Vaccinating your kitten is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure a long, healthy life for your young kiddo. Did you know that kittens are especially vulnerable to diseases in their first few months of life? In fact, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, timely vaccinations can prevent up to 95% of common cat illnesses. In this guide, I will walk you through the entire kitten vaccine process, from the first appointment to follow-up boosters, potential side effects, costs, and even how to get your kitten ready for a trip to the vet. Whether you’re a first-time kitten parent or a seasoned cat lover, you will find everything you need to keep your kitten safe and sound. Let’s dive in!

What Is a Vaccine? Why Are They Important?

A biological contained liquid injected into the patient that contains weakened, killed or partial microorganism the resembles a disease. Its purpose is to stimulate an immune response, so the immune system learns to recognize and fight it to be the body is more prepared if the patient gains the full disease.

Note: Vaccines do not prevent disease or even death from particular diseases. They help prepare the body to fight the disease, so the patient does not suffer from the symptoms as harshly and is at less risk of death from that particular disease.

Be sure to keep in mind, if you are planning to booster your young kiddo during their initial vaccine series, you need to make that appointment for 3 weeks out from the day they received the previous vaccine and it can be made no later than 4 weeks after the previous vaccine date or you will have to restart the series. Some practices are stricter than others about this window. The vaccine booster process is known to be not as effective if the next booster is received too soon or too far out.

Understanding Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines

Core Vaccines: Essential vaccines highly recommended (one required by law) for all cats and dogs, regardless of lifestyle or location. They are protection against diseases with higher mortality rates, diseases that are highly contagious between cats or between dogs (sometimes contagious to humans).

Non-Core Vaccines: Non-essential vaccines but still recommended by veterinarians. You can talk with the veterinary technician or veterinarian if your kiddo will need it based on their lifestyle (exposure risk) and budget.

Feline Viral Rinotacheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia: FVRCP

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis: “FVR”: This is a highly contagious (between cats) respiratory, viral infection caused by the Feline Herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1). This is transmitted through direct contact with nasal, saliva and/or eye secretions of an infected cat. This can be a 1- or 3-year vaccine itself.

Calicivirus: “C": A highly contagious viral upper respiratory infection (URI), also known as, “cat flu”.
Panleukopenia: “P”: A highly contagious viral infection caused by the feline parvovirus (not like dog parvovirus, therefore, not contagious to dogs). This is also known as, feline distemper. It mainly affects a cat’s immune system causing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever, and dehydration. This disease tends to be most common in kittens (just like canine parvovirus for puppies).
Chlamydophila felis (FVRCP-C or FVRCP-Ch): This is a bacterial infection and inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis “pink eye”). This is where the eye gains discharge, is very swollen and red. It can cause sneezing and nasal discharge especially in kittens. It is highly contagious between cats.

Rabies: RV

Understanding Rabies Virus and Why It is so Dangerous

Rabies is a viral infection that is spread through infected animal saliva. Most mammals that have gotten infected have been bitten by an infected animal. The virus is 100% fatal to all mammal (even humans), but preventable. Once symptoms start, the mammal usually passes within 3-4 days. This disease is zoonotic, which means it is transferable from animals to humans.

This disease is so serious that each country and each state have to report what mammal and how many mammals have been reported positive for the disease. The disease cannot be diagnosed, however, until the mammal dies.

Symptoms

Early signs can be very subtle, but once symptoms start things can escalate very quickly. Early signs of rabies virus are normally mild fever, loss of interest in food, and slight fatigue.

Severe symptoms tend to appear within 2 weeks of the early signs. More severe symptoms include:

Seizures and neurological symptoms and changes
Behavior changes (tend to be aggressive and want to bite)
Drooling
Paralysis
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no known treatment for Rabies. Pets tend to deteriorate in health within a few days of initial signs and symptoms. Typically, depending on the state and country, pet has to be euthanized if showing signs and symptoms of rabies virus.

Legal Requirements for Rabies Vaccination in the U.S.

