Cat Vaccinations and Deworming Guide

Clear timelines for kitten vaccines, adult boosters, and parasite control.

Core vaccines protect against FVRCP (triple), rabies; deworming prevents intestinal parasites. Work with your veterinarian to tailor the plan.

What to Expect

Kittens start vaccines at 6–8 weeks with repeat boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks. Deworming begins at 2 weeks of age and continues regularly in early months.

Adult cats need periodic boosters and routine parasite prevention based on lifestyle (indoor vs outdoor).

Kitten Vaccine Schedule (First Year)

Veterinary visit

6–8 weeks: FVRCP (1st dose). Begin deworming.

10–12 weeks: FVRCP (2nd). FeLV (1st) if at risk.

12–16 weeks: FVRCP (3rd). FeLV (2nd) if at risk. Rabies per local law.

16–20 weeks: Some vets give final FVRCP in this window to ensure protection against maternal antibodies.

1 year after last kitten series: FVRCP booster; Rabies booster (per vaccine/law). FeLV booster if at risk.

Adult Boosters (After First Year)

FVRCP: booster 1 year after kitten series, then typically every 3 years (per vet guidance).

Rabies: annually or every 3 years depending on vaccine type and local regulations.

FeLV (non-core): yearly for at-risk cats (outdoor, multi-cat exposure).

Deworming & Parasite Control

Kittens: every 2 weeks from 2–12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months. Fecal exams help guide treatment.

Adults (indoor): broad-spectrum parasite control every 3–6 months; fecal test 1–2x/year.

Adults (outdoor/hunters): monthly to every 3 months depending on risk; discuss tapeworm coverage and flea control.

Pregnant/nursing queens: ask your vet for safe options.

Use vet-recommended products (e.g., pyrantel, fenbendazole, emodepside, praziquantel) and combine with flea control to prevent tapeworms.

When to Call Your Vet

Post-vaccine reactions: facial swelling, hives, vomiting, collapse, or trouble breathing—seek urgent care.

After deworming: persistent vomiting/diarrhea, lethargy, or blood in stool—contact your vet.

Skip or delay vaccines if your cat is acutely ill—ask your vet first.

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Cat Vaccinations and Deworming Guide

What to Expect

Kitten Vaccine Schedule (First Year)

Adult Boosters (After First Year)

Deworming & Parasite Control

When to Call Your Vet

Cat Vaccinations and Deworming Guide

What to Expect

Kitten Vaccine Schedule (First Year)

Adult Boosters (After First Year)

Deworming & Parasite Control

When to Call Your Vet