How Often Do Cats Need Vaccinations? Check This Schedule

Kittens can seem like a money pit. They require frequent trips to the vet for their vaccinations, spay/neuter, and who knows whatever else. However, vaccinating a cat is a core part of preventative care, so you can feel relieved in knowing that your investment is going toward your cat’s health for years to come.

Photo courtesy Nottingham Vet School.

That said, just how often should a cat visit the vet for vaccinations? No matter if you’ve just adopted a kitten or are planning to, here’s a quick look at the run-down:

Core Vaccination Schedule

Kittens who nurse from their mothers receive an antibody in the milk that helps protect against diseases until the kitten’s immune system has matured. However, the maternal antibody can interfere with a vaccine’s ability to stimulate the kitten’s immune system, which is why some vaccines are given in a series.

Other vaccines, such as rabies, aren’t given until the mother’s antibody has totally disappeared in the kitten’s system.

6- to 8-weeks-old: FVRCP vaccine; boosters are given every three to four weeks until the kitten is 16-weeks old.

If a kitten is older than 12- to 16-weeks-old when the its vaccinations begin, he should receive the initial FVRCP vaccine along with one booster three to four weeks later.

12- to 16-weeks-old: Rabies vaccine. You may be able to schedule this vaccine with the last FVRCP booster. Speak to your vet to see what his policy is on this. Some pet parents prefer to spread out the vaccinations.

1-year-old: FVRCP and rabies vaccine.

After the one-year point, a cat will have to go in for vaccines every one to three years. This can vary depending on the type of vaccines your cat receives. Some are only good for one year, others are good for three years. While a three-year-vaccine may seem ideal, some research has linked the three-year rabies vaccine to vaccine-induced cancers. Consequently, some vets prefer to stick with the one-year varieties.

Photo courtesy Brit.

No matter what your cat’s age, if he is sick, delay his vaccinations until he’s recovered.

Non-Core Vaccination Schedule

Non-core vaccines may or may not be necessary; discuss these with your vet.

FeLV (feline leukemia virus): First vaccination occurs at 8 weeks of age; second occurs at 11 weeks. Boosters are given once every one to three years.

Chlamydophila: First vaccination occurs at 8 weeks of age; second occurs at 11 weeks. Boosters are given every year.

FIP (feline infectious peritonitis): First dose administered intranasally after four months of age. Boosters are given every six months.

Giardia: First vaccination occurs at 8 weeks of age; second occurs at 10 to 12 weeks. Boosters are given every year.

FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus): First vaccination occurs at 8 weeks of age; second occurs at 10-11 weeks, third occurs at 12-13 weeks. Boosters are given every year.