By law, every pet is required to be up to date on Rabies vaccine starting at 4 months (16-18 weeks old). This is the only pet vaccine that is required by law.

Be sure to check laws varied by state and even by county because state and county laws can be more or less strict.

Rabies booster schedule is based on state and county laws. Some locations allow for a booster every 3 years, others require a booster every year.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with Rabies Laws

Be sure to do your research based on the state (or country) you live in and your local county. I will attach direct link(s) below.

Penalties for not complying with Rabies schedule laws vary by state and county.

General penalties according to federal law are:

Fines: Can range between $25- over $1000 depending on location. Some locations and circumstances will offer suspension or decrease in fine amount if owner agrees to get vaccination done by a specific date. For example, Denver has a $100 fine for a first offense, then a $250 fine for the second offense.
Quarantine: If an unvaccinated (never been vaccinated with rabies or for a long period of time) or overdue vaccinated pet is exposed to a rabid animal, authorities may require your pet to be under a strict quarantine at the owner’s expense.
Euthanized: Worst case scenario, an unvaccinated pet is exposed to a rabid animal, the pet is at risk to be euthanized. This is because rabies cannot be tested unless patient has passed and you don’t know if the patient has rabies at all when they are alive unless they are showing clear symptoms, unfortunately.
Jailtime or imprisonment: This not common, but not off the list. This can be due to repeat offenders or depends how severe the rabies was and how it was caused.

You will realize I am reiterating everything I wrote in the previous articles about this disease. I cannot stress enough how important it is to at least have the rabies vaccine even if your kiddo is purely indoor. My man proofread my “Part 1” article last night and he was shocked on how serious rabies was. Rabies is no joke, folks. Please, at the very least, get the Rabies vaccine to protect your kiddo, yourself and others. Every country is required to note on a public record how many known rabies cases are reported in their country. It is that serious.

Feline Leukemia Virus: FelV

This is a virus that attacks and weakens the immune system (specifically attacks white blood cells, immune system cells, bone marrow, red blood cells) in cats; therefore, they are more at risk of infections and even cancer. This is one of the biggest causes of cancer in cats- this is not a direct cancer like in humans. The FelV is a highly effective vaccine but does not 100% guarantee disease prevention. This is not a core vaccine because it is mostly recommended for cats who are exposed to the outdoor (other outdoor cats specifically) and shelters. It is important to get the FelV/ FIV test done before receiving the vaccine, so the test does not come back as a false negative. This vaccine is typically given annually.

Symptoms: Include, but not limited to, loss of appetite (leading to weight loss), lethargy, fever, pale gums (sign of anemia), kiddo continuously getting chronic infections, diarrhea, poor coat condition. Note that for some kiddos, symptoms may not show for a period of time, therefore, you can get your kiddo tested with a Felv/FIV test before receiving the vaccine.
Transmission: Close contact to internal fluids and solids.
Treatment: There is no definitive cure for FelV. Vet team typically treats the infection or cancer the kiddo is currently fighting.

Kitten Vaccine Schedule

8-10 Weeks: 3-4 week FVRCP
12-14 Weeks: 3-4 week FVRCP and 3-4 week FelV
16-18 Weeks: 1 year FVRCP, 1 year FelV and 1 year Rabies

Timing Matters

You will notice, I did not start the vaccine series at 6-8 weeks. This is textbook standard for veterinary medicine and what I was taught in school. There are sources that say you can start as early as 6 weeks and my teachers did let us know this. The only thing is veterinary staff, and I do not want to guarantee that the vaccine will definitively work before 8 weeks because the kittens’ body is still possibly processing its mother’s colostrum.

Colostrum is produced by the mother for all mammals while pregnant. It is why we want to make sure neonates feed within 4 hours. Colostrum provides the initial antibodies and immunity to start the immune system for newborns. Colostrum is said to be stronger than vaccines and waiting until 8 weeks guarantees that the vaccine is not overpowered by the colostrum still being processed in their bodies.

