Despite their small size, kittens' immune systems have a lot of work to do. Following a regular kitten vaccination schedule is crucial because kittens, especially those under six months old, are particularly susceptible to viruses and illnesses.
Among other potentially fatal diseases, vaccinations help prevent feline leukemia virus, feline calicivirus, and feline distemper.
Everything you need to know about kitten vaccinations is included in this vet recommendations, including when to schedule them and which ones are required (and which are optional).
To find out more about cat vaccinations and schedules, continue reading.
When should kittens be vaccinated?
For complete protection, kittens require a sequence of a regular vaccination chart. Usually, the timetable begins when they are 6 to 8 weeks old and lasts until they are 16 weeks old. Depending on the vaccine, cats require booster shots annually for a few years to maintain a high level of protection. To ensure that your immunization records are current, we always advise having them close to hand. One 'booster' each year is recommended.
You should keep your kitten indoors until they are completely vaccinated (and neutered).
What diseases can vaccinations protect against?
Cats are commonly vaccinated with kitten shots against:
- Cat flu (feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus)
- Feline infectious enteritis
- Feline leukaemia virus
The immunizations your cat or kitten will require to help prevent them from infectious diseases can be recommended by your veterinarian. One of the first things you should do when you get a kitten is to register them with a local veterinarian so they can administer the necessary vaccines.
Vaccines and boosters
Due to their immature immune systems, kittens are particularly susceptible to illness. We start immunizing at a young age for this reason. Mothers also provide some initial immunological protection to kittens, but this protection is short-lived. Additionally, this maternal immunity may interact with and reduce the effectiveness of the immunizations we provide.
Therefore, we must vaccinate kittens several times, or give them booster shots, to ensure they develop a high enough level of antibodies to be effective.
Core vs non-core shots
To guard against the most prevalent and possibly fatal illnesses, kittens require a number of essential vaccinations. Regardless of lifestyle, these are advised for all kitties.
Non-core vaccines, which provide protection against particular situational risks, may also be recommended by your veterinarian based on your kitten's surroundings and exposure risk.
Core vaccines
All kittens, regardless of lifestyle, should get core immunizations, per the 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines. Among them are:
- The FVRCP vaccine guards against three extremely infectious and potentially fatal viruses:
- FHV-1, or feline herpesvirus: This virus, commonly referred to as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), is the most frequent cause of conjunctivitis, or cat pink eye, and a significant contributor to upper respiratory infections in cats.
- FCV, or feline calicivirus: This virus causes painful mouth ulcers and mild to severe respiratory infections.
- Feline panleukopenia (FPV): Also referred to as feline distemper, this serious and frequently lethal illness targets the digestive tract and immune system.
- Vaccine against rabies: This vaccine guards against the virus that kills cats. Humans can contract the virus, which can be lethal if treatment is delayed. In many places, the rabies vaccine is mandated by law.
- Vaccine against feline leukemia virus (FeLV): This vaccine, which is highly advised for all kittens under one year old, guards against a contagious virus that damages a cat's white blood cells and impairs immunity, raising the risk of infections, tumors, and even death.
Usually between 6 and 8 weeks of age, a kitten receives their first series of immunizations at their first visit to the veterinarian.
Non-core vaccines
Conversely, non-core vaccinations are administered according to a cat's unique risk factors, such as whether they go outside, live with other cats, or interact with other cats at shelters, boarding houses, or grooming parlors.
The 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines include the following as non-core vaccines:
- The chlamydia vaccination aids in preventing upper respiratory problems and conjunctivitis caused by the bacterial illness Chlamydia felis. Usually, it is only advised in homes with multiple cats or in shelters where the illness has been verified.
- The Bordetella vaccine guards against the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, which can make cats' respiratory systems sick. Usually, it is only advised in homes with multiple cats or in shelters where the illness has been verified.
- FeLV vaccine: This vaccination is optional for older cats, although it is regarded as a basic vaccination for kittens under a year old.
Depending on your kitten's age, health, and past immunization history, the vaccination regimen may change.
Vaccine schedules by age
During the first few months of their lives, kittens usually receive their vaccinations over the course of three visits to the veterinarian. Although your kitten's exact vaccination schedule may differ slightly (and your veterinarian will provide guidance on this), it's crucial that their booster shots be given within a certain window of time, often four weeks; if not, your cat may need to retake the full course of shots. A normal immunization program for kittens would be:
- FVRCP vaccination (1 of 3) at 8 weeks
- Leukemia vaccination (1 of 2), Rabies vaccine (1 of 1), and FVRCP vaccine (2 of 3) at 12 weeks
- 16 weeks: Leukemia vaccination (2 of 2) and FVRCP vaccine (3 of 3)
Your cat may need to retake the full vaccine timeline kittens if booster shots are not given within the allotted period.
How much do kitten vaccinations cost?
Vaccinations for cats can cost anywhere from $15 to more than $200 on average, depending on the brand, location, and type of vaccine.
Additionally, remember that your kitten will require a physical examination to ascertain whether they are healthy enough to receive the vaccinations before they are administered. A veterinarian does the initial examination, which can cost anywhere from $50 to more than $120.
We will vaccinate any kittens or cats you adopt from us before they are released from our custody. When we rehome an animal, we charge an adoption fee in part because of this.
Before they are prepared for their second round of immunizations, some kittens might be placed in a new home. We'll notify you if this is the case and could set up a time for you and your kitten to return later. If not, you can schedule an appointment with your neighborhood veterinarian.
See our tips on what to look for when purchasing a kitten if you're considering purchasing a cat from a breeder.
FAQ
When should kittens be vaccinated?
Starting at 6–8 weeks of age, kittens usually receive a series of core immunizations every 3–4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. Early immunization can shield kittens against common and possibly fatal illnesses like rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia. Based on your kitten health, lifestyle, and risk factors, your veterinarian will develop a customized plan.
What shots are legally required?
In the majority of states in the United States, the only vaccine that is legally required for cats is the rabies vaccine, which protects humans and pets against this deadly virus. The age at which the vaccination must be given and the number of booster shots required may be governed by local laws. For the safety and legal protection of your kitten, adherence to these rules is essential.
Do indoor kittens need vaccines?
Yes, since certain diseases can be spread by people, other pets, or contaminated surfaces, even indoor kittens should get the core vaccinations. Serious diseases such feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia can be avoided by vaccinating indoor cats. Depending on your location, the dogs in your home, and your way of life, your veterinarian can provide recommendations for extra vaccinations.