Key takeaways
- Kittens generally begin their core vaccination series at about 6 to 8 weeks of age, although certain intranasal respiratory vaccines may be given as early as 4 weeks in specific situations.
- Rabies vaccine timing is determined by local laws and the labeled duration of the vaccine used.
- Side effects of vaccines, such as reduced appetite, lethargy, and minor swelling at the injection site, are usually temporary and resolve within a few days.
Navigating the world of boosters, core vaccines, and age-appropriate shots can feel overwhelming. But a clear timeline simplifies the entire process.
This article breaks down the essential cat vaccination schedule, helping you provide the protection your cat needs at every stage of their life.
Disclaimer: This article discusses pet medications. Never use human medications for pets or pet medications for humans; dosages, strengths, and ingredients may differ and can cause serious harm. Always use medications under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian or doctor.
Keeping your cat up to date with vaccines is beneficial for their health and safety. Below is a table of vaccines and their schedule based on the 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines.
| Vaccine | How it’s given | Initial dose age | Follow-up doses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) + Feline calicivirus (FCV) | intranasal (into the nose) | 4 weeks | when this vaccine is administered to a kitten less than age 6 weeks, FHV and FCV vaccine boosters are typically administered as part of the feline panleukopenia vaccine |
| Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) + FHV-1 + FCV | • subcutaneous injection (under the skin) • intranasal | 6 weeks | • every 3 to 4 weeks until ages 16 to 20 weeks • then, another dose is considered at age 6 months • after, the intranasal form is given once per year, or the subcutaneous form is given once every 3 years |
| Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) | subcutaneous injection | 8 weeks | • with first dose as early as 8 weeks of age, it is followed by a second dose 3 to 4 weeks later • a booster is given approximately 12 months after the initial series • continued vaccination is based on the cat’s risk of exposure |
| Rabies | subcutaneous injection | as required by law | as required by law |
The schedule for the rabies vaccine for cats varies depending on where you live and the labeled duration of the vaccine used. Be sure to talk with your veterinarian about what is required for your cat.
Also, the FHV-1 + FCV vaccine is not commonly used by many veterinary clinics, as they typically don’t see kittens until about 8 weeks of age. It may be more common in shelter settings.
Planning time: To keep up with vaccination appointments, it can be helpful to use reminders, such as phone alarms or calendar events.
Side effects of vaccines for cats may vary depending on the vaccine given. But, in general, some symptoms include:
- reduced appetite
- lethargy or reduced activity
- minor swelling or tenderness at the injection site
- small, firm lump at the injection site
Most of these side effects should be temporary and may resolve in a few days. The small, firm lump that may develop often goes away in a few weeks. But it is important to monitor this and talk with your veterinarian if you notice:
- the injection-site lump remains present for 3 months
- it becomes larger than 2 centimeters
- it continues growing 1 month after vaccination
Rarely, your cat may experience an allergic reaction to a vaccine. If your cat experiences a severe reaction, including hives, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing, call your veterinarian immediately.
Medical Perspective“Most mild vaccine side effects, such as reduced appetite, tiredness, or injection-site tenderness, resolve with rest and monitoring over a few days.
Because serious allergic reactions can progress quickly, seek immediate veterinary care for facial swelling, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, weakness, or collapse, and tell your veterinarian about any previous vaccine reactions before future vaccinations.”
Read more: Vomiting in Cats
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Vaccines are essential for protecting cats from life threatening diseases. Side effects are possible from vaccines, but may be temporary and resolve on their own.
If you have questions about which vaccinations are right for your cat, talk with their veterinarian.
Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.