Cat vaccination schedule: which shots, when and what they cost
Guide summary
- Typical cost
- about $31-$34
- Reading time
- 3 min
- Sources
- 6
- Updated
A kitten's first vaccine series starts at 6-8 weeks of age, with FVRCP repeated every 3-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks, plus rabies at 12 weeks or older and the feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine for every kitten. After a booster about a year later, most adult cats need boosters every 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine and their lifestyle. US guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAHA/AAFP) recommend the core vaccines for indoor cats too.
Core and optional vaccines
| Vaccine | Protects against | Which cats? |
|---|---|---|
| FVRCP | Panleukopenia (feline distemper), herpesvirus and calicivirus (the last two cause "cat flu") | All cats (core) |
| Rabies | Rabies | All cats (core); required by law in many states and localities |
| Feline leukemia (FeLV) | Feline leukemia virus | All kittens under 1 year (core); after that, cats that go outdoors or live with cats that do |
| Others (Chlamydia, Bordetella) | Bacterial respiratory infections and conjunctivitis | Based on risk: shelters, breeders, boarding |
Panleukopenia is very serious, often fatal in kittens, and the virus is so hardy it can survive for months indoors and come in on shoes or clothes. That's why FVRCP is recommended even for cats that never go outside.
A typical schedule
| Age | Vaccine |
|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks | FVRCP, dose 1 |
| 8-9 weeks | FeLV, dose 1 (after a negative FeLV test) |
| 10-12 weeks | FVRCP, dose 2; FeLV, dose 2 (3-4 weeks after dose 1) |
| 12-16 weeks | Rabies (single dose, at 12 weeks or older) |
| 14-16 weeks or older | FVRCP, final kitten dose (at 16 weeks or later) |
| About 1 year later | Boosters for the initial series |
| After that | FVRCP usually every 3 years; rabies every 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine and local law; FeLV based on risk |
Every clinic adapts the schedule to the vaccines it uses and to your cat. What matters is finishing the kitten series and not skipping the one-year booster.
Is the rabies vaccine required for cats?
In many places, yes. Many states require rabies vaccination for cats as well as dogs, usually by 3-6 months of age, and where there's no statewide law, cities and counties often require it. Rabies is also the vaccine you'll need for travel. Ask your vet what your state and city require.
Microchipping is also a good idea for every cat, including indoor cats that might slip out: see is microchipping required? and how much it costs to spay a cat.
How much cat vaccines cost
| Vaccine | Average US cost per dose |
|---|---|
| FVRCP | about $34 |
| Rabies | about $31 |
| Feline leukemia (FeLV) | varies by clinic |
Averages from the Synchrony/CareCredit 2025-2026 cost study. Many clinics charge an exam fee on top or offer kitten packages that bundle vaccines, deworming and tests: ask beforehand. Shelters and humane societies often run low-cost vaccine clinics.
Before vaccinating
- Your kitten should be healthy: if they have diarrhea, a fever or are sneezing a lot, the shot is postponed.
- Kittens are usually dewormed at the same visits.
- Keep the vaccination records and rabies certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Does my indoor cat need vaccines?
Yes, at least FVRCP and rabies. The panleukopenia virus is very hardy and can come in on shoes or clothes, cat flu viruses spread through contact with other cats (at the clinic, boarding or when a new cat arrives), and indoor cats sometimes escape or meet bats that get indoors. After the first year, FeLV is usually reserved for cats with outdoor access.
What if I missed a booster?
A short delay usually isn't serious: make an appointment and your vet will tell you whether one shot is enough or a dose needs to be repeated.
Do cat vaccines have side effects?
It's common for a cat to be a bit tired or sore at the injection site for a day or two. If you notice vomiting, facial swelling, trouble breathing, or a lump that doesn't go away within a few weeks, call your vet.
Sources
- 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines (American Animal Hospital Association)
- Vaccinating your cat (International Cat Care)
- Feline Vaccines: Benefits and Risks (Cornell Feline Health Center)
- Feline Panleukopenia Virus (Cornell Feline Health Center)
- Table of Rabies Vaccination Laws (Animal Legal & Historical Center)
- Veterinary Exam and Procedure Costs (CareCredit)
This article is for general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet's health, call your vet clinic.
