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How often should my indoor and outdoor cats get the 4-in-1 vaccine?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 4 lbs

I would just like to ask, how often must i give my outdoor and indoor cats the 4-in-1 vaccine?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 3rd, 2017

Kittens should be vaccinated every 3-4 weeks from age 6-16 weeks. Then they should be boostered at 1 year old, and then every 3 years after that. Rabies vaccination is also recommended, so you should contact your vet on how frequently is should be done based on the region you live in.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on February 4th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

At 4 months old they only need two FVRCP vaccines. I recommend giving the 2nd one 3-4 weeks after the first. If you want to do the 5 in 1 vaccine for cats then you should give 2 of those 3-4 weeks apart. It won't hurt to change to that kind.

I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on January 3rd, 2019
Nancy should be dewormed about every 6 months. Another option is to use a product such as Revolution which will protect her against fleas and has activity against intestinal worms (although it will not be as effective if she is coming in contact with large amounts). Kittens start vaccines between 7-8 weeks of age and get vaccines every 3 weeks until they are 16weeks old. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on August 29th, 2017
It is important to booster vaccines in kittens every 3-4 weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age. The reason for this is because they are slowly losing protection from the antibodies from their mother, and they will not have a full response to the vaccines until those are completely lost. Giving a kitten vaccines every 3-4 weeks keeps them protected during their kittenhood. I have attached a link to the vaccine recommendations from the American Association of Feline Practitioners for you to review if you would like additional infomation.
https://www.catvets.com/guidelines/practice-guidelines/feline-vaccination
Please let me know if that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Should indoor adult cats get annual rabies, FVRCP, and FeLV shots?

I have attached the most recent recommendations from the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) below. https://www.catvets.com/guidelines/practice-guidelines/feline-vaccination Their general recommendation is to repeat the FVRCP vaccination every 3-4 weeks until a kitten reaches 16 weeks of age, then booster it 1 year later, then every 3 years after that. Unfortunately, we do not have enough data to give better recommendations than that. Injection site sarcomas have dramatically decreased over the last 15 years since we have made some changes to our vaccinations and vaccination schedules. The kidney issues are more likely due to chronic mild dehydration. There is some concern that the FVRCP vaccinations are grown on renal cell cultures, but I am unaware of any good research in that area. As far as FeLV vaccination, the AAFP generally does not recommend continuing to vaccinate indoor only cats who do not have a risk of exposure with FeLV vaccination. And Rabies vaccination is dictated by local or state laws, so if you live in an area that legally requires Rabies every year, you should comply with that. The bottom line is that we try to protect all cats from as many infectious diseases as possible, but try to use the most recent research and the lifestyle of the cat to help determine which vaccines to give and how frequently to give them. I hope that was helpful and answers your questions. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Should my 2-year-old indoor cat get yearly FVRCP vaccinations?

Yes, I would recommend giving this vaccine on a regular basis, even though Gracie does not go outside. These are highly contagious and serious viruses that can be transmitted easily - even if Gracie is laying by an open window and a stray cat is outside. Depending upon the vaccine manufacturer's labeling claims, this vaccine may be given every 1 or 3 years. Since she does not go outside, feline leukemia vaccines (FeLV) are likely unnecessary unless she has a housemate cat that does go outside, or you plan to introduce a feline leukemia positive cat to your household.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

When should my kitten get their first vaccines and be fixed?

Starting vaccines depends on the age the kittens left their mother. Kittens that were orphaned young and no longer have the antibodies from mom's milk may be vaccinated as early as six weeks, while kittens that were with mom may be vaccinated later at 8-10 weeks of age. There is then a series of vaccines that will be given 3-4 times over a period of every 4 weeks or so to finish the course. Rabies vaccines, which must be given by a vet, are usually given at around 5-6 months of age. Most kittens are spayed/neutered at around 5-6 months of age, before they reach sexual maturity, however some shelters and veterinary clinics do spay and neutered kittens once they've reached a certain size/weight, rather than age. Checking with your vet to see their policy is best.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My two-year-old cats haven't had shots. What vaccines are vital?

Excellent question. The main vaccination(s) they need are: 1) FVRCP- a combo upper respiratory vaccine. 2) And if they go outdoors they should get the FeLV (leukemia) vaccination, which is an infection that is spread through drinking water. 3) Then of course the Rabies vaccine, if it is required in your state. The FVRCP and Rabies vaccine can be given once a year for the first year, then once every 3 years. The FeLV vaccine is given yearly.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Does my indoor cat really need vaccinations at almost 2 years old?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is great that you decided to get your cat fixed! To be considered fully vaccinated, she will need at least a rabies vaccine, FRCP vaccine, and I recommend an FeLV vaccine for outdoor cats. These are all potentially deadly or extremely common viruses that cats can get from each other or wildlife such as raccoons. Although your cat is indoor only, there is a risk that she may run away and be exposed. I recommend having her microchipped and wear a collar in case this happens so that the two of you can be reunited. She should also be on monthly flea control, even f she is only indoors to prevent flea infestations.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Vaccines for my feisty 4-month-old indoor kitten before spaying?

If she is a warrior kitten, then Artemis is great name for her! Feline core vaccines include FVRCP (feline distemper combo) and a rabies vaccine. At four months of age, she will need two rounds of each vaccine given four weeks apart. You should do the FVRCP vaccine first, then two weeks later the rabies vaccine. The second FVRCP vaccine should be done four weeks after the first one, and the same goes for the rabies vaccine. It's not recommended to give the FVRCP and rabies together at the same time. Have plenty of toys for her to play with, and get interactive toys so you can play with her. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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How often does my indoor Maine Coon cat need distemper shots?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Did Misty receive her full protocol of kitten vaccinations? Starting at 8-10 weeks, she should have received a feline distemper vaccine every 3-4 weeks for a full set of three vaccinations. If she did not receive those, then she would need to restart a vaccine protocol appropriate for her age as directed by her regular veterinarian. If she received her vaccines as a kitten, then she would receive a booster every 1-3 years as directed by your regular veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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