unvaccinated cats until they finish the full vaccine series (Merck Veterinary Manual). In practice, that means thinking carefully about:
- Visits to homes with unvaccinated or unknown-status cats.
- Shared litter boxes, bowls and bedding from cats you do not know.
- Outdoor access, which also raises FeLV and rabies risk.
- Unfamiliar places where sick cats may have been. Ask your vet how to handle boarding and grooming.
Merck also says kittens should visit the vet every 3 to 4 weeks until they are about 6 months old, for vaccines and parasite treatment. It notes that intestinal parasites are very common in kittens and can pass through the placenta or mother’s milk, that many vets routinely deworm kittens, and that stool samples are usually rechecked. For fleas and ticks, use only products approved for kittens. Your vet chooses the product and the amount, so do not guess or use a dog or adult-cat product.
For feeding and growth during these weeks, see our guides to what kittens eat and the kitten feeding schedule. Track growth with the kitten weight chart.
What to expect after kitten shots
Most kittens feel fine, or just a little tired. Cornell says the risks of vaccination are minor, namely short-term allergic reactions and, rarely, feline injection-site sarcoma over the long term, and that the benefits of an appropriate program far outweigh them for the average cat (Cornell).
Common, mild reactions listed by veterinary sources include:
- Tiredness, sluggishness or eating less for a short time. International Cat Care says these usually last a few days (International Cat Care). PetMD says tiredness after shots generally clears in a day or two (PetMD).
- A sore spot or small lump where the shot went in. The MSPCA’s vet guide calls a small, painless lump at the injection site a mild reaction (MSPCA).
- A slight fever.
- After an intranasal vaccine, a runny nose, sneezing or cough (MSPCA).
To help: keep your kitten warm, quiet and close, offer food and water, and let them rest. Do not give human painkillers. The MSPCA guide warns that anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can be toxic to pets.
Plan the appointment for a time when you can watch your kitten afterwards. Because most severe reactions appear soon after the shot, many owners like to stay home for the rest of the day.
Vaccine side effects: when to call the vet
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Sleepy, a bit off food, sore spot, small lump | Common mild reaction, often over in 24 to 48 hours | Watch, keep comfortable, offer food |
| Fever or tiredness that lasts beyond 24 to 48 hours, or seems excessive | Needs checking | Call your vet |
| Lump that grows, turns red, discharges, or has not shrunk after a week or two | Needs checking | Call your vet |
| Not eating, or you are unsure it is a reaction | Needs a professional opinion | Call your vet |
| Facial swelling, hives or itching, trouble breathing, repeated vomiting, pale gums, collapse | Possible severe allergic reaction | Emergency vet immediately |
PetMD says severe reactions (anaphylaxis) usually appear within 15 to 30 minutes of the vaccine, though they can occasionally develop later. The MSPCA guide says serious signs usually appear quickly but can take up to 48 hours (PetMD, MSPCA).
The rare long-term concern
Feline injection-site sarcoma is rare but serious. International Cat Care says that if swelling lasts more than 2 to 3 weeks or gets larger, you should have it checked promptly (International Cat Care). Tell your vet about any lump that does not go away.
You do not need to wait to see if signs get worse. Call your vet or an emergency clinic whenever a kitten seems very unwell after a vaccine.
Questions to ask at your kitten’s vet visit
A short list helps you get the most from each appointment:
- Which vaccines are you giving today, and what is the plan for the rest of the series? Ask for the dates written down.
- Is my kitten tested for FeLV first, and do you recommend the FeLV vaccine for my situation?
- What are the rabies rules where I live? Ask about age, certificates and licensing.
- When is the 6-month or 1-year booster?
- Does my kitten need deworming or flea and tick prevention? Your vet will choose the product and amount.
- When is it safe for my kitten to meet other cats and visit new places?
- What should I watch for after the shots, and who do I call out of hours?
