Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines

Core Vaccines (Recommended for ALL Cats):

• FVRCP: A combination vaccine protecting against:
  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) – Herpesvirus causing severe upper respiratory infection.
  • Feline Calicivirus (FCV) – Virus causing respiratory disease and oral ulcers.
  • Feline Panleukopenia (FPL) – Often fatal "feline distemper" attacking the gastrointestinal tract and immune system.
• Rabies – A fatal zoonotic disease; legally required in most areas.

Non-Core Vaccines (Based on Lifestyle & Risk Assessment):

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
• Chlamydophila felis
• Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

The 2026 Kitten Vaccination Schedule

This is a standard guideline. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule based on your kitten's health, lifestyle, and local regulations.

First Veterinary Visit (6-8 Weeks)

• Health Check: Complete physical exam, fecal test for parasites, deworming if needed.
• First Vaccinations: FVRCP #1 (first combination vaccine).
• Care Discussion: Nutrition, flea/tick prevention, and general kitten care.

Second Visit (10-12 Weeks)

• Health Check: Weight/growth assessment, parasite recheck.
• Vaccinations: FVRCP #2 (booster). FeLV #1 (if indicated for outdoor access, multi-cat homes, or high-risk environments).

Third Visit (14-16 Weeks)

• Health Assessment: Continued growth and behavior evaluation.
• Vaccinations: FVRCP #3 (final kitten booster), FeLV #2 (if started), and Rabies (as per local law, typically given at 12-16 weeks).

Adult Booster & Maintenance Schedule

• One Year Later: FVRCP booster, Rabies booster (1-year or 3-year), FeLV booster if applicable.
• Adult Maintenance (After Initial Adult Booster):
  • FVRCP: Every 3 years.
  • Rabies: Every 1-3 years (based on vaccine and local law).
  • FeLV: Every 2 years for at-risk cats.

Non-Core Vaccines: A Closer Look

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

• Recommended For: Kittens and cats with outdoor access, those in multi-cat households, or cats living with FeLV-positive companions.
• Not Typically Needed For: Healthy, indoor-only adult cats in single-cat households.
• Details: Requires two initial doses 3-4 weeks apart, followed by boosters. Not 100% effective but significantly reduces risk.

Other Non-Core Vaccines

• FIV Vaccine: Rarely recommended due to interference with standard testing and variable efficacy.
• Chlamydophila & Bordetella: Considered for cats in high-density environments like shelters or catteries with a history of outbreaks.
• FIP Vaccine: Previously available vaccines were discontinued; newer options are in development but not routinely recommended.

Vaccine Administration & Side Effects

Administration Methods

• Subcutaneous (SQ): Most common, administered under the skin between the shoulder blades.
• Intranasal/Ocular-Nasal: Drops/spray for some respiratory vaccines (e.g., FVR, FCV); provides local immunity.

Potential Side Effects

Common, Mild Reactions (Usually resolve in 24-48 hours):

• Mild fever, lethargy, or decreased appetite.
• Soreness at the injection site.
• Sneezing (with intranasal vaccines).

Serious Reactions (Contact Your Vet Immediately):

• Facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing.
• Persistent vomiting, severe lethargy, or collapse.
• Vaccine-Associated Sarcoma (VAS): A rare but serious tumor at the injection site. Risk is reduced using non-adjuvanted (e.g., recombinant) vaccines.

Special Considerations & Costs

High-Risk Kittens

Orphaned, stray, or rescue kittens may need adjusted schedules and should be tested for FeLV/FIV before vaccination.

Cost Analysis (Estimated Ranges)

Initial Kitten Series (0-16 weeks): $260 - $500 This typically covers three visits, exams, core vaccines (FVRCP, Rabies), and may include FeLV, deworming, and a fecal test.

Additional First-Year Costs:

• FeLV/FIV Test: $50 - $100
• Microchip: $40 - $60
• Monthly Flea/Tick Prevention: $15 - $50

Lifetime Vaccination Estimates:

• Indoor-Only Cat (15 years): $900 - $1,200
• Outdoor/At-Risk Cat (15 years): $1,450 - $1,950

Making Informed Decisions with Your Veterinarian

Key Discussion Points

1. Lifestyle Risk Assessment: Indoor vs. outdoor access, local disease prevalence.
2. Vaccine Preferences: Discuss adjuvanted vs. non-adjuvanted options.
3. Vaccine Titers: Blood tests to check antibody levels; an alternative to automatic boosters for some diseases (not legally accepted for Rabies).

Keep Detailed Records

Maintain a file with vaccine types, brands, lot numbers, dates, and your vet's information. This is crucial for boarding, travel, and lifelong healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can vaccines make my kitten sick? A: Mild, short-term reactions are normal. Serious adverse events are rare. The protection against deadly diseases far outweighs the minimal risks of vaccination.

Q: Why does my indoor cat need vaccines? A: Diseases like panleukopenia are incredibly hardy and can be brought indoors on shoes or clothing. Rabies is also a legal requirement, and accidental escapes happen.

Q: What if I miss a scheduled vaccine dose? A: Contact your veterinarian promptly. You typically won't need to restart the entire series, but the schedule will need adjustment to ensure full protection.

Q: Do vaccines cause autism in cats? A: No. This is a thoroughly debunked myth with no scientific basis in human or veterinary medicine.

Last Updated: 2026 | Note: Vaccination protocols should be personalized. Always consult your veterinarian for recommendations tailored to your kitten's specific health, lifestyle, and local regulations.