Princeton Veterinary Hospital

Cat Vaccinations

What vaccines does my cat need?

The recommendations for feline vaccinations vary depending on age and health status of the cat, the potential of the cat to be exposed to disease, whether the cat remains indoors or also goes outdoors, whether the cat is used for breeding, and the geographical area where the cat lives or may visit. These recommendations are consistent with the 2006 vaccination guidelines developed by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).

The first step to knowing what vaccines your cat is eligible for is to know how old your cat is.  Our core kitten vaccinations include a combination vaccine for feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and chlamydia psittaci (initially given at 6-8 weeks and repeated at 4 week intervals until 4 months of age).  Kittens are also given rabies vaccines at 4 months of age.  Our clinic also offers the feline leukemia vaccination for cats/kittens at high risk for infection.  If a kitten is to be introduced into a household where other cats reside, we recommend testing the kitten for feline leukemia prior to introduction.  If the kitten tests negative for the FELV virus, the initial vaccination schedule requires 2 doses, given 4 weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination. 

6-8 Weeks – Your kitten’s first visit will include a thorough physical examination; a RCPC combination vaccine for feline panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus, and chlamydia psittaci; intestinal parasite dewormer; and a complimentary one-month dose of heartworm/flea and tick prevention. 

10-12 weeks - RCPC combination booster, intestinal parasite dewormer, and Feline Leukemia (FeLV): for kittens at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus.

16 weeks – RCPC combination booster, Rabies, and FeLV: for kittens at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus,

Adult (boosters) – RCPC Combination vaccine, FeLV and Rabies.