Welcoming a kitten into your home is an exciting time, but it comes with the immediate and vital responsibility of establishing a preventative healthcare routine. The kitten vaccination schedule is one of the most critical steps you will take to protect your new companion from deadly diseases.
This guide explains the typical schedule for kitten shots, details the difference between core and non-core cat vaccines, and outlines what to expect during the first vet visit kitten.
Part 1: The First Vet Visit Kitten and Vaccine Timing
The first vet visit kitten should happen as soon as possible after you bring your kitten home, usually between 6 and 8 weeks of age. This initial appointment is essential for a full kitten health check and the start of the vaccine series.
Kitten Vaccine Timing (Secondary Keyword)
The kitten vaccination schedule relies on a series of shots, typically given every 3 to 4 weeks, until the kitten is 16 weeks old. This repeated timing is necessary because the antibodies transferred from the mother’s milk interfere with the kitten’s ability to respond to the vaccine until they are older.
| Kitten Age | Recommended Core Vaccines | Other Kitten Vet Care |
| 6–8 Weeks | FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) – First Dose | Full physical exam, deworming, fecal check |
| 10–12 Weeks | FVRCP – Second Dose, Feline Leukemia (FeLV) – First Dose (if recommended) | Start flea/tick/heartworm prevention |
| 14–16 Weeks | FVRCP – Third Dose, Rabies (One-Year Vaccine) | Final deworming, microchipping |
| 6 Months | Spay/Neuter | Bloodwork and surgical clearance |
| 1 Year | FVRCP Booster, Rabies Booster (One-Year or Three-Year) | Comprehensive wellness exam |
Part 2: Core Kitten Vaccines vs. Non-Core Vaccines
All cat vaccines fall into two categories, determined by the universal necessity of the protection they provide.
Core Kitten Vaccines (Secondary Keyword)
These kitten shots are recommended for every cat, regardless of lifestyle, due to the prevalence and high fatality rate of these diseases.
- FVRCP (Distemper Combo): Protects against three contagious and severe viral diseases:
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR): A severe upper respiratory infection (herpesvirus).
- Calicivirus (C): Causes respiratory signs and oral disease.
- Panleukopenia (P): Highly contagious, often fatal, parvovirus-like disease.
- Rabies: Required by law in most areas. It is a fatal viral disease transmissible to humans and other pets.
Non-Core Kitten Vaccines (Secondary Keyword)
These are recommended based on the kitten’s lifestyle, exposure risk, and geographical location. Discuss these kitten shots with your vet.
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Highly recommended for all kittens, especially those that will go outdoors or live with other FeLV-positive cats. It is spread through saliva, grooming, and fighting. If your kitten will be indoor-only, your vet may opt out of this vaccine after the initial series.
Part 3: Healthy Kitten Care and Cost
A robust kitten vet care program extends beyond just the kitten vaccination schedule.
Healthy Kitten Care (Secondary Keyword)
The first vet visit kitten will also cover:
- Parasite Prevention: Kittens need deworming multiple times due to common roundworm/hookworm transmission from their mothers. They will also be started on monthly medication for fleas, ticks, and heartworm prevention.
- Spay/Neuter: Most vets recommend this procedure around 5–6 months of age.
- Nutrition: Guidance on the best commercial kitten diet for proper growth.
Kitten Vaccination Cost (Secondary Keyword)
The kitten vaccination cost will be highest during the first four months due to the frequent appointments and the multi-dose nature of the vaccines.
- Cost Estimate: Each vaccine appointment, which includes the exam fee, the kitten shots, and deworming, can typically cost between $80 and $150.
- Total Initial Investment: The total cost for the full kitten vaccination schedule (up to 16 weeks) usually falls in the $300–$500 range, depending on whether the FeLV vaccine is included.
Adhering strictly to the kitten vaccine timing and schedule provides the best defense for your cat, making this investment in preventative kitten vet care invaluable.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
WARNING: Medical Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow the specific kitten vaccination schedule and protocols recommended by your veterinarian, as geographical risk factors (e.g., FeLV prevalence) can affect the necessary cat vaccines.