What is the kitten vaccination schedule?
Start a kitten's core vaccines (panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus) at 6–8 weeks, repeat every 2–4 weeks until 16 weeks or older, give a booster at 26 weeks or 1 year, then no more often than every 3 years, as the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines recommend. In India rabies is also core: first dose at 12 weeks or older, then boosters as local rules say (commonly yearly).
Kitten vaccination schedule by age
Core vaccines protect every cat against feline panleukopenia (FPV), feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV). The schedule below is the WSAVA timing with what vets in India commonly add.
| Age | Core vaccines (WSAVA) | Also given in India |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | 1st dose: panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus; usually one combination shot (often called FVRCP or tricat) | — |
| 10–12 weeks | 2nd dose: panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus (2–4 weeks after the first) | Rabies: 1st dose at 12 weeks or older |
| 14–16 weeks | Last kitten dose: panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus, given at 16 weeks or older | Rabies: 1st dose now if it was not given at 12 weeks |
| 26 weeks (6 months) or 1 year | Booster: panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus | Rabies booster as your vet and local rules advise |
| Adult | Panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus: no more often than every 3 years (your vet may advise herpesvirus and calicivirus yearly for cats that board or meet other cats) | Rabies: as local rules say, commonly every year in India |
Schedules vary. Follow your vet. This schedule summarises the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) and common practice in India. It is general information, not veterinary advice: vaccine products, local disease risk and your pet's health all change the schedule. Follow the plan your vet gives you.
Why the timing matters
Antibodies from the mother's milk can stop early doses working, and they fade at different ages in different kittens. That is why the doses repeat every 2–4 weeks until 16 weeks or older, and why the 26-week or 1-year booster matters.
Source: WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines. Content updated 13 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When should a kitten get its first vaccination?
Most kittens get their first core vaccine (panleukopenia, herpesvirus and calicivirus) at 6 to 8 weeks of age, then repeat doses every 2 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks or older, as the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines recommend.
Do indoor cats need vaccines?
Yes. The WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines treat core vaccines as essential for every cat. Panleukopenia virus survives for a long time in the environment and can come into the home on shoes and clothes.
When can a kitten get the rabies vaccine in India?
The first rabies dose is given at 12 weeks (3 months) or older. Boosters follow your vet's advice and local rules, commonly every year in India, where rabies is endemic and almost always fatal.
How often does an adult cat need boosters?
After the booster at 26 weeks or 1 year, WSAVA advises core vaccines no more often than every 3 years for most cats. Your vet may advise herpesvirus and calicivirus yearly for cats that board or live with many cats. Rabies follows local rules, commonly yearly in India.
What about the feline leukaemia (FeLV) vaccine?
Many vets now advise it for every kitten (two doses 3 to 4 weeks apart from 8 weeks, after a negative blood test), because a kitten's future lifestyle is hard to predict. For adult cats it depends on risk: cats that go outdoors or live with other cats benefit most. Ask your vet.
Where can I get my kitten vaccinated?
Pets24x7 lists 558 veterinary clinics in India. Open your city's vet page on Pets24x7, compare Google ratings and send an enquiry; Pets24x7 checks availability and price on WhatsApp. There is no booking fee.