Vaccinating your kitten can help prevent dangerous diseases that are common among cats. If you're a first-time pet parent, figuring out which vaccines your kitten needs and when - can feel overwhelming. That's why we've created an easy-to-follow, expert-verified kitten vaccination guide covering everything from the kitten vaccination schedule and costs to vet recommendations and common after effects. But before we dive into the details, let's understand why vaccination smatter and when you should begin the process.
Why are Vaccinations Important for Cats?
Vaccinations provide your kitten with immunity to fight various common diseases, including FeLV, FVRCP, and Panleukopenia, among others. Vaccines improve the security system of your cat so that they can detect certain viruses and then fight with them.
There are two types of vaccinations in cats: core and non-core vaccinations. Each type of vaccine serves a purpose depending on your cat’s daily life, surroundings, and potential exposure to illnesses.
Core Vaccinations in Cats
Core vaccines are essential for every cat, regardless of whether they live indoors or outdoors. These vaccines protect against common, highly contagious, and potentially life-threatening diseases that all cats are vulnerable to.
● They protect against highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases like Feline Panleukopenia(FPV), Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1), and Feline Calicivirus (FCV).
● These are usually combined into one vaccine known as the Tricat shot.
● Kittens should receive their first core vaccine between 6 to 8 weeks of age.
● Booster doses are given every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 16 weeks old.
● A booster is required again at 1 year, then every 1-3 years depending on your vet’s advice.
● Even indoor cats need core vaccines, as viruses can be brought in through clothes, shoes, or vet visits.
● These vaccines build strong, lifelong immunity and are the foundation of your cat’s long-term health.
Non-Core Vaccinations in Cats
Non-core vaccines aren't required for every cat, but they're suggested based on your cat's daily life and surroundings. Unlike core vaccines, they are not necessary for every cat but can be important for those who go outdoors, live in multi-cat households, or are in frequent contact with other animals.
● Non-Core vaccines protect against Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus(FIV), Chlamydia, and Bordetella.
● These diseases are less common but can be serious or life-threatening.
● Most non-core vaccines can begin at 8-9 weeks of age.
● A booster dose is usually given a few weeks later.
● Annual or lifestyle-based revaccination may be needed.
● The rabies vaccine is also a non-core vaccine that may not affect cats but is really harmful for humans and animals surrounding it.
Always consult your veterinarian to decide which non-core vaccines your cat may need.
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Getting your kitten vaccinated on time is just as crucial as providing proper nutrition and a safe environment. It’s also essential to consider their weight and age before vaccination, as giving vaccines too early or when your kitten is underweight can lead to serious side effects. And in rare cases, it can even be life-threatening. Always consult your vet to ensure your kitten is healthy and ready for each shot.
6-8 Weeks and 800-900 gm:
This is when your kitten gets their very first protection, the Tricat vaccine. You might hear this name a lot, and for good reason. It guards against three serious diseases: Feline Viral Rhino tracheitis (herpesvirus), Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper). All three are highly contagious and can be dangerous, especially for unvaccinated kittens.
● Vet Tip from our experts at MMP: Start your kitten vaccination schedule at 6-8 weeks. Delaying the first dose can leave your kitten vulnerable during the most fragile stage of their life.
● Tricat Vaccination Cost in India: ₹600-₹1,200 for the first Tricat shot.
9-12 Weeks and 1-1.4 kg:
Your kitten isn't done yet; this is the time for their second dose of Tricat. And if your cat goes outdoors, lives with other cats, or you're unsure of their exposure risk, this is also when vets recommend starting the FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) vaccine.
FeLV weakens your cat's immune system and spreads through saliva and close contact, so it's essential in multi-cat households.
● Vet Tip from our experts at MMP: Even if your kitten stays indoors, FeLV vaccination maybe recommended if you plan to adopt more cats later or if there's a history of stray cats near your home.
