Kitten Vaccinations Guide | Protecting Your Kitten

When should you vaccinate your kitten? 

Welcoming a new kitten into the family is exciting, and one of the most important parts of early kitten care is ensuring they receive the right vaccinations at the right time. 

In Victoria, kittens are commonly vaccinated against highly contagious and potentially life threatening bacterial and viral diseases. Vaccination helps protect your kitten during their most vulnerable early months and supports their long term health. 

Why are kitten vaccinations important? 

Kittens receive temporary immunity from their mother via the placenta and through milk shortly after birth. While this provides some early protection, it gradually wanes over time. 

As maternal immunity declines, kittens become more vulnerable to infectious disease. Vaccinations help safely stimulate your kitten’s immune system so they can develop their own long lasting protection. 

Even indoor cats can be at risk as some bacteria and viruses can survive in the environment or be carried inside on clothing, shoes or other pets. 

What diseases do kitten vaccines protect against? 

Core kitten vaccinations in Australia generally protect against: 

• Feline panleukopenia (FPV - parvovirus) - a severe and highly contagious virus that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and sudden death, particularly in young kittens 

• Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) - a common cause of upper respiratory disease and eye infections in cats 

• Feline calicivirus (FCV) - another major cause of respiratory illness, mouth ulcers and flu like symptoms in cats 

These diseases are often grouped together in what is commonly called the “F3” vaccination. 

Depending on your kitten’s lifestyle and risk factors, your veterinarian may also recommend vaccination against: 

• Chlamydia felis - a bacterium that can infect cats of any age, but primarily effects young kittens. The infection primarily causes conjunctivitis, inflammation of the conjunctiva. Symptoms include red swollen eyes, discharge and discomfort.  

• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) - FIV is a retrovirus that attacks a cat’s immune system, particularly white blood cells, gradually reducing the cat’s ability to fight infections. It is often compared to HIV in humans because of its similar effect on the immune system,  

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccination for cats at higher risk of outdoor exposure or contact with unknown cats 

Kitten vaccination schedule in Victoria 

Vaccination schedules can vary slightly depending on the vaccine used, your kitten’s age and their individual risk factors. A typical kitten vaccination course in Victoria commonly includes: 

8 Weeks of Age 

Your kitten receives their first vaccination, often given by the breeder, rescue group or shelter before going to their new home. 

Your veterinarian will assess your kittens lifestyle risk factors and pick the best protection for your kitten from the above options  

12 Weeks of Age 

Your kitten receives their second vaccination. Given this is often their first one at their forever home, the vaccinations may vary, but your veterinarian will discuss this with you at the time.  

This booster helps strengthen immunity as maternal antibodies continue to decline. 

16 Weeks of Age 

Your kitten receives their final kitten vaccination. 

This final vaccine is important because some kittens may still carry maternal antibodies until this age, which can interfere with earlier vaccinations. 

Most kittens develop full protection around 7 to 14 days after their final vaccination. 

Should indoor cats still be vaccinated? 

Yes. Even cats that live indoors are still recommended to receive core vaccinations. 

Bacteria and viruses can sometimes enter the home through: 

• Human clothing or shoes 

• Visiting animals 

• Open windows or escaped pets 

• New pets introduced into the household 

Vaccination remains an important part of preventive healthcare for both indoor and outdoor cats. 

What happens after the kitten vaccinations? 

After the initial kitten course, your cat will still require ongoing booster vaccinations throughout life to maintain protection. 

Depending on the vaccine used and your veterinarian’s recommendations, boosters are commonly: 

• Given 12 months after the final kitten vaccination 

• Then repeated annually or every three years for certain diseases 

Your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate vaccination schedule based on your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors. 

Are vaccines safe for kittens? 

Vaccinations are considered very safe and serious reactions are uncommon. 

Some kittens may experience mild tiredness, reduced appetite or slight soreness after vaccination for a day or two. Severe reactions are rare, but if you notice facial swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing or collapse after vaccination, contact your veterinarian immediately. 

Final thoughts 

Vaccinating your kitten is one of the best ways to protect them from preventable infectious diseases and support a healthy life. 

If you have recently welcomed a new kitten into your home or are unsure when your kitten is due for vaccinations, speak with our companion animal team by calling your local clinic to create a vaccination plan tailored to your cat’s individual needs.