Keep your kitten’s vaccine record somewhere safe. You will need it for boarding, grooming and moving. If you want to organize the first year, our Kitten Plan builder and the 2 to 6 months timeline are a good start.
This guide shares published information and does not replace advice from your vet. Confirm with your vet before making any decision about your kitten’s shots.
Frequently asked questions
What is the kitten vaccine schedule?
Most guidelines start the FVRCP shot at about 6 to 8 weeks and repeat it every 2 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks or older. Rabies is usually given from about 12 weeks, depending on the label and local law. FeLV is two doses starting around 8 weeks. Boosters follow at 6 months to 1 year. Your vet sets the schedule.
When do kittens get vaccinated for the first time?
WSAVA says to begin at 6 to 8 weeks of age. AAHA and AAFP say no earlier than 6 weeks, and International Cat Care says the course often starts at 8 to 9 weeks. Earlier shots can be less effective because antibodies from the mother can block the vaccine.
How many shots does a kitten need?
VCA Animal Hospitals says kittens get 3 to 4 FVRCP doses during kittenhood. Rabies is one dose to start, and FeLV is two doses. The exact count depends on the age your kitten starts, so ask your vet for the dates in writing.
Why do kittens need so many shots?
Kittens absorb protective antibodies from their mother’s milk, and those antibodies can block a vaccine until they fade. Nobody knows exactly when that happens for each kitten, so doses are repeated every few weeks until at least 16 weeks of age.
Do indoor kittens need vaccines?
Yes, for the core vaccines. Cornell and International Cat Care both say core vaccines apply to cats kept indoors. Indoor cats can still be exposed through other cats, clinic visits or things carried in on people, and rabies may be required by local law.
When do kittens get their rabies shot?
VCA says the first dose is given once a kitten is at least 12 weeks old, and the CFA summary of the AAHA and AAFP guide says 12 to 16 weeks, depending on local laws. State laws in the US set minimum ages from about 3 to 6 months, so ask your vet what applies locally.
Does my kitten need the FeLV vaccine?
AAHA and AAFP treat FeLV as core for cats under 1 year, while WSAVA regards it as non-core and suggests it for kittens with outdoor exposure. Cornell says the vaccine does not protect every cat. Ask your vet to weigh your kitten’s lifestyle and local risk.
Can I take my kitten outside or around other cats before the shots are done?
The Merck Veterinary Manual advises keeping kittens away from unvaccinated cats until they finish the full vaccine series. Ask your vet when your kitten is protected enough for visits, boarding or outdoor time.
What are the side effects of kitten vaccines?
Common reactions are tiredness, eating less, a slight fever or a sore spot, usually over within a day or two. Call your vet if signs last longer or a lump grows. Facial swelling, hives, trouble breathing, repeated vomiting or collapse need an emergency vet immediately.
When is the booster after the kitten series?
WSAVA lists the first booster at 6 months or 1 year. AAHA and AAFP suggest considering 6 months if the kitten still had maternal antibodies at its last kitten dose, and VCA says 1 year after the series. Rabies has a separate booster, usually 1 year after the first dose.
Sources
- AAHA/AAFP: 2020 feline vaccination guidelines
- AAHA/AAFP: Core vaccines for pet cats
- AAHA/AAFP: 2020 feline vaccination guidelines (full PDF)
- WSAVA: Vaccination guidelines (cats)
- Cat Fanciers’ Association: AAHA/AAFP feline vaccination guide for cats
- International Cat Care: Vaccinating your cat
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Feline vaccines, benefits and risks
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Feline leukemia virus
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Kitten care (cat owners)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Feline panleukopenia (cat owners)
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Kitten vaccine schedule
- CDC: Preventing rabies
- Animal Legal and Historical Center: State rabies laws concerning cats
- PetMD: Cat vaccine reactions and when to call your vet
- MSPCA-Angell: Vaccine reactions (Dr. Jake Stokes)
