When Should My Kitten Be Vaccinated?

Your new kitten needs certain basic vaccinations and periodic booster shots to prevent disease and help him grow into a healthy adult cat. Veterinarians agree that all kittens should have four core vaccines; these typically are started when the kitten is between six and eight weeks old. Your vet may recommend additional vaccines, based on whether the kittens are indoor or outdoor cats and your geographical location, among other things.

  1. Core Vaccinations

    • There are four core vaccines for all kittens: feline panleukopenia (distemper), feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus and rabies. The first three are available in a combination vaccine in many locations, while the rabies vaccine is given separately. According to the American Association of Feline Practioners (AAFP), boosters for the first three are typically needed only every three years, although the vaccine manufacturers urge annual boosters. If you live in an area with a high rate of any of these three diseases, consider more frequent boosters.

    Vaccination Schedule

    • Start your kitten's vaccinations when he is six to seven weeks old. He will need boosters for the combination vaccine at three-to-four-week intervals until he reaches 20 weeks old. The rabies vaccine typically is given when the kitten is 12 weeks old. This age may vary slightly depending on local pet vaccination requirements. Get boosters for these vaccines for your adult cat based on your veterinarian's recommendation.

    Non-Core Vaccine Options

    • There are some additional vaccines your vet may recommend, depending on the age, breed and general health of your kitten. The prevalence of a given disease in your geographic area is another determining factor. These so-called non-core vaccines include feline leukemia (FeLV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), bordetella and chlamydophila. While the AAFP suggests that all kittens get an initial series of the FeLV vaccine, it recommends against the others unless the disease is prevalent among cats in your area. The FeLV vaccine usually is given at 13 weeks, with two boosters at three-to-four-week intervals.

    Vaccination Reactions and Records

    • Some kittens experience reactions to the vaccines. These reactions are generally mild and temporary in nature, and include sneezing, decreased appetite, low-grade fever, lethargy and soreness at the injection site. Contact your vet about any more serious reactions. Ask your vet for an official record of your kitten's vaccines and boosters. Most pet boarding facilities require proof that your pet's vaccines are current. These records are also needed if you will be traveling by plane with your pet.