Kitten Tests, Shots, and Vaccinations – Ages and Schedule
Information on tests and vaccinations for kittens and cats — what age to do what.
The following is a vaccination schedule for a kitten:
6 to 8 weeks
— Combination vaccine (4 in 1 – Panleukopenia (aka feline distemper), Rhinotracheitis (herpes virus), Chlamydia Psittaci, and Calicivirus).
10 to 12 weeks
— Combination vaccine (4 in 1 – Panleukopenia (aka feline distemper), Rhinotracheitis (herpes virus), Chlamydia Psittaci, and Calicivirus).
12 to 16 weeks
— Rabies.
14 weeks
— Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).
14 to 16 weeks
— Combination vaccine (4 in 1 – Panleukopenia (aka feline distemper), Rhinotracheitis (herpes virus), Chlamydia Psittaci, and Calicivirus).
17 to 18 weeks
— Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).
1 year (and usually every year thereafter)
— Combination vaccine (4 in 1 – Panleukopenia (aka feline distemper), Rhinotracheitis (herpes virus), Chlamydia Psittaci, and Calicivirus), Rabies, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).
*Schedule may vary depending on the age of cat when vaccines are started. Vaccines given in series are typically given about a month apart.
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Vaccination for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) should be given to any cat that goes outdoors or will be around a cat that does. This is a series of two shots given 3 to 4 weeks apart, with yearly booster.
Tests
(may not be done on first visit, depending on the age of your kitten):
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
Your vet may ask you to bring a fecal sample with you on your first visit. This is used primarily for testing for the presence of worms. As such, your vet may also advise that you deworm your kitten (some without testing).
Heartworm prevention is normally recommended for cats that are 4 to 6 months. Flea and tick prevention may also be advised.
Spaying or neutering may be done as early as 8 weeks, or later around 4 to 6 months, depending on your vet’s preference.
Your veterinarian should be able to give you details on the costs and schedules for the various vaccinations and procedures.