During early kittenhood, your kitten saw the veterinarian every few weeks for vaccinations. Now that they’re growing, you may be wondering—what vaccines do kittens need after their initial kitten series is complete?
Just like you need the occasional booster for your vaccines to ensure they remain effective, your young cat needs regular boosters to keep their immune system prepared to fight off infection. Some of these booster vaccines are legally required in many areas. Boarding facilities may also require boosters for your cat.
Do indoor cats need vaccines?
Vaccines are recommended for all cats, whether they’re indoor-only cats or they explore the great outdoors. Deadly viruses can be tracked into your home on your shoes of those of your visitors. Your cat can also become exposed if they escape the house, visit a groomer, go to a veterinary clinic or are boarded. The rabies vaccine is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions—bats getting into the home is a common source of exposure for young cats.
What is the vaccination schedule for kittens as they become adults?
If you got your kitten really young, they likely finished their kitten vaccine series when they were between 16 and 18 weeks old. If they were a little older than 4 months when you got them, they may have just had two vaccine appointments 2 to 4 weeks apart.
Regardless of when your young cat finished their series of kitten vaccines, they become due again one year later. For most kittens, this will be around 16 to 20 months of age.
Vaccine |
Core or optional |
Schedule |
Rabies |
Core |
One year after first rabies was given, then annually or every 3 years depending on local regulations and vaccine availability |
FVRCP |
Core |
One year after final booster in kitten series and then every 3 years thereafter |
FeLV |
Core for kittens, optional for adults depending on risk |
One year after initial kitten series for all cats and then every 2 years in at-risk cats |
If you still have a small kitten, learn more about vaccinations for 8-week-old kittens.
