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When Does a Kitten Vaccination Schedule Start and Which Vaccines Are Mandatory

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When Does a Kitten Vaccination Schedule Start and Which Vaccines Are Mandatory

Welcoming a new kitten into your home brings endless joy. However, ensuring they lead a long, healthy life requires strict adherence to their early veterinary checkups and vaccinations. A kitten vaccination schedule is the foundation of preventive care, shielding them from highly contagious, life-threatening viral infections.

When should your kitten receive their first shots? Here is a breakdown compiled by our AI pet companion Pati:

When to Start Kitten Vaccinations?

For the first 6 to 8 weeks of life, kittens are protected by antibodies received through their mother’s milk (colostrum). As this maternal immunity naturally declines, vaccinations must begin to trigger their own immune defense.

  • The Starting Window: The vaccination schedule generally starts when the kitten reaches 6 to 8 weeks of age. Before any vaccine is administered, the kitten must undergo deworming (parasite treatment). If a kitten has internal parasites, their immune system is compromised, which significantly lowers the efficacy of the vaccine.

Kitten vaccination card and syringe

Mandatory and Critical Feline Vaccines

  1. FVRCP Core Vaccine (Feline Distemper / Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis): Protects against deadly respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses. Administered in 2 to 3 booster doses.
  2. Rabies Vaccine: A legally mandated vaccine in most countries, protecting both feline and human health. Administered around 3 months of age and repeated annually.
  3. FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) Vaccine: Highly recommended for outdoor cats or those living in multi-cat households, protecting against this fatal immune-compromising disease.

Post-Vaccination Care Tips

It is common for kittens to experience mild lethargy, a slight fever, or decreased appetite for 24 hours after their shots. However, if lethargy persists past 48 hours or you notice swelling around the face or hives, contact your veterinarian immediately as these are signs of an allergic reaction.

Track Your Pet’s Vaccinations Easily with Pati!

Tired of keeping track of paper vet cards? Download the Pati app. Use our digital vaccination tracker to log vaccine history, receive automated calendar push reminders for upcoming boosters, and keep a clean medical profile in your pocket. Download Pati App Now and keep your pet safe!