Kitten Vaccination Schedule: Complete Guide

Kittens need a series of vaccinations beginning at 6–9 weeks of age to protect them from fatal infectious diseases. Timing the series correctly is critical: too early and maternal antibodies block the vaccine; too late and the kitten is left unprotected.

## Core Vaccines (Every Kitten Needs These)

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FHV-1) and calicivirus together cause the majority of cat flu cases — highly contagious upper respiratory infections
- Panleukopenia (feline parvovirus) has a mortality rate above 90% in unvaccinated kittens

Rabies
Required by law in most countries. Given from 12 weeks.

## Recommended Schedule

| Age | Vaccines |
|-----|---------|
| 6–9 weeks | FVRCP (first dose) |
| 10–12 weeks | FVRCP (second dose) |
| 14–16 weeks | FVRCP (third dose) + Rabies |
| 12 months | FVRCP booster + Rabies booster |
| Every 1–3 years | FVRCP booster (frequency by product) |

## Non-Core Vaccines (Based on Lifestyle)

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)
Strongly recommended for any kitten with outdoor access or in multi-cat households. FeLV suppresses the immune system and is associated with lymphoma. Given from 8 weeks, two doses, 3–4 weeks apart.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Available in some countries. Recommended for outdoor cats in high-risk areas.

Chlamydophila felis
Considered if the kitten enters a household with chronic cat flu history.

## Indoor vs Outdoor Kittens

Indoor-only cats still need core FVRCP and rabies vaccines — cat flu viruses can be carried in on shoes and hands. FeLV vaccination is optional for strictly indoor single cats, but recommended if the cat may ever go outside.

## After Vaccination

Keep kittens away from unvaccinated cats until 2 weeks after the final vaccine in the primary series. Store vaccinations in Flovvi and set reminders for annual boosters — certificates are required for travel and boarding.