Written by

Tara Farmer

April 23, 2024

Edited by

Tamatha Hazen

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Average cost of cat vaccinations

Cat vaccinations cost $125 to $240+ for an initial series of three core vaccines recommended for all cats. After this first-year vaccine series, annual cat vaccinations cost $40 to $150+, depending on the facility type and your cat's health, location, and lifestyle. Cat vaccine prices range from $10 to $45 per dose.

• Non-core vaccines vary based on your cat’s lifestyle.

• State and local regulations dictate the timing and frequency of some cat vaccinations.

• Many vets offer cat and kitten vaccination packages that significantly reduce the cost per dose.

• You may find low-cost cat vaccinations near you through the Humane Society, the SPCA, charitable organizations, veterinary colleges, animal services, or community outreach programs.

Cat and kitten vaccine schedule

Kittens typically get a series of several vaccines and boosters, starting at 6 to 8 weeks old and repeating every few weeks until they reach 16 to 20 weeks old. A veterinarian may also recommend a similar initial vaccine series for an adult cat if the cat is unvaccinated or if their vaccination status is unknown.

The following cat and kitten vaccination schedule is recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) to ensure your cat is protected through all life stages.

Core vaccines

Core vaccines are the vaccinations that the AAFP Vaccination Advisory Panel recommends for all cats to protect them against the most common and dangerous diseases. Core vaccines currently include:

• FVP / Panleukopenia: Also called feline distemper, this dangerous virus affects the intestinal tract, brain, and bone marrow, with symptoms like vomiting, severe or bloody diarrhea, fever, lethargy, and sometimes sudden death.

• FHV-1 / feline herpesvirus type-1: This virus, also called viral rhinotracheitis or FVR, causes eye and upper respiratory infections and has potentially long-term consequences. It

• Calicivirus / FCV: Calicivirus causes symptoms similar to FVR symptoms, but painful mouth ulcers are more common with FCV.

• Rabies: Rabies is a deadly viral infection that can cause brain inflammation and can be transmitted between animals and humans. Most states have laws that require you to vaccinate against rabies.

• Feline Leukemia (FeLV): The FeLV vaccine is a recommended core vaccine for all cats less than one-year-old. FeLV compromises a cat's immune system, can be transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids, and has no known cure.

The FVRCP vaccine, often called a "3-in-1" vaccine, combines three of the recommended core vaccines— FVP, FVR, and FCV—into one shot.

Optional non-core vaccines

Vets recommend non-core vaccines based on a cat's age, health, history, and lifestyle. Multi-cat households, kittens who spend time outside, or kittens exposed to other animals that go outside are at higher risk for certain viruses and infections.

• Bordetella: Also called kennel cough, this is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes upper respiratory issues. It is transmissible between animals and humans, and vets typically recommend the vaccine if you are boarding your cat at a kennel or taking them to a groomer.

• Feline chlamydia: Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that causes eye discharge and upper respiratory (nose and throat) symptoms. This infection typically affects cats younger than 9 months old, but vets may still recommend it for older cats in multi-cat households.

• Feline Leukemia (FeLV): While the FeLV vaccine is considered a core vaccine for kittens, it's an optional non-core vaccine for adult cats. Your vet may recommend the FeLV vaccine if your cat is high-risk. Some vets recommend it for all cats across the board.

Other veterinary services & costs

Vaccines are only one component of making sure your cat is happy and healthy. A vet visit costs $40 to $80 on average for the office visit fee alone or $50 to $250 for an average annual checkup.

The table below details other common veterinary services that vary in cost and frequency depending on your cat's age, breed, lifestyle, and health.

Cat vaccination FAQs

What vaccines do cats need?

Most vets agree cats need three core vaccines—Rabies, Feline Leukemia (FeLV), and the FVRCP vaccine—to protect them against the most common and dangerous diseases. A cat's age, location, and lifestyle affect which vaccines are required by law and what other vaccines a veterinarian may recommend.

If your cat spends any time outdoors, a vet will likely suggest adding the Bordetella and Chlamydia vaccines for protection against additional infectious diseases that cats are more vulnerable to outside.

Do indoor cats need vaccines?

An unvaccinated cat—whether they are indoors or outdoors—is highly susceptible to many viruses, infections, and deadly diseases. Vaccinating your cat is one of the most important things you can do for their health and well-being. Many states also mandate certain cat vaccinations.

How often do cats need vaccines?

Kittens, or unvaccinated adult cats, typically need a series of several vaccines and booster doses during their first year. After the first year, vaccine frequency for cats ranges from annually to every 3 years in most cases, depending on the vaccine type, the state you live in, and your cat's age and lifestyle.

Does pet insurance cover cat vaccines?

Most standard pet insurance policies do not cover routine preventative care like vaccinations. However, many insurance companies now offer wellness plans to help cover those important, non-emergency care costs. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage details and options.

Can I get my cat vaccinated for free?

Depending on the state you live in and where you adopt your cat from, you may be able to get them vaccinated for free. Some rescue and adoption organizations vaccinate cats before releasing them or give you a voucher for free or discounted vaccinations.

You can also search for free or low-cost vaccinations through:

• City or county animal services

• Community outreach programs

• Non-profit or charitable organizations

• The Humane Society

• The SPCA

• Veterinary colleges

Can vaccines make cats sick?

Some vaccinations may cause minor and temporary symptoms, such as coughing or sneezing, loss of appetite, sleepiness, tenderness at the injection site, and not wanting petting. Most felines are back to normal within a couple of days, or sooner.

Contact your vet immediately or go to an emergency veterinary hospital if your cat's symptoms do not go away or if they have any of the following more serious side effects:

• Diarrhea

• Extreme lethargy

• Facial or eye swelling

• Fever

• Hives

• Lasting loss of appetite

• Swelling at the injection site

• Trouble breathing

• Vomiting

Questions to ask your vet

Asking the right questions can give you the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing a qualified and trustworthy vet for your cat's vaccinations and care:

• What vaccines do you recommend for my cat?

• Do you administer the vaccines according to the AAHA Task Force guidelines?

• What are the common side effects of the vaccines you've recommended? Are there any serious side effects or symptoms I should watch for after the vaccination?

• Who should I contact if my cat has a reaction after their vaccine appointment?

• Is my cat an appropriate size for its age?

• What flea and tick prevention do you recommend?

• Does my cat need heartworm prevention?

• When should I spay or neuter my cat?

• What kind of cat food do you recommend? How much and how often should I feed it?