What vaccines should a kitten have? Kittens in the USA need the FVRCP vaccine, rabies vaccine, and maybe vaccine against feline leukemia. The recommended vaccines can depend on where you live, so it’s a good idea to discuss with your veterinarian. FVRCP stands for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. All three diseases can be life threatening. The kitten will need more than one shot, it’s usually a series of three with an interval of 3-4 weeks in between. The most common is vaccinating at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. The rabies vaccine is normally given at 16 weeks of age. This needs to be repeated, and depending on which vaccine is used, the cat will need a new shot annually or every three years. Feline leukemia is a life-threatening viral disease and there currently isn’t a cure. Many refrain from vaccinating indoor cats, but even an indoor cat can sneak out and encounter the disease.
