Kitten Vaccinations – A Complete & Up-to-Date Guide for 2025
Why Is the “Kitten Vaccination Schedule” Critically Important?
The kitten vaccination schedule is the very first step in safeguarding your tiny new companion’s lifelong health. Vaccines fortify the immune system against deadly viral infections such as feline panleukopenia (feline distemper), cat flu (herpes-calici), rabies and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). Both WSAVA and FECAVA vaccination guidelines stress that sticking to the calendar is a true lifetime investment in health. In this guide you’ll find every required shot from 8 weeks to 1 year, dose intervals, possible side-effects and at-home care tips. kitten vaccination
Quick recap: Core vaccines – FVRCP (Panleukopenia, Herpes, Calici), Rabies, plus optional FeLV – are given every 3–4 weeks in kittens; a booster at 1 year cements immunity. Check out the Puppy Vaccination Schedule!
1. Kitten Vaccination Calendar (Week by Week)
| Age (weeks) | Vaccine | Goal | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–9 | FVRCP I (Panleukopenia, FHV-1, Calicivirus) | Early immunity | Protection starts as maternal antibodies wane. |
| 12 | FVRCP II + FeLV I | Broaden protection | FeLV recommended for social kittens. |
| 16 | FVRCP III + Rabies I | Lower zoonosis risk | Rabies jab is mandatory in many countries. |
| 20 | FeLV II | Full shield against leukaemia virus | Crucial for outdoor cats. |
| 6–12 mo | FVRCP Booster + Rabies Booster | Long-term immunity | Exact dates confirmed at vet check. |
2. Core Vaccines in Detail
2.1 FVRCP (“Tricat”)
- Feline Panleukopenia: Targets immune cells; rapidly fatal.
- Feline Herpesvirus-1: Upper-respiratory & ocular infections; can become chronic.
- Feline Calicivirus: Oral ulcers, URI signs; highly contagious.
Three doses bridge the window where maternal antibodies drop. kitten vaccination
2.2 Rabies Vaccine
Legally required to block cat-to-human transmission. One dose at ≈ 16 weeks, then annual or triennial boosters.
2.3 FeLV (Feline Leukaemia) Vaccine
An optional non-core shot recommended for outdoor, multi-cat or free-roaming kitties: two doses the first year, then annual boosters if risk persists.
2.4 Optional Extras
- Chlamydia felis: For shelters with high conjunctivitis rates. kitten vaccination
- Bordetella bronchiseptica: Rare in cats; some boarding catteries require it. kitten vaccination
3. Pre- & Post-Vaccination Checklist
- Veterinary Exam: No jabs for kittens with fever ≥ 39 °C or diarrhoea.
- Parasite Control: Deworm & deflea ≥ 3 days before shots to avoid immune suppression.
- Nutrition: High-protein kitten diet plus taurine boosts antibody production.
- Stress Reduction: Spray pheromones in the carrier; keep clinic wait time short.
Side-effect watch-list:
- Mild fever, fatigue (24–48 h)
- Pea-sized lump at injection site
- Very rare: vaccine-associated sarcoma; biopsy if mass > 2 cm after 3 weeks
4. Frequently Asked Questions
How many weeks does the whole schedule last?
Starts around week 6–8 with the first FVRCP, ends with the second FeLV at week 15–17; boosters between 6–12 months.
Why are three FVRCP doses needed?
The first two build baseline protection as maternal antibodies drop; the third maximises long-term titres.
Is FeLV necessary for every kitten vaccination?
Indoor single cats may skip it, but it’s core for multi-cat homes or kittens with street contact.
What if I delay the rabies shot?
In Turkey it’s legally mandatory; delays risk fines and reduced protection. Vets will craft a new protocol.
Do dewormers interfere with vaccines?
No, if given ≥ 72 h before. In fact, parasite-free kittens mount stronger immunity.
My kitten seems tired after a jab—what now?
Quiet room, fresh water, soft bed; call the vet if fever or anorexia lasts > 48 h.
Is the balcony safe after the first FVRCP?
Brief supervised outings behind mesh are okay—no street contact, though.
Are titre tests really useful in kittens?
They can spare unnecessary boosters, especially in chronically ill cats.
Dry or wet food right after vaccination?
Stick to normal diet; add a little low-salt broth to wet food if appetite dips.
Can I groom or trim claws before the series is finished?
Yes—just pick a non-vaccination day to cut down stress.
Injection-site lump—how long till it goes?
Pea-size swelling fades in 2–3 weeks; see a vet if it persists beyond 3 weeks.
FeLV-positive kitten—still vaccinate?
No. The immune system is already busy fighting the virus.
Multiple vaccines on the same day?
FVRCP & FeLV can go in separate limbs; rabies is usually left for another day.
Are probiotics helpful afterwards?
They balance gut flora, lower diarrhoea risk and modulate immunity.
Does shedding affect vaccine efficacy?
Seasonal coat shed doesn’t matter; omega-3 aids skin health, though.
When’s the first check-up after the series?
About 6 months later for a full exam and parasite screen; then annually.
Do vaccine prices fluctuate a lot?
10–30 % yearly hikes linked to exchange rates; watch for clinic bundle deals.
Does BARF weaken vaccines?
Raw-meat pathogens can stress immunity; choose cooked protein during shot weeks.
Can I travel before the series ends?
Travel stress may suppress immunity—finish the core doses first if possible.
Give antihistamines on shot day?
Not unless your vet specifically advises it for known allergy cases.
Watery eyes post-vaccination—is that OK?
Mild clear discharge < 24 h is fine; yellow/green gunk or eyelid shut = vet visit.
Indoor cat—how to judge FeLV risk?
No other cats + secure screens = low risk; FeLV shot remains optional.
Need vitamin injections during the series?
Balanced kitten diets cover it; underweight kittens may need vet-decided supplements.
Why is my kitten drinking more?
Mild fever ups thirst; investigate if excessive drinking lasts > 48 h.
When to spay/neuter—any clash with jabs?
Plan surgery ≥ 2 weeks after completing the series and the rabies booster.
5. At-Home Vaccination Log (Sample)
| Vaccine | 1st Dose | 2nd Dose | 3rd Dose | Booster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FVRCP | 01 Jul 2025 | 29 Jul 2025 | 26 Aug 2025 | 01 Jul 2026 |
| Rabies | — | — | 26 Aug 2025 | 26 Aug 2026 |
| FeLV | 29 Jul 2025 | 26 Aug 2025 | — | 29 Jul 2026 |
Download the table as a PDF and stick it on the fridge for easy tracking.
6. Post-Vaccination Immunity Testing (Titre Test)
Measuring antibody titres can spare unnecessary boosters, especially in breeds prone to chronic kidney disease. kitten vaccination
7. External Resources on Kitten Vaccination
- WSAVA Feline Vaccination Guidelines 2025
- AAFP Vaccine Advisory Panel
- Turkish Veterinary Medical Association – Feline Vaccine Calendars
8. Healthy-Life Tips After Vaccines
- Playtime: 2 × 20 min interactive play daily lowers immune stress.
- Diet: Prebiotic-rich kitten kibble eases digestion.
- Vet Check: Physical exam every 6 months; annual dental & parasite profile.
Conclusion – Stick to the Calendar for a Healthy Furball!
The kitten vaccination schedule shapes your little friend’s lifelong health. By keeping to the timetable, feeding a balanced diet and scheduling regular vet visits, you dramatically cut disease risks. Plan your calendar, book that appointment and give your kitten the gift of a long, healthy, love-filled life.
