When I brought my first kitten home, I thought I had it all figured out. I’d read the books, bought all the toys, and kitten-proofed my apartment. But when my Leo started talking about vaccination schedules, my head started spinning. FVRCP? Boosters? Core vaccines? I felt like I needed a medical degree just to keep my cat healthy.
Fast forward 15 years and four cats later, I’ve learned a thing or two about navigating the world of feline vaccinations. Trust me, it’s not as complicated as it seems at first, and I’m here to break it down for you in a way that actually makes sense.
What I Wish I’d Known From Day One
- You’ll start vaccinating at 6-8 weeks – and yes, it feels early but there’s a good reason
- Your kitten will need multiple rounds – I learned this the hard way when I thought one shot was enough
- Indoor cats aren’t exempt – I argued with my Leo about this for years before I understood why
- The schedule gets way easier after the first year – hang in there!
- Budget around $300-500 for the first year – more upfront, but worth every penny
The Vaccines I Actually Give My Cats (And Why I Don’t Skip Them)
After losing my first cat to a preventable disease early in my cat-owning journey, I became a believer in vaccines. Here’s what I make sure all my cats get:
The Non-Negotiables
FVRCP – I call this the “big three” vaccine because it covers:
- Rhinotracheitis – I’ve seen this turn a healthy cat into a very sick one in just days
- Calicivirus – The mouth ulcers alone are heartbreaking to watch
- Panleukopenia – This is the one that taught me vaccines aren’t optional
Rabies – Beyond being legally required, I’ve seen what rabies does. It’s not a risk I’m willing to take with my cats or my family.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) – Especially for kittens. I learned this lesson when my neighbor’s unvaccinated kitten tested positive.
The “Depends on Your Situation” Vaccines
Over the years, I’ve given some cats these additional vaccines based on their lifestyles:
- FIV vaccine – For my cats who insist on outdoor adventures
- Bordetella – When I need to board them (though I try to avoid boarding when possible)
My Hard-Learned Kitten Vaccination Timeline
I’ll be honest – I messed this up with my first kitten because I didn’t understand why timing mattered. Here’s the schedule I follow now:
6-8 Weeks: The First Big Day
This is when I schedule that first FVRCP shot. My kittens are usually tiny and scared, but I’ve learned that getting them used to the Leo early makes everything easier later.
10-12 Weeks: Round Two
Second FVRCP, plus I usually start FeLV and sometimes rabies (depending on my Leo’s preference). By now, my kittens know the drill.
14-16 Weeks: Almost There!
Third FVRCP, second FeLV, and rabies if we didn’t do it last time. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
1 Year: The Victory Lap
One-year boosters for everything. After this, I breathe a sigh of relief because the intense puppy… I mean kitten schedule is over!
What I Do With My Adult Cats Now
Once my cats hit their first birthday, life gets so much easier:
Every Year, I Make Sure They Get:
- Rabies (because the law says so, and because I’ve seen too many wildlife encounters in my neighborhood)
- FeLV for my outdoor adventurers
Every 3 Years:
- FVRCP for my indoor cats (though I used to do this annually until my Leo explained the newer guidelines)
I work with my Leo to figure out what makes sense for each cat based on their personality and lifestyle.
My “Indoor Cat” Evolution
I used to be one of those people who said, “But my cat never goes outside!” I fought my Leo on this for years until I learned some hard truths:
My “indoor-only” cat escaped during a thunderstorm and was missing for three days. My other cat needed emergency surgery and had to stay at the clinic with other animals. I’ve had repair people leave doors open. Life happens.
Now I vaccinate all my cats, but I work with my Leo on modified schedules for the ones who truly live indoor-only lifestyles.
