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Kitten vaccine schedule: every shot, by age
Kitten shots follow the same dependable rhythm as the rest of kittenhood: a core combination vaccine every three to four weeks from about 6–8 weeks until 14–16 weeks, a leukemia (FeLV) series for kittens, rabies when local law requires it, and boosters about a year later. Here's the whole plan in one chart, then what each line means.
| Kitten's age | Vaccines | Usually also at this visit |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | FVRCP dose 1 (rhinotracheitis/herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia) | Fecal exam, deworming, FeLV/FIV testing discussion, flea control |
| 10–12 weeks | FVRCP dose 2; FeLV dose 1 (recommended for all kittens, can start as early as 8 weeks) | Second deworming doses continue every 2 weeks |
| 14–16 weeks | FVRCP dose 3; FeLV dose 2 (3–4 weeks after the first) | Rabies (typically given once between 12 and 16 weeks, as local law requires) |
| ~12–16 months | FVRCP booster; rabies booster; FeLV booster per risk | Adult wellness exam; boosters then move to a 1–3 year cycle your vet sets |
Why a series instead of one shot?
Kittens nurse antibodies from their mother, and those maternal antibodies do two things: protect the kitten, and neutralize vaccines. They fade at an unpredictable point between roughly 6 and 16 weeks, so vets give FVRCP in a series to guarantee at least one dose lands after the interference clears. The final dose at 14–16 weeks is the one that locks in panleukopenia protection — the disease formerly responsible for most kitten deaths, and still circulating wherever vaccination lapses.
What each vaccine covers
- FVRCP — the core combination: feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus) and calicivirus, the two big respiratory bugs, plus panleukopenia (feline distemper), which is highly contagious and frequently fatal in unvaccinated kittens.
- FeLV (feline leukemia virus) — recommended for kittens by AAHA/AAFP guidelines regardless of lifestyle, because kittens are most susceptible and future indoor/outdoor status is a guess. Two doses, 3–4 weeks apart; whether to continue boosters as an adult depends on risk, which your vet will assess.
- Rabies — legally required for cats in much of the US, typically first given between 12 and 16 weeks with the booster interval set by your state or municipality. Yes, indoor cats too — bats get indoors, and the law doesn't distinguish.
Indoor kittens still need this
The most common question, so let's address it head-on: panleukopenia and the respiratory viruses travel on shoes, clothes, and hands; rabies vaccination is required by law in most places regardless of lifestyle; and a non-trivial number of "indoor" cats slip out at least once. The series is also when your vet catches everything else — ear mites, fleas, heart murmurs, the things you can't see.
If you miss a dose
A few days late is a non-event — the series continues. Past about six weeks of gap, many vets extend or restart to be sure protection takes. Bring whatever paperwork the breeder, shelter, or foster gave you to every visit; the dates determine everything. A printed vaccine chart on the fridge solves this permanently, and the KittenSchedule app will do it automatically.
How shots fit the rest of kittenhood
Deworming runs alongside the series — every two weeks until 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months. Spay/neuter typically lands around 5–6 months, right after the series finishes. The kitten schedule by age shows the full stack, the shots timing guide answers the most-asked questions, and the new kitten checklist covers what to have ready before the first visit.
Frequently asked questions
What shots do kittens need?
Core: FVRCP (rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) at roughly 6–8, 10–12, and 14–16 weeks, plus rabies between 12 and 16 weeks per local law. FeLV (feline leukemia) is recommended for all kittens — two doses, 3–4 weeks apart.
Do indoor kittens need vaccines?
Yes. Panleukopenia and respiratory viruses travel on shoes and clothing, rabies vaccination is legally required in most areas regardless of lifestyle, and FeLV is recommended for all kittens because future lifestyle is unpredictable.
How many rounds of shots do kittens get?
Typically three FVRCP doses (6–8, 10–12, 14–16 weeks), two FeLV doses 3–4 weeks apart, and one rabies dose — then boosters about a year later, after which most move to a 1–3 year adult cycle.
What if my kitten missed a vaccine?
Short delays are fine — the series just continues. Gaps over about six weeks may mean extending or restarting the series. Call your vet with the exact dates of previous doses and let them rebuild the plan.
Are kitten vaccines safe?
Serious reactions are rare; mild lethargy or a tender injection site for a day is the common experience. Your vet will discuss specifics, including injection-site recommendations that are standard practice in feline medicine.
A note from us: Always confirm timing with your veterinarian — schedules vary by region, breed, and health. KittenSchedule is a planning tool, not a substitute for veterinary care.
Get your kitten's schedule built for you
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