Kitten guide · Free digital Pet Passport
Your kitten's vaccination schedule, explained
Kittens receive maternal antibodies from their mother's milk — but those antibodies fade at unpredictable rates, which is why the vaccination series spans several weeks rather than a single appointment. Get the timing wrong and your kitten may be vulnerable to panleukopenia or calicivirus at the exact age they are most exploring the world.
Why this matters
Use this guide as a reference for the typical first-year schedule, then log every appointment in the free LetzPaws Pet Passport. When cattery season arrives, you will know instantly whether every booster is still valid.
Typical kitten vaccination timeline
First core vaccination
Initial RCP (rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia). Health check, parasite discussion and microchip if not already done. Create the passport at this first visit — it takes two minutes.
Second RCP booster
Critical booster — maternal antibodies may still interfere with the first dose, so this appointment completes the initial protection. Log the exact date; catteries will ask for it.
Rabies & FeLV decision
Rabies vaccination (required for EU travel). FeLV for outdoor cats or those in contact with unknown cats. First dose often given now with a booster 3–4 weeks later if FeLV is started.
FeLV booster (if started)
Second FeLV dose to complete initial course. By now most kittens can safely explore outdoors if your vet confirms full protection.
First annual booster
Annual RCP booster. Rabies re-vaccination per vaccine label (1- or 3-year). FeLV annual booster for at-risk cats. The passport flags anything expiring before your next cattery booking.
Indoor-only kittens still need core RCP vaccinations. Outdoor kittens and those in multi-cat households may need additional FeLV coverage — follow your vet's advice.
Kitten vaccines explained
| Vaccine / measure | Protects against | Typical schedule | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCP (combo) | Rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia | 8–9 and 12 weeks, then every 1–3 years | Core vaccine for all kittens |
| Rabies | Rabies virus | From 12 weeks; booster every 1–3 years | Required for EU Pet Passport travel |
| FeLV | Feline leukaemia virus | Two-dose kitten course for at-risk cats; then annually | Recommended for outdoor and multi-cat households |
Panleukopenia (included in RCP) is often fatal in unvaccinated kittens — the core series is not optional even for indoor cats.
First-year care notes worth logging
Neuter/spay date
Usually 4–6 months. Record in the passport — some catteries ask, and it affects long-term health monitoring.
Diet transitions
Kittens switch from mother's milk to solid food to adult formula. Log brands and portions so sitters never cause digestive upset with the wrong food.
Litter and hiding habits
Where they hide when stressed, litter type preferences, and whether they tolerate handling — essential for cat sitters from day one.
Parasite treatments
Kittens often receive worming at each vaccination visit. Log product and date in medications to prevent double-dosing between household members.
Expiry alerts
Every vaccination is tracked with its expiry date — anything overdue is flagged in red automatically.
One-tap sharing
Generate a private link and show the full passport at the clinic — no app needed on their side.
Seen by every pro you book
Allergies, temperament and care notes appear with every LetzPaws booking, before the appointment starts.
Frequently asked questions
Do indoor kittens really need vaccinations? +
Yes — core RCP protects against viruses that can enter homes on shoes, clothing or through window screens. Panleukopenia in particular is devastating in kittens and preventable with the standard series.
When can my kitten go to a cattery? +
Most catteries require completed RCP series plus rabies. Some require FeLV for multi-cat facilities. Check requirements early and use the passport to confirm every date before booking.
What if my kitten came from a shelter already vaccinated? +
Ask for the exact dates and products used — enter them in the passport immediately. Your vet will advise whether boosters are needed based on when the last dose was given and your kitten's age.
Can I share the vaccination record with my vet? +
Yes — generate a private read-only link from the passport and show it at any clinic. No app needed on the vet's side.
Is the LetzPaws Pet Passport free? +
Completely free for kittens and cats of any age. Expiry alerts and sharing are included.
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