I am not here to tell you what to do or when to start the vaccine series. Some veterinarians are happy to start the vaccines at 6 weeks; some are not. Just be aware of the risk if you do start at 6 weeks.

How to Booster Effectively

Once the series has begun for your kiddo, it is important to note to not get the next booster done before week 3 or after week 4 from the exact vaccine receival date. This is recommended because the vaccine will less likely be effective and almost all veterinary clinics put this into practice. If you arrive a week prior to the earliest due date, they will ask you to come back the following week. If you arrive later than the latest due date your kiddo will have to receive that vaccine one extra time.

They have this time window of 3-4 weeks between booster a vaccine so your kiddo can build an immune system effectively. Too early, the new vaccine is at risk to be overpowered by the previous booster. Too late, the initial booster will be too diluted to build upon.

Post Vaccine Injection Potential Side-Effects

Allergic Reaction: We worry the most about this and this rare and an emergency. This can include face swelling, coughing, intense pain on injections site (note limping or intense crying or whimpering when site is touched). Let your veterinarian know if your kiddo has had any type of reaction after receiving a vaccine. They will either prepare injectable Benadryl beforehand or pain medications for you to take home (anti-inflammatories). This will require you to call your vet after you notice or bring your pet immediately back in to the vet as it is a risk for medical emergency.
Mild lethargy and reduced appetite for 24-48 hours: Some kiddos will be tired; some will still be energetic then tired.
Injection site tenderness or mild swelling: It is good to keep in mind that some kiddos are more sensitive to vaccine itself and injection site pain than others. If you notice your kiddo is very, very sensitive to the touch after an injection you are more than welcome to request an anti-inflammatory. Most cats and dogs will sleep and jerk to the touch, but kiddos who are more sensitive will limp and/or cry to the touch.
Low-grade fever following vaccination: This is entirely normal, just like when humans receive vaccines. Their immune system kicks in therefore starts the process of a fever and lethargy to fight the vaccine.

Cat Vaccine Costs: 2025-2026

Feline Viral Rinotacheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP): $40-$50
Rabies: $20-$35
Feline Leukemia Virus (FelV): $35-$45

Cost for each vaccine will vary based on location, your kiddo’s health (if their health is not the best the doctor will write a note that your cat is exempt from a specific vaccine). Each price I provided is for each booster, not for the whole series. Be sure to include the exam fee or any testing you would like to get done in your budget. You are more than welcome to request an estimate cost for each appointment.

How to Prepare Your Kitten for the Vet Visit

Number 1 rule while your kiddo learns about the world, different environments, people and situations… patience. Patience will be very important for your kiddo’s journey. Adjusting will take time.

I am going to be blunt. No pet likes the vet. Not one. Even if they seem well behaved, they would much rather be at home.

I am going to stress this because it helps you, your pet and the vet staff. Desensitize your kiddo as much as you can, as early as you can (once they are adapted to their new home). Touch with their mouth, ears, paws, lift their tail, touch their belly, pick them up. Do this frequently and provide treats throughout and each time. If they are not food motivated, lots of love and pets if they let you.
Have a carrier ready. The best carrier options for you, your pet and veterinary staff is a plastic one that can open at the top and the front. Allowing two options to get your kiddo in and out safely.
Bring their favorite treats. The vet normally has treats but you can provide them treats throughout the process if you would like.

Many owners and staff do not like scuffing so many vet practices are doing their best to train their staff on alternatives. This is called the Fear Free method. If you would like you can search for clinics that specialize in this technique, but many practices are, again, doing their best to incorporate this method.

Vaccinating your kitten may seem overwhelming at first, but following the right process makes all the difference. Remember, timely shots not only protect your kitten but also community cat health. By understanding the vaccine schedule, potential side effects, and how to prepare your kitten, you’re setting the foundation for a healthy, happy life together.

You got this!

2026 Guide to Cat Vaccines Part 3: Kittens