Kitten Vaccines

Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Kittens are born with some natural immunity passed down from their mother, but that protection fades over the first few months of life. Vaccinations step in to fill the gap, building your kitten's own immune system before they're left unprotected.

The timing matters. Kittens typically start their first round of vaccines around 6 to 8 weeks old. From there, they'll need booster shots every 3 to 4 weeks until they're about 16 weeks old. The reason for multiple rounds is that mom's leftover antibodies can actually block a vaccine from doing its job. Since there's no way to know exactly when that maternal protection wears off, the series of boosters ensures your kitten is covered no matter when the handoff happens.

Here's what a typical schedule looks like:

• 6-8 weeks: First FVRCP (protects against feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) 

• 10-12 weeks: Second FVRCP booster, Feline Leukemia (FeLV) vaccine for kittens that go outdoors or live with other cats 

• 14-16 weeks: Final FVRCP booster, Rabies vaccine (required by law in most states)

After the initial kitten series, your cat will need a booster at the one-year mark, and then we'll work with you to set an ongoing schedule based on their lifestyle and risk factors. Indoor-only cats and outdoor cats have different needs, and we'll tailor our recommendations accordingly.

Missing a booster or falling behind schedule doesn't mean starting over, but it does leave your kitten vulnerable during a critical developmental window. If you're unsure where your kitten stands, bring in any records you have, and we'll figure out the best path forward together.

What Does It Cost?

We believe pricing should be simple and upfront, not something you find out after the fact. Vaccination costs depend on which vaccines your kitten needs and where they are in their schedule. You can view our current pricing on our Pricing page to get an idea of what to expect before your visit.

If your kitten needs multiple vaccines in one visit, we'll walk through each one and its associated cost before proceeding. No surprises. PetfolkCare members also receive savings on vaccinations as part of their membership, which can make a real difference during that first year when your kitten needs several rounds of shots. You can learn more about membership benefits on our Membership page.

When should my kitten get their first vaccines? 

Kittens typically start at 6 to 8 weeks of age. If your kitten already received shots from a shelter or breeder, bring any records you have, and we'll pick up where they left off.

How many vaccine visits will my kitten need? 

Most kittens need 3 to 4 visits spaced about 3 to 4 weeks apart, finishing around 16 weeks of age. After the kitten series, a booster is needed at one year, then every 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine.

Are kitten vaccines safe? 

Yes. Some kittens experience mild side effects, such as slight tiredness or tenderness at the injection site, which typically resolve within a day or two. Serious reactions are rare.

My kitten will be indoor-only. Do they still need vaccines? 

Yes. Indoor cats still need core vaccines like FVRCP and rabies. Viruses can be carried in on clothing or shoes, cats can slip out unexpectedly, and rabies vaccination is required by law in most areas.

Can my kitten go outside before finishing their vaccines? 

We recommend keeping your kitten indoors and away from unvaccinated cats until they've completed their full series around 16 weeks. Before then, their immune system isn't fully protected.

How much do kitten vaccines cost? 

We're always upfront about pricing. Core vaccines like FVRCP and rabies are available in Petfolk, and investing in them now prevents much more expensive treatment for preventable diseases later. Visit our Pricing page for details.

Can I skip a visit if my kitten seems healthy? 

We strongly recommend completing the full series on schedule. Kittens need multiple rounds because maternal antibodies can block a vaccine from working fully. Skipping visits can leave gaps in protection during a critical window.

Does my kitten need the feline leukemia vaccine? 

It depends on their lifestyle. Feline leukemia (FeLV) is recommended for kittens that go outdoors or live with other cats whose health status is unknown. For strictly indoor cats with no exposure risk, core vaccines (FVRCP and rabies) are typically sufficient. We'll help you decide based on your kitten's situation.

What if my kitten is behind on their vaccine schedule? 

It happens, and it doesn't mean starting over. We'll review where your kitten left off and adjust the schedule to get them caught up and fully protected as quickly as possible.

What happens during a kitten vaccine visit? 

We conduct a full wellness check, monitor your kitten's growth and development, and answer any questions you have about nutrition, behavior, litter training, or spay/neuter timing. It's a great chance to make sure everything is on track.