Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Congratulations on your new kitten! It’s undoubtedly an exciting time, and we’re here for it. However, we must remind you to see through all the cuteness overload and focus on your kitty’s health, starting with vaccinations. 

Your kitten must get a series of shots to keep them safe and ward off common feline diseases that can be harmful or deadly for them, other pets, and even your family. 

We’ve put together the typical kitten vaccination schedule for your convenience. Feel free to print it out and take it with you to your local vet to ask any questions you may have about them. 

8-Week-Old Kitten Vaccination

At eight weeks old, your kitten will need the following vaccination:

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) Vaccine: This is often the first core vaccination given to kittens. It protects against common upper respiratory infections and feline panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper).

12-Week-Old Kitten Vaccinations and Test

At 12 weeks old, your kitten will need the following vaccinations:

• FVRCP Booster: The kitten receives a second dose of the FVRCP vaccine to reinforce protection.
• FELV/FIV Test: This blood test checks for two viruses that can cause a compromised immune system in cats (feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus). 
• Feline Leukemia Virus (FELV) Vaccination: This virus can cause leukemia and lymphoma in cats.

16-Week-Old Kitten Vaccinations

At 16 weeks old, your kitten will need the following vaccinations:

• FVRCP Booster: The kitten gets a third dose of the FVRCP vaccine to reinforce protection.
• FELV Booster: The kitten gets a second dose of the FELV vaccine to reinforce protection.
• Rabies Vaccination: Rabies is dangerous and deadly to both your kitten and you. Even if your kitten is only indoors, rabies vaccinations are necessary to ensure safety should he or she escape, get outside, and wind up in an entanglement with a wild animal that carries the disease.

Annual Vaccinations

After the initial kitten series, cats typically receive FVRCP and rabies boosters every three years (again, this includes indoor-only cats; cats are well known for escape artistry!):

• FVRCP Booster
• Rabies Boosters
• FeLV Booster: Cats who go outside should also receive a FeLV booster every 1-2 years.

Visit Our Fulton County Animal Hospital for Your Pet’s Health

Our Alpharetta veterinary team will gladly vaccinate your new kitten (we love a kitten) and provide any veterinary services to keep your new addition happy and healthy. 

We’re always here to discuss your cat’s well-being and will provide any guidance we can regarding proper care and preventative solutions. 

Getting caught up in the fun and games of having a new kitten is easy, but vaccinations and regular veterinary visits are crucial to ensure a long life of good health.

Contact us to learn more about keeping your kitten safe, comfortable, and oh-so-cute!