● FeLV Vaccination Cost: ₹800-₹1,500 (based on brand and vet clinic)
12-16 Weeks and 1.4-2.3 kg:
By now, your kitten will get their final booster of Tricat and, more importantly, their ARV (Anti-Rabies Vaccine) vaccine. Yes, even indoor cats need this. Rabies is not only fatal for animals near your cat but also humans. It is also legally required in India for all pets.
● Vet Tip from our experts at MMP: Don't skip this. Rabies isn't just a danger to your pet- it can spread to humans, too. At MMP, we recommend administering the Rabies vaccine on time to meet legal and safety standards.
● ARV Vaccines Cost: Rabies:₹300–₹600
6-12 Months and 3-5 kg:
Now that your kitten has completed their core vaccines, it's time to maintain that protection. This stage involves their first round of annual boosters for Tricat, ARV, and FeLV (if previously started).
Think of this like renewing their health insurance- a necessary step to keep them protected as they grow into adulthood.
● Vet Tip from our experts at MMP: Based on your cat's lifestyle, our vets may slightly adjust the cat vaccination schedule. For example, strictly indoor cats might not need FeLV every year, but Tricat and ARV are non-negotiable.
● Cat Vaccination Cost in India: Annual booster package: ₹1,000-₹2,000 (depending on which vaccines are needed)
By following the correct vaccination schedule, you're not only protecting your kitten but also helping to prevent the spread of infections to other pets.
Cat Vaccine After Effects
Vaccinations are a safe and essential part of your kitten's health care, but like any other medical treatment, they can come with mild after effects. Most of these are temporary and nothing to worry about, but it's good to know what's normal and what needs attention.
Most cats tolerate vaccinations well, but mild effects like:
● Slight swelling at the injection site
● Low energy
● Mild fever
Can occur and usually go away within 24-48 hours. Keep your kitten rested, hydrated, and indoors during this time.
Effects of Negligent Vaccination
If a cat is vaccinated when it doesn't meet the recommended age or weight guidelines, or has tick and fleas, or if it has not undergone deworming or shown signs of infection prior to vaccination, it may experience severe symptoms such as:
● Digestion problems (diarrhea and vomiting )
● Difficulty breathing or
● Extreme lethargy
Expert Verified Pre & Post Vaccination Care
Before Vaccination: What to Keep in Mind
- Your cat should be completely healthy-active, eating well, and showing no signs of illness.
- There should be no internal or external health issues like fever, infections, diarrhoea, skin fungus, or tick/flea infestations.
- Avoid vaccinations if your cat is under stress, recovering from illness, or showing any unusual behaviour.
- Deworming, diet changes, or anti-parasite treatments (internal or external) should not be done at least 7 days before or after the vaccination.
- Ensure your cat has been recently dewormed (ideally 1-2 weeks prior) and is tick/flea free.
- On vaccination day, keep the environment calm and stress-free.
- Feed a light meal before the vet visit-avoid overfeeding.
- Mention their weight and height recorded in their health file.
After Vaccination: How to Care for Your Cat
- Do not bathe your cat for at least 72 hours after vaccination.
- Let your cat rest in a quiet space and avoid overstimulation.
- Mild drowsiness, low appetite, or slight soreness at the injection site is normal for a day or two.
- Avoid diet changes, deworming, or tick/flea treatments for one week after the shot.
- Monitor your cat for any unusual reactions such as :Swelling at the injection site, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulty, extreme lethargy or collapse
- If any of the above signs appear, contact your vet immediately.
Still Have Questions? Reach Out To Us
Finding a place to get your cat vaccines? We at MMP guide you throughout the process and We're happy to help with expert advice, affordable options, and the care your kitten deserves. Whether you're wondering how much kitten vaccination costs in India or just trying to understand kitten vaccination frequency, Mr n Mrs Pet is here to guide you through every step.
Following the right kitten vaccination schedule is one of the best ways to give your pet a healthy start. Vaccines aren't just about ticking off a checklist - they're about building strong, long-term protection.