What Vaccines Do Kittens Need?

Just as you need to regularly get vaccines and boosters to protect you against common diseases, your kitten needs to get vaccines, too. Vaccines help to build your kitten’s immunity against infectious diseases that have serious symptoms and risks.

Your kitten will need to get a first set of vaccinations starting between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Read on to learn about which vaccines your kitten will need and when you’ll need to schedule your kitten’s vaccine appointments.

What shots do kittens need and at what age?

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends that cats receive several core vaccines:

• Feline calicivirus (FCV)

• Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1)

• Feline panleukopenia (FPV)

• Feline leukemia (FeLV)

• Rabies

Some of these vaccines are commonly combined into a single shot, which means fewer injections for your cat. For example, the FVRCP vaccine, called the feline distemper vaccine or feline combo, protects your cat against multiple diseases:

• Feline viral rhinotracheitis, an upper respiratory illness that causes fever, sneezing, runny nose and eyes, and no interest in food

• Feline calicivirus, a highly contagious upper respiratory disease that can cause mouth sores and fluid buildup in the lungs

• Feline panleukopenia, also called feline distemper or feline parvo, a viral disease that causes a decrease in white blood cells and diarrhea, vomiting, fever, immune system and neurologic issues

FeLV protects against the feline leukemia virus, which is spread through bodily fluids. The rabies vaccine protects against rabies and is required by law in most states.

When should your kitten get their vaccinations?

Dr. Bethany Hsia, DVM, a mobile veterinarian and co-founder of CodaPet, explains that kittens should get these vaccines at specific times based on their age. The table below outlines when your cat should get their first vaccine and follow-up doses for each shot.

What shots are optional for kittens?

The AAHA recommends that all cats get the core vaccines regardless of their location or lifestyle. But there are some non-core vaccines that your kitten may or may not need. These non-core vaccines are optional. Your vet will consider your cat’s lifestyle and location when deciding whether to recommend them.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

FIV affects a cat’s immune system and may increase a cat’s chances of contracting other infectious diseases. Since FIV mostly spreads through bite wounds from an infected cat, indoor cats who get along well are at low risk.

Cats who go outside, where they’re more likely to fight with other cats, are at a higher risk. So your vet may recommend vaccinating your indoor-outdoor kitten.

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Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough)

This bacteria causes upper respiratory infections with symptoms like sneezing, eye and nose discharge, and sometimes a cough. It can spread to kittens through contact with the nasal or oral fluids of an infected dog or cat. Your vet might recommend this vaccine if your kitten is in a multi-pet home.

Chlamydia felis (C felis)

C felis bacteria causes conjunctivitis (inflammation in the eye) and upper respiratory tract diseases. It’s transmitted by contact with an infected cat. Your vet may recommend your kitten be vaccinated if another cat in your home has been diagnosed with a C felis infection.

What side effects are possible from kitten vaccines?

Kitten vaccine side effects are considered rare. “Side effects from kitten vaccines might include mild fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite,” explains Dr. Hsia.

Other possible side effects include inflammation at the injection site and an allergic reaction.

What warning signs should you watch for after a kitten gets vaccines?

When your kitten gets vaccinated, it’s important to watch for any possible signs of a serious allergic reaction after the appointment.

“Warning signs of a reaction after vaccination include difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, or vomiting,” says Dr. Hsia. “If you notice any of these symptoms after your kitten receives a vaccine, contact your veterinarian immediately.”

If your kitten experiences a reaction to a vaccine, your vet will report that reaction to the vaccine manufacturer. Manufacturers use that information to monitor vaccines and help make them safer.

Depending on your kitten’s reaction, your vet might choose to use a different vaccine formulation in the future. Or they might pretreat your kitten with an antihistamine before giving the next vaccine. Your vet may also have you leave your kitten at the office for close monitoring for a few hours after getting a vaccine.

How much do kitten vaccines cost?

Kitten vaccines can range in price depending on the vaccine and the veterinary office that you use. On average, you can expect to pay about $60 for a kitten’s first full series of vaccines. This may not include the cost of boosters, which can range from $10 to $45, depending on the vaccine.

In addition to the cost of vaccines, you may need to pay for a checkup for your cat. Remember that many of these vaccines require boosters, so plan on taking your kitten to two or three appointments before completing the vaccine series.

How to save on cat vaccination costs

You may be able to access free or low-cost pet vaccinations through other sources in your community:

• Government animal shelters often offer discounts on preventive care, including vaccines.

• Nonprofit organizations sometimes offer pop-up vaccination events in different neighborhoods.

• Veterinary schools sometimes run low-cost clinics designed for pet owners with limited financial resources.

If you’re worried about vaccine costs, consider researching prices at different vets in your area before deciding on which office to use. You may find that you’re able to save money by going to a veterinarian in a smaller town.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Paige Cerulli

Paige Cerulli is a freelance writer who specializes in pet and animal topics. She studied English and music performance at Westfield State University.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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