Kitten vaccine schedule and costs
Kitten vaccine schedule and costs
$150 – $350 average cost (first year)
Kitten vaccine costs
Kitten vaccinations cost $150 to $350 on average for the first year, including a physical exam and three core vaccines recommended for all kittens. Non-core vaccines add $10 to $80 to the first-year costs and are often recommended for outdoor cats. Your vet will help create your kitten's vaccine schedule.
| Vaccine type | # of doses | Average cost (per dose) |
Average total cost (first year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core vaccines | |||
| FVRCP | 3+ | $20 – $40 | $60 – $120+ |
| Rabies | 1 | $15 – $30 | $15 – $30 |
| FeLV | 2 | $25 – $45 | $50 – $90 |
| Non-core vaccines | |||
| Feline chlamydia | 2 | $20 – $40 | $40 – $80 |
| Feline Bordetella | 1 – 2 | $10 – $30 | $10 – $60 |
Most vets require a $30 to $60+ initial physical exam.
Many vets offer kitten vaccination packages that reduce the cost per dose.
The timing of some vaccinations is determined by local regulations.
Some pet insurance providers offer wellness plans that cover routine vaccinations.
Kitten vaccine schedule
Most kittens receive a series of several vaccinations, beginning at 6 to 8 weeks old and running every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 to 20 weeks old. The protective antibodies kittens receive from nursing typically only last a few weeks, so this schedule helps ensure their continued protection.
| Age | Core vaccines* (recommended for all kittens) |
Non-core vaccines (recommended based on exposure risk) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 – 8 weeks |
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| 10 – 12 weeks |
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| 12 – 16 weeks |
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| 16 – 20 weeks |
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| Every 1 – 3 years |
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*Ideal schedule based on the 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines.
Be sure to ask for all available health documentation when you get a new kitten. Depending on when and where you adopt, your kitten may have already started their vaccination series and it's important that the remaining vaccines are given within a specific time frame.
Core vaccines
Core vaccines are the vaccines recommended for all kittens to protect them against the most common and dangerous diseases.
FVRCP –The FVRCP vaccine is given every 3 to 4 weeks until your kitten is 16 to 20 weeks old. This vaccine is considered a "3-in-1" vaccine as it protects against three different viruses that are common and extremely contagious between cats:
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (aka feline herpesvirus type-1, FHV-1, or FVR) – FVR causes eye and upper respiratory infections and can potentially have long-term consequences.
Calicivirus – Calicivirus or FCV causes many of the same symptoms as FVR, but painful mouth ulcers are more common with FCV.
Panleukopenia – Some people refer to panleukopenia as feline distemper. This dangerous virus affects the intestinal tract, bone marrow, and brain, with symptoms like vomiting, severe or bloody diarrhea, fever, lethargy, and sometimes death.
Rabies – The Rabies vaccine is a single dose vaccine. Rabies is a deadly virus that can cause brain inflammation and can be transmitted between animals and humans. Most states require cats to be vaccinated against rabies.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) – The FeLV vaccine is a 2-dose vaccine that was moved to the recommended core vaccines list in 2020. Feline leukemia compromises a cat's immune system, is transmittable through blood and other bodily fluids, and there is no known cure.
Non-core vaccines
Vets recommend non-core vaccines based on the kitten's age, health, history, and lifestyle. Multi-cat households, kittens who go outdoors, or kittens who are exposed to other animals that go outdoors are at higher risk for certain viruses and infections.
Feline chlamydia – The chlamydia vaccine is a 2-dose vaccine that can be administered as early as 6 weeks old. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that causes eye discharge and upper respiratory (nose and throat) symptoms.
Bordetella – Bordetella bronchiseptica, or kennel cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes upper respiratory symptoms. This infection is transmissible between animals and humans, and vaccination is typically recommended if you are boarding your kitten at a kennel or taking them to a groomer.
Cost of other kitten veterinary services
Your vet may recommend other treatments or services, like spaying or neutering when your kitten reaches 4 to 5 months old. The cost to spay or neuter a cat is $35 to $500, depending on its age, gender, condition, and whether you visit a private veterinary office or a non-profit animal clinic.
Other veterinary services include:
A fecal exam costs $20 to $50 to test for intestinal parasites.
An FeLV/FIV combo test costs $30 to $50 and tests for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.
A heartworm test costs $30 to $50.
Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention costs $30 to $80+ for a 3-month supply.
A microchip costs $15 to $30 and can help identify your kitten if it gets lost.
Kitten vaccination FAQs
Do I have to get my kitten vaccinated?
Vaccinating your kitten—whether they are indoors or outdoors—is one of the most important things you can do for their health and well-being. Unvaccinated kittens are highly susceptible to many viruses, infections, and deadly diseases. Many states also legally require certain cat vaccinations.
Can I get my kitten vaccinated for free?
You may be able to get your kitten vaccinated for free, depending on the state you live in and where you adopt from. Some adoption organizations send you and your new furry companion home with a voucher for discounted or free vaccinations.
Check locally for free or low-cost kitten vaccinations through:
The Humane Society
The SPCA
City or county animal services
Veterinary colleges
Non-profit or charitable organizations
Community outreach programs
Can kitten vaccinations make them sick?
Some vaccinations may cause your kitten to experience minor and temporary symptoms, such as loss of appetite, sleepiness, sneezing or coughing, tenderness at the injection site, and not wanting to be pet. Most kittens are back to normal within 48 hours.
Contact your vet right away or seek an emergency vet if your kitten's symptoms don't resolve or if they experience any of these more serious side effects:
Fever
Hives
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Swelling at the injection site
Facial or eye swelling
Extreme lethargy
Trouble breathing
Lasting loss of appetite
Can an unvaccinated kitten be around a vaccinated cat?
Most vets recommend minimizing or avoiding your unvaccinated kitten's exposure to vaccinated cats or other vaccinated animals. Vaccines are not 100% effective, and the level of protection they provide differs from cat to cat, so the safest approach is to keep your kitten away from potential harm until it's vaccinated.
Does a kitten require a COVID vaccine?
No. There are currently no COVID-19 vaccines for cats. COVID-19 is not common in pets, and thankfully when it does occur, it is not usually severe. Still, experts believe cats can catch the virus from humans and recommend avoiding contact and taking sensible precautions if you test positive or are isolating.
Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) is a contagious disease common in cats, but that virus is different from and not related to the COVID-19 virus. There is a vaccine for FCoV, but most vets do not recommend it because the current risk-vs-benefit research for it is unclear.
Questions to ask your vet
Getting a new kitten can be a little scary if you've never had a pet before. You suddenly have this tiny furry family member counting on you to keep it happy and healthy. Asking the right questions can arm you with the information you need to give your kitten its best life.
Is my kitten the right size for its age?
What kind of kitten food do you recommend, and how much should I feed it?
Did you see any problems or cause for concern during the physical exam?
What vaccines do you recommend for my kitten?
What are the common side effects of the vaccines you recommend?
Who should I contact if my cat has a reaction to the vaccine?
When should I start trimming my kitten's nails?
How do my kitten's teeth look, and do I need to brush them?
What flea and tick prevention do you recommend?
Does my kitten need heartworm prevention?
When should I spay or neuter my kitten?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.