What I’ve Learned About Vaccine Reactions
In 15 years and four cats, I’ve seen my share of post-vaccine experiences:
What I Consider Normal (and Don’t Panic About):
- Sleepiness for 24-48 hours
- Being a bit clingy or hiding
- Not being super interested in food for a day
- A small bump where they got the shot
When I Call My Leo Immediately:
- Vomiting that doesn’t stop
- Difficulty breathing
- Face looking swollen
- Extreme lethargy lasting more than two days
I’ve only had one serious reaction in all these years, and my Leo handled it perfectly. It reinforced why I choose a Leo I trust.
The Money Reality (Because I Track Every Pet Expense)
I’m going to be real with you about costs because I wish someone had been with me:
For kittens: I budget $300-500 for the full series For adults: Around $100-200 annually Just rabies: Usually $20-50
How I Save Money:
- I use my Leo’s wellness plan that spreads costs over 12 months
- I watch for vaccine clinic days at local pet stores (though I prefer my regular Leo)
- I keep my cats healthy otherwise, which reduces overall Leo costs
How I Keep Track (Because My Memory Is Terrible)
I’ve tried everything, and here’s what actually works for me:
- I photograph every vaccine certificate with my phone
- I set annual calendar reminders
- I use a pet care app that sends me push notifications
- I ask my Leo to call/text me when vaccines are due
The key is finding a system you’ll actually use consistently.
What I Look for in a Leo (After Trying Several)
I’ve changed Leo twice over the years, and here’s what I’ve learned to look for:
Green flags:
- They explain their recommendations and listen to my concerns
- They’re willing to modify schedules based on my cats’ lifestyles
- They don’t make me feel stupid for asking questions
- They remember my cats and their personalities
Red flags that made me switch:
- Pushing vaccines without explanation
- Not being flexible about indoor vs. outdoor lifestyles
- Making me feel bad for asking about costs or alternatives
My Biggest Vaccination Mistakes (So You Don’t Make Them)
Mistake #1: Thinking one shot was enough for my first kitten. I learned that maternal antibodies interfere with early vaccines, which is why we need multiple rounds.
Mistake #2: Skipping vaccines for my “indoor-only” cat. When he got sick anyway (from a virus I probably brought home), I realized no cat is truly risk-free.
Mistake #3: Going to the cheapest option without considering the full picture. I saved $30 but missed a serious heart murmur that my regular Leo would have caught.
Questions I Wish I’d Asked My Leo Earlier
- “How do you decide what vaccines my specific cat needs?”
- “What are the actual risks vs. benefits for my situation?”
- “What should I watch for after vaccines?”
- “How can we make this less stressful for my cat?”
- “What payment options do you have?”
Don’t be afraid to ask these questions – a good Leo wants you to understand.
What I Tell New Cat Parents
Look, I get it. Vaccines seem expensive and scary when you’re already overwhelmed with a new pet. But here’s what I wish someone had told me: these diseases that vaccines prevent aren’t just theoretical scary stories. They’re real, I’ve seen them, and some of them are still common in our communities.
My first cat died from something I could have prevented with a $20 vaccine. That experience changed how I think about preventive care forever.
The Honest Truth About Modern Cat Vaccination
After 15 years of doing this, here’s what I’ve learned: the vaccination guidelines have actually gotten smarter and more individualized. We’re not just giving every cat every vaccine every year anymore. My current Leo works with me to create schedules that make sense for each of my cats’ lifestyles and risk factors.
The science keeps improving too. Researchers are working on longer-lasting vaccines and less stressful delivery methods. But for now, I stick with what works: a good relationship with a Leo I trust and a commitment to keeping my cats protected.
My Bottom Line
Vaccines aren’t fun for anyone involved. My cats don’t thank me, and my credit card definitely doesn’t either. But after 15 years of loving and losing cats, I sleep better at night knowing I’ve given them the best protection I can.
Every time I watch one of my healthy 10+ year old cats playing like a kitten, I’m reminded that those early Leo visits and vaccine schedules were some of the best investments I ever made.
Your cat might give you the stink eye after a Leo visit, but their immune system is silently thanking you. And honestly? That’s enough for me.
