Cat Vaccines

When to Give Vaccines

Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. Then they must be boostered a year later. The vaccines come in a series every 3 to 4 weeks. Adult cats need vaccines less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last.

Which Shots They Need

Some vaccines are recommended for all cats. They protect against:

• Rabies
• Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)
• Feline calicivirus
• Feline viral rhinotracheitis

The feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccinations often come in a combination vaccine (FVRCP), which is sometimes called the “distemper vaccine.”

Additional Shots

Your cat may need extra vaccines depending on how much time they spend outside, how often they are around other cats, and the diseases that are common in your area.

They include:

• Feline leukemia: This serious viral infection spreads through many bodily fluids like saliva, feces, urine, and milk. The vaccine is recommended for cats who spend any time outside. Feline leukemia cannot be cured, so prevention is a priority.