Kitten Preventative Care

The Importance of Kitten Vaccinations

Kitten preventative care is essential to ensuring your cat’s long-term health, and following the appropriate vaccination schedule plays a major role. Kittens are susceptible to a variety of infections due to their young age and immature immune systems. Plus, vaccinations given at the right time are especially important when it’s unknown whether the kitten received adequate nursing from its mother.

Beginning at 6 weeks of age, kittens should receive a series of vaccines every 2 to 4 weeks until they are at least 15 weeks old.

Take a look at our video to keep your kitten on schedule!

The Importance of Kitten Vaccinations

Kitten preventative care is essential to ensuring your cat’s long-term health, and following the appropriate vaccination schedule plays a major role. Kittens are susceptible to a variety of infections due to their young age and immature immune systems. Plus, vaccinations given at the right time are especially important when it’s unknown whether the kitten received adequate nursing from its mother.

Beginning at 6 weeks of age, kittens should receive a series of vaccines every 2 to 4 weeks until they are at least 15 weeks old.

Dr. Smith and Kitten

Visits Schedule

Initial Visit Age: 6 - 8 Weeks​

→
  • Physical Exam
  • FVRCP Vaccine
  • Intestinal Parasite Screening
  • Dewormer
  • Revolution Plus
    (if appropriate by weight; flea/tick/worm prevention)

    • Second Visit Age: 9 - 11 Weeks​

    →
  • Physical Exam
  • FVRCP Vaccine
  • FELV Vaccine (1st)
  • FELV/FIV combo testing*
  • Intestinal Parasite Screening
  • Dewormer
  • Revolution Plus
    *A combo test is necessary to screen for Feline Leukemia Virus (FELV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). These are viral diseases that can affect the overall health and lifespan of your kitten, and are potentially contagious to other cats.

    • Third Visit Age: 12- 15 Weeks​

    →
  • Physical Exam
  • FVRCP Vaccine
  • FELV Vaccine (Annual)
  • Intestinal Parasite Screening
  • Revolution Plus

    • Fourth Visit Age: 15+ Weeks​

    →
  • Physical Exam
  • FVRCP Vaccine (Annual)
  • Rabies Vaccine (Annual)
  • Intestinal Parasite Screening
  • 6 Months Revolution Plus

    • The Role of Vaccinations in Kitten Preventative Care

    FVRCP

    This vaccine helps prevent Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), Feline Calicivirus (C) and Feline Panleukopenia (P)

    Feline Rhinotracheitis

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  • FVR is caused by feline herpesvirus-1.
  • Symptoms include an upper respiratory virus in cats and kittens with marked rhinitis, sneezing and conjunctivitis. The initial infection is followed by viral latency, which can periodically reactivate with stress.
  • FVR is transmitted through direct contact with oral, nasal and ocular secretions

    • Feline Calicivirus

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  • There are many strains of the feline calicivirus. This typically causes upper respiratory tract disease and oral ulceration, and a potential fever.
  • Feline Calicivirus survives in the environment for up to one month and is transmitted through direct contact with oral, nasal, and ocular secretions.

    • Feline Panleukopenia

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  • This is a highly contagious viral disease caused by feline parvovirus.
  • Feline Panleukopenia attacks white blood cells and the intestinal tract causing clinical signs such as fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting diarrhea and nasal discharge.
  • This illness is transmitted when infected cats shed the virus in their urine, stool and nasal secretions, or even fleas from infected cats.

    • Rabies

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  • This vaccine helps prevent rabies, which is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system of mammals.
  • Rabies is transmitted by saliva and can be spread by wildlife such as bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons.
  • A rabies vaccination is required by law, in part because it is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted to humans from infected animals.

    • Feline Leukemia Virus

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  • This vaccine helps prevent the Feline Leukemia Virus which is caused by a retrovirus found worldwide in domestic cats.
  • Feline Leukemia Virus is shed in many body fluids including saliva, urine, feces, and milk.
  • Lymphoma and anemia can result secondary to a progressive infection.
  • Transmission of this virus occurs through close contact among animals (licking disease). When infected, cats remain infected for life.

    • Looking for More Cat-Specific Advice?

    The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) offers helpful, cat-focused guidance on everything from kitten wellness to lifelong care. It’s a great place for pet parents who want to better understand their feline companions.

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