A Must-Read Guide for First-Time Adopters: Vaccinations and Costs for Rescue Kittens in Canada

Adopting a kitten from a rescue organization is a truly heartwarming act of love. However, before bringing your new furry friend home, it’s important for first-time cat owners to understand the necessary medical procedures and expenses to ensure your kitten grows up healthy — and to avoid unexpected accidents.

Full First-Year Vaccinations Schedule for Adopted Kittens

🩺 1. Initial Kitten Vaccinations from the Rescue

In Canada, most rescue organizations will have administered the first FVRCP vaccine (commonly known as the “cat triple vaccine”) before the kitten is adopted.

This vaccine helps protect against three common feline viruses:

• Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)

• Calicivirus (FCV)

• Panleukopenia (FPV)

However, this first shot is only the beginning — two additional booster doses are required to complete the full vaccination series.

💉 2. The Full Vaccination Schedule for Adopted Kittens

In Canada, kittens typically need three rounds of vaccinations to develop full immunity.

The first FVRCP shot is usually given by the rescue organization when the kitten is around 6 to 8 weeks old. This serves as the foundation for protecting against feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.

However, it’s important to note that the age of rescue kittens is often just an estimate. Many rescues determine age based on appearance or dental development, so follow-up vaccination timing should always be based on the actual date of the previous shot, rather than the kitten’s estimated age.

Generally, the second FVRCP vaccine should be administered 3–4 weeks after the first.

Then, another 3–4 weeks later (typically when the kitten is around 14–16 weeks old), the third FVRCP shot should be given along with the rabies vaccine.

Once these three rounds are complete, your kitten’s immune system will have developed full protection. Afterward, annual booster shots are recommended to maintain immunity.