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

She needs a round of vaccines (usually feline distemper, possible feline leukemia and FIV as well) every 3-4 weeks started at 6-8 weeks of age and continuing until she's had 2 rounds AFTER 12 weeks old. So the number can vary depending on how you space them and when you start. For rabies, side effects are very rare (less than other vaccines, where side effects are already low). For any vaccine, side effects to watch out for are vomiting, extreme lethargy, and significant facial swelling. Finally, she should be spayed around 5-6 months of age.

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.

A kitten this young is not old enough for a rabies vaccine. It would be best to start with an FVRCP vaccine and deworming. This should then be repeated 3 weeks later. Rabies is not typically given until the pet is about 3.5 to 4 months of age. The microchip can be done at any time, but the needle is rather large and uncomfortable. Many pet owners will wait until the time of Spay or neuter and have it done while they are under anesthesia. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would worry a little more about the new kitten passing on diseases to the older cat - viral upper respiratory infections in particular are common. I'd recommend vaccinating both cats with the FVRCP combo and rabies vaccines. If the cats are going to continue to be outdoors then the FeLV vaccine would also be recommended, and I actually usually recommend vaccinating all kittens for FeLV since you never know if their lifestyle might change.

Great question! Feline core vaccines include FVRCP (feline distemper combo) and a Rabies vaccine. If Quinn is an outdoor cat, the FeLV vaccine (feline leukemia) should be considered. I hope this helps!

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.

Vaccines can cause a mild fever that does not require treatment for up to 24 hours. The schedule for boostering the vaccine varies as well depending on the type of vaccine used - most likely the next vaccine is due at one year of age but it’s possible that a booster is needed sooner so you should ask your vet. The FVRCP vaccine is the other core vaccine for cats, and if Minu will be going outdoors or be in contact with other cats the FeLV vaccine is recommended.