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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 4 lbs

How old do kittens have to be to get there first shots and to be fixed

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on July 5th, 2017

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.

68Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on May 26th, 2017
Congratulations on your new kitten - Autumn is definitely a cutie! The first set of vaccinations can be given anytime after 6 weeks of age. From the photos, it looks like Autumn is probably old enough to go ahead and do this now, so I would recommend making an appointment with your vet in the next few days to have this done.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 19th, 2017
Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Kittens should begin vaccinations at 8-9 weeks of age. Booster vaccinations are required at 12-13 weeks and 16-17 weeks of age. Vaccinations are continued 1 year later & throughout life as needed for the health of your cat. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 13th, 2018
I recommend giving the first vaccine at 8 weeks of age, followed by boosters at 12 weeks and 16 weeks old. Rabies vaccine should be given at 12 weeks, some states require waiting until 16 weeks for that.
So best make an appointment with your vet for next week for Mittens' first vaccination and worming.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 12th, 2017
Hello and congratulations on your kittens! We normally start vaccines around 8 weeks of age in most pets. They being said, it is certainly ok to have the kittens examined by the vet prior to this, particularly if they came from an unknown situation or the parents were outdoors. Bringing a stool sample with you can help your vet check for intestinal parasites which are common and your vet can deepen them and check to be sure they all appear healthy!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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