When Can Kittens Get Their Rabies Shots

Most vets don t like to give a rabies vaccination until a kittens is 12 to 16 weeks old and usually not at the same time as other vaccinations.

When can kittens get their rabies shots. First year kitten vaccinations when kittens are nursing antibodies in their mother s milk help protect them from infections. For any cat over 16 weeks old whose vaccine history is unknown the initial series consists of two doses given three to four weeks apart. Rabies is the other core kitten vaccination. Rabies is a fatal disease that can affect not only cats but also many other animals including humans.

When to give vaccines. They usually continue until they turn 12 weeks. Kitties need several immunizations during their first year to protect them against serious diseases. Your parasite heartworm control should start on your first vet visit.

Your kitten can receive a rabies vaccination as early as 12 weeks of age but this depends on state laws and the veterinarian. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16. Basic vaccination will protect against rabies feline distemper rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. Many of your kitten s initial shots will be given as a series of boosters every 3 4 weeks.

For this reason initial core kitten vaccinations occur at three to four week intervals until the cat is 16 20 weeks old and maternal antibodies are out of the system. On average a kitten can receive his first rabies shot as early as 8 12 weeks of age although the standard is between 4 and 6 months and will need a booster to insure immunity a year later. Generally your little fuzzball will need her rabies shot at the age of 8 or 12 weeks. To achieve the best protection possible your kitten will need boosters over the first several months of their life at least until they are between 16 20 weeks old.

There are three different types of rabies vaccines so the age your kitten gets her rabies shot depends on the specific vaccine your vet uses. Some vaccinations like feline distemper and calicivirus are usually started when kittens are 6 weeks old and then boostered two to three times. But after about six weeks old and eating solid food it s time for them to be vaccinated.