What shots do cats and kittens need?
There may be variations in schedules due to factors such as pre-existing health conditions and indoor/outdoor living situations. We've provided an approximate schedule below, based on an average indoor cat. Your vet can provide specific information and the schedule they recommend for your unique pet.
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
6 - 10 Weeks
- FVRCP for Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)
- Rabies vaccine*
- FeLV Feline leukemia
- FIV Booster for Feline immunodeficiency virus
- Feline herpesvirus
- Bordatella
- Chlamydia
11 - 14 Weeks
- FVRCP for Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)
- FeLV Feline leukemia
- FIV Booster for Feline immunodeficiency virus
15+ Weeks
- FVRCP final booster for Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)
- FeLV Feline leukemia
- FIV Booster for Feline immunodeficiency virus
Adult Cat Vaccination Schedule
Annually
- Rabies vaccine*
- FeLV Feline leukemia
- Bordatella
Every 3 Years
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
- Calicivirus
- Feline herpesvirus
*Rabies: Rabies is 100% fatal. There is no treatment is available, and it's contagious. Prevention is crucial. The rabies vaccination may be required annually or every 3 years, depending on the vaccine used.
Other Vaccinations
Your vet may recommend other vaccinations outside of this list, depending on where you live, your cat's history, risk levels for certain diseases, and other factors. Always follow your vet's recommendation for the best care for your cat or kitten.Possible Side Effects
Most cats will not have side effects from their vaccinations or may experience a brief or minor reaction to the medication. However, if you notice any of the following side effects, contact your vet immediately to determine if other treatment may be necessary.
- High fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Immobility or limping
- Lethargy
- Swelling near the area of injection
- Loss of appetite
The Importance of Vaccinations
As a pet-owner, your kitten or cat depends on you to provide care that will help them live long, healthy lives. Vaccinations are a preventive approach to avoid serious, and sometimes fatal, diseases. Prevention is always better than having to treat a disease once your pet has developed it.
Vaccines are important for all cats and kittens, but cats that spend time outdoors may require other specific vaccinations as well. Indoor/outdoor cats can come into contact with other animals, diseases, or parasites that make them vulnerable to more illnesses.
Speak with your vet to determine the right vaccination schedule for your cat or kitten.
If your cat or kitten is due for their vaccinations, contact our Memphis vets today to get started.
Looking for a vet in Memphis?
We're always accepting new patients, so contact our veterinary hospital today to book your pet's first appointment.
Related Articles View All
When do kittens lose their baby teeth?
Much like their canine counterparts, kittens grow baby teeth that fall out before their permanent teeth come in. Here, our Memphis vets share a little about the kitten teething process and how you can help.
My cat won't drink, what should I do?
Staying hydrated is essential for pets as well as people. So what should you do if your cat won't drink water? Our Memphis vets share some reasons why your cat may not be drinking and what to do.
Help! My cat keeps dry heaving!
Witnessing your cat dry heave is pretty unpleasant, but you may feel reassured to learn that in many cases dry heaving in cats is harmless. That said, there are also some serious health issues that can also lead to dry heaving. Our Memphis vets explain...
Help! Does my pet need emergency care?
Your pet can't tell you when they need emergency care, and it isn't always obvious. Which makes it hard for pet parents to know when a trip to the emergency vet is called for. Here are some guidelines from our Memphis veterinarians to help you decide.