The typical kitten vaccination schedule
Most kittens follow a series of shots every few weeks, then move to boosters as adults. Every vet and region is a little different, so treat this as a friendly map and confirm the exact plan with your own vet.
| Kitten's age | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | First combination shot (often called FVRCP), covering feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. |
| 10 to 12 weeks | Second FVRCP shot. Your vet may add the feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine, especially for kittens who will go outdoors or live with other cats. |
| 14 to 16 weeks | Final kitten FVRCP shot, plus the rabies vaccine. Rabies timing is set by law in many places. |
| 12 to 16 months | First adult boosters for FVRCP, rabies and FeLV where recommended. |
Core vaccines
These are recommended for every cat, no matter their lifestyle, because the diseases they prevent are severe or widespread.
- Rabies
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus)
- Calicivirus
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
Lifestyle vaccines
Sometimes called non core, these depend on where you live and what your cat gets up to. Your vet will help you choose.
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
- Bordetella
- Chlamydophila felis
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
Adult cats and boosters
Once the kitten series is done, vaccines move to a gentle rhythm of boosters.
- FVRCP boosters are commonly given every one to three years, based on the vaccine your vet uses and your cat's lifestyle.
- Rabies boosters follow the schedule required by law where you live, usually every one or three years.
- FeLV boosters are often repeated yearly for cats who go outdoors, board, or spend time with cats of unknown health status.
Never guess a due date again
PetWrite keeps every vaccination, medicine and vet visit in one warm timeline. Add a vaccine once and the next due date is worked out for you, with gentle reminders before it arrives. You can even scan the vaccination card and let PetWrite read the details for you.
Start your pet's story freeThis guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Vaccine timing varies by vaccine brand, region and your cat's health, so always confirm the schedule with your veterinarian.
Keep reading
What a good vaccine record holds, and how to keep yours tidy without a folder of paper.
How often to worm a cat, from tiny kittens to dignified indoor loungers.
The gentle timeline of kitten shots, from the first vet visit to boosters.