Cat vaccinations for the trouble you can’t see.
Help them avoid serious illness with key preventive care.
Cat vaccinations for the trouble you can’t see.
Help them avoid serious illness with key preventive care.
Get the shots they need for at least 9 lives.
Cat vaccines promote health and prevent disease, no matter where they play – indoors or out.
Disease prevention
Protect them with vaccines for cat flu, feline leukemia, and other illnesses.
Safer spaces
Reduce disease spread in multi-cat homes, shelters, and boarding places.
Fewer expenses
Spend far less on preventive care than treating serious illnesses.
Keep up with the kitten vaccine schedule.
They grow up so fast. Early vaccines and boosters help kittens build protection and land on their feet.¹
Why boosters matter: Kittens receive antibodies from their mother's milk that gradually fade. The series of vaccines ensures your kitten develops their own strong immunity. Missing boosters can leave gaps in protection, putting your cat at risk.
6 - 8 Weeks (First dose)
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FVRCP (Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
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FeLV (Feline Leukemia - highly recommended for all kittens)
10 - 12 Weeks (Second dose)
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FVRCP Booster
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FeLV Booster
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Chlamydia or Bordetella (optional/lifestyle dependent)
14 - 16 Weeks (Third dose)
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FVRCP Booster
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Rabies (Single dose)
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FeLV Booster (if 3-dose series is recommended)
12 - 16 Months (Booster)
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FVRCP Booster
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Rabies Booster (Annual or 3-year depending on local law)
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FeLV Booster (Annual for outdoor/at-risk cats)
Adult (Every 1-3 Years)
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FVRCP (Often every 3 years for low-risk cats)
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Rabies (Every 1 or 3 years)
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FeLV (Annual if the cat goes outdoors)
Common cat vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended to protect against serious diseases. It’s what’s best for your cat – and for every cat they stalk, snuggle, or fully ignore.²
Protects Against: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1), Calicivirus (FCV), and Panleukopenia (FPV) — collectively known as the “distemper vaccine for cats.”
Timing: Kittens: 3 doses (6–16 weeks). Adults: Booster every 1–3 years
Pricing: $20–$50 per dose (kittens need 3 doses)
Notes: This combination vaccine is vital for all kittens and indoor cats. It protects against highly contagious respiratory infections and feline parvovirus.
Protects Against: The Rabies virus, a fatal zoonotic disease that affects the central nervous system. It can be transmitted to humans and is legally required for pets in most states.
Timing: Kittens: 1 dose (at 12–16 weeks). Adults: A booster 1 year later, then every 1 or 3 years depending on local laws and the specific vaccine used.
Pricing: $20–$50 per dose.
Notes: This is a core vaccine regardless of whether your cat stays indoors. Because Rabies is 100% fatal and poses a public health risk, keeping this vaccine up to date is a critical part of responsible pet ownership.
Protects Against: Feline Leukemia Virus, which weakens the immune system and is a leading cause of cancer in cats. It is spread through close contact, grooming, and bite wounds.
Timing: Kittens: 2 doses (starting at 8 weeks, with a booster 3–4 weeks later). Adults: 1 booster 1 year later; subsequent boosters based on lifestyle risk.
Pricing: $25–$55 per dose.
Notes: While often classified as "non-core" for indoor-only adults, it is strongly recommended for all kittens and any adult cat that spends time outdoors or lives with an FeLV-positive housemate.
Get paid up to $150 for annual dog vaccines.³
It’s just one benefit of joining the Pumpkin Wellness Club.
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Annual wellness exams
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Vaccinations (DHPP, Rabies, and more)
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Fecal tests and parasite screenings
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Heartworm and tick-borne disease tests
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Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
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Microchip implantation
What's covered?
What every parent should know about the rabies vaccine
A deadly disease that’s transmitted from one infected animal with a bite, rabies attacks the nervous system and brain. It’s often fatal.
What is rabies?
Because it’s so dangerous, the rabies vaccine is mandated in every state – even for indoor cats. Most require an initial dose with boosters every 1–3 years.⁴
Legal requirements
Kittens need their first rabies shot between weeks 12 and 16. A booster is given a year later, with additional booster scheduled based on state law and your vet’s guidance.
When to vaccinate
After the initial vaccine and first booster, rabies vaccines typically provide 1–3 years of protection. Your vet can confirm when a booster is necessary.
How long does it last
Read our complete guide to the rabies vaccine for dogs
Yes. Kittens are especially vulnerable to infectious disease while their immune systems develop. Vaccines help build protection during this critical stage. Starting early sets the foundation for long-term health. Here's what you can expect in your first visit to the vet with your kitten.
Most cats need core vaccines like FVRCP and rabies. These protect against common, serious diseases. Your vet might also suggest the feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine depending on your cat’s lifestyle. This is especially important for outdoor cats or multi-cat homes. Because needs change over time, your vet will help you reassess as your cat ages. Check out our kitten vaccination schedule for a full breakdown of what they need and when.
Vaccination costs vary by clinic and vaccine type. While kittens receive vaccines across several early appointments that can add up during the first year, preventive care helps avoid far more expensive illnesses later. According to CareCredit, the average cost for individual feline core vaccines ranges from $25 to $50 per dose, while non-core vaccines like FeLV can average up to $45 each. Because some vaccines require annual boosters while others are given less frequently based on your cat’s specific risk factors, staying on a schedule helps spread these costs out over your cat's lifetime.
Cats generally receive their primary rabies vaccination as kittens, followed by a mandatory booster one year later. According to the AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines, subsequent boosters are typically administered every one to three years, depending on the specific vaccine label and your local municipal laws. Even if your cat never leaves the house, many states require they stay current on this vaccine to protect against accidental exposure and satisfy public health requirements.
Modern veterinary care takes a risk-based approach rather than following a universal annual schedule. Vaccines are generally grouped into core vaccines, which are recommended for all cats, and non-core vaccines, which may be advised based on factors like outdoor access, contact with other cats, or regional risk.
Some vaccines may be recommended yearly for higher-risk cats, while others are given less frequently for low-risk adult cats. Your veterinarian will evaluate your cat’s age, health status, and lifestyle during their routine exam to determine the most effective protection plan. Learn more about vaccines for cats.