Kittens need an FVRCP vaccine every 3 to 4 weeks from about 6 to 8 weeks old until 16 to 20 weeks, plus rabies, which North Carolina requires for cats over four months old. Most kittens also get the feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine after a quick blood test. Petfolk SouthPark is a veterinary clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Old Sardis Road; our vet in SouthPark sets your kitten's schedule at the first visit.
Got a kitten from a shelter or rescue with one dose already done? Bring the paperwork, and the series continues from there.
Call (980) 580-8079 or book online.
Which vaccines are in the kitten series?
At Petfolk SouthPark, the kitten series usually includes three vaccines.
FVRCP. One shot covering three viruses: feline viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus, which cause sneezing, eye discharge and mouth ulcers, and panleukopenia, which wipes out the white blood cells young kittens need to fight infection.
FeLV (feline leukemia virus). The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends it for kittens, because a young cat's future lifestyle is hard to predict and kittens are more easily infected than adults.
Rabies. Required by North Carolina law once a cat is over four months old.
What happens at each kitten vaccine visit?
At Petfolk SouthPark, a kitten gets an FVRCP booster every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 to 20 weeks of age, following AAFP guidance.
First visit, about 6 to 10 weeks. Full exam, first or next FVRCP, and often a stool test for worms. Bring shelter or breeder records.
About 3 to 4 weeks later. Next FVRCP. A quick blood test for feline leukemia virus and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) usually comes before the first FeLV shot, since the vaccine does nothing for a kitten that's already infected.
Next visit. Another FVRCP and the second FeLV dose.
Final visit, 16 weeks or later. Last FVRCP and rabies. You leave with a North Carolina rabies certificate.
About 1 year later. Boosters. Under North Carolina's rule, a cat's first rabies booster is due one year after the first shot (10A NCAC 41G .0101).
How do SouthPark kittens move through the series?
For kittens who started their vaccine series at Petfolk SouthPark between October 2025 and June 2026 (followed through October 19, 2026):
The typical kitten got its first vaccine with us at about 10 weeks old.
About 7 in 10 (71%) came back for at least a second FVRCP booster.
7 in 10 (71%) also got their rabies vaccine at Petfolk.
Kittens who finished elsewhere aren't counted, so these are floors. Booking the next visit before you leave makes the series easier to finish.
Why does my kitten need so many boosters?
Kittens need repeat boosters because antibodies from their mother's milk block a vaccine from working, and those antibodies fade at a different age in every kitten. Repeating FVRCP every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 to 20 weeks makes sure at least one dose lands after the mother's protection is gone. Skipping the last booster leaves the biggest gap, because it may be the only dose that counted.
Is the rabies vaccine required for kittens in Charlotte?
Yes. North Carolina law, G.S. 130A-185, requires cats over four months old to be vaccinated against rabies. Most kittens get it at the last FVRCP visit, so it adds no extra trip. The rabies vaccine page explains tags and certificates.
When is my kitten fully protected?
A kitten is fully protected about two weeks after the final dose of the series. Until then, keep your kitten indoors and away from unknown cats, and ask visitors with cats to wash their hands before playtime, since panleukopenia virus can ride in on clothing and shoes.
Today was my second time bringing my kitten in for all the kitten shots and check ups. Michael W., Google review
What should I bring to the first kitten visit?
Any records from the shelter, rescue or breeder
A fresh stool sample in a sealed bag
A list of what your kitten eats
A hard-sided carrier lined with a towel
If you're also caring for an adult cat, the cat vaccines page covers what changes after the first year.
How much do kitten vaccines cost at Petfolk SouthPark?
At Petfolk SouthPark, kitten vaccines are given at a wellness exam that starts at $99 (or is included with a PetfolkCare plan), and each vaccine and test is priced on top. You'll see the total before anything is given.
When does a kitten need a vet right away?
Call Petfolk SouthPark the same day for a kitten that stops eating, has diarrhea for more than a day, or sneezes with crusted eyes. A kitten that is limp, cold to the touch, vomiting repeatedly or breathing with its mouth open needs a 24-hour emergency hospital now, because tiny bodies run out of reserves quickly. Petfolk SouthPark is open 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week, with no overnight care.
Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - SouthPark is at 4914 Old Sardis Rd, Unit C5, Charlotte, NC 28211, a short drive from Eastover. Call (980) 580-8079 or book online.
Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - SouthPark, or see all veterinary services in SouthPark.
New kitten? Start here
In the Strawberry Hill center, Unit C5