Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Kittens get FVRCP every 3 to 4 weeks starting at 6 to 8 weeks of age until they are 16 to 20 weeks old, two FeLV doses 3 to 4 weeks apart starting as early as 8 weeks (after a negative test), and a rabies vaccine as required by local law, usually by 3 to 6 months. Boosters follow at 6 months to 1 year.
This schedule follows the 2020 AAHA/AAFP feline vaccination guidelines. Your veterinarian may adjust it based on your kitten's age at adoption, health and risk.
Kitten shot schedule chart
| Kitten's age | Vaccines and care |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | FVRCP #1; deworming; FeLV/FIV test |
| 9–12 weeks | FVRCP #2; FeLV #1 (from 8 weeks, after a negative test) |
| 12–16 weeks | FVRCP #3; FeLV #2 (3–4 weeks after #1); rabies (per label and local law) |
| 16–20 weeks | Final FVRCP (the series continues every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks) |
| 6 months | Consider FVRCP booster (the guidelines suggest 6 months rather than waiting to 1 year) |
| 1 year | FeLV booster; rabies booster; FVRCP booster if not given at 6 months |
| Adult | FVRCP every 3 years; rabies every 1 or 3 years; FeLV only if at risk |
Why kittens need a series
Kittens receive antibodies from their mother that can block a vaccine. Because these fade at different times, vets repeat FVRCP every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 to 20 weeks, when maternal antibodies are reliably gone. A kitten isn't fully protected until the series is complete.
What if I adopted an older kitten or cat?
Cats first vaccinated after 16 weeks need fewer doses: one or two doses of a modified-live FVRCP (or two doses 3 to 4 weeks apart of an inactivated one), two FeLV doses 3 to 4 weeks apart after a negative test, and rabies.
When do kittens get the rabies shot?
According to Michigan State University's state law table, states that require cats to be vaccinated set the age at between about 3 and 6 months. Your vet will follow the vaccine's label and your local law. See are cat vaccines required by law.
How much do kitten shots cost?
Pumpkin estimates $130 to $240 for the core series (three FVRCP, two FeLV, one rabies), before exam fees. See cat vaccine costs.
Other first-year kitten care
- Deworming at early visits
- Flea control safe for the kitten's age and weight
- Spaying or neutering; see when to spay or neuter a cat
- Microchip, often done at the spay/neuter surgery
Find veterinarians near you to book your kitten's first visit.
Sources
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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.