Updated July 12, 2026·6 minper WSAVAAnswer — in the first paragraph ↓
KITTEN · FIRST VACCINE SERIES
A kitten gets its first combination shot (FVRCP — panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus) at 6–8 weeks, then repeats it every 2–4 weeks, with the final dose of the series landing at 16+ weeks. Rabies is given from 12 weeks. Under the AAFP protocol a revaccination follows around six months, then the combination shot repeats every 3 years.
01Schedule by age
Age
Vaccine
Note
6–8 weeks
FVRCP · 1st dose
+ leukemia (FeLV) after a test
10–12 weeks
FVRCP · 2nd dose
+ rabies from 12 weeks
14–16 weeks
Final FVRCP dose
must be at 16+ weeks
~6 months
FVRCP revaccination
AAFP 2020 — replaces the 12-month booster
~12 months
FeLV and rabies booster
then by the vaccine interval
02Why the series of doses
While a kitten nurses, maternal antibodies protect it — and the same antibodies keep a vaccine from working. They fade at different rates for every kitten, so the doses repeat up to 16 weeks: this closes the window in which the kitten is already vulnerable while the vaccine is still neutralised by leftover antibodies. That is why the final dose is not given before 16 weeks.
Up to a third of kittens may not respond to the 16-week dose because of leftover antibodies, so under the AAFP 2020 protocol an FVRCP revaccination follows around six months. It does not add extra shots — it replaces the former 12-month booster.
03Feline leukemia (FeLV)
AAFP recommends the feline leukemia vaccine for every kitten under a year, whether or not the cat will go outdoors. A FeLV test comes first: there is no point vaccinating an already infected cat. The schedule is two doses 3–4 weeks apart, with the first booster at 12 months. For adult cats the vaccine continues only while the risk remains — for example, outdoor access or contact with other cats.
Platera reminds you about every kitten shot
A plan by age, country and lifestyle — free.
Platera9:00 AM
Mia’s booster shot is tomorrow — clinic at 12:00
04Frequently asked
Does a kitten need shots if it stays indoors?
Yes. FVRCP and rabies are needed even for an indoor cat: panleukopenia is hardy and gets carried into the home on shoes, and rabies is required by law in many countries. See the article on indoor cat vaccines for more.
Can I move a kitten shot by a week?
A small shift is fine: the interval between doses in the series is 2–4 weeks. If more than a month passed between doses, the vet may add an extra dose. The final FVRCP dose should not be given before 16 weeks.
Is a test required before the leukemia vaccine?
Yes. A FeLV test comes before the first dose: if the cat is already infected the vaccine will not help, and knowing the status changes care. The test is usually done at the first vet visit.
