Cat and Kitten Vaccinations: Keeping Your Feline Friend Healthy

Being a responsible cat parent starts with prevention—and kitten vaccinations are one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your furry family member from serious illnesses.

At Safe Harbor Animal Hospital, we help pet parents in Mount Pleasant create a vaccine plan tailored to their cat’s age, lifestyle, and environment. Whether your feline is an adventurous outdoor explorer or a cozy indoor cuddler, the right vaccinations can mean a longer, healthier life.

As part of our Best Pet Parent Practices blog series, we’re highlighting the importance of staying on top of cat and kitten vaccinations and how they help protect your cat from common diseases in and around the Lowcountry. 

Kitten Vaccinations: Why They Matter for Lowcountry Cats

Vaccines help your cat build immunity against harmful viruses and bacteria before they ever get sick. In South Carolina, cats can be exposed to contagious diseases through wildlife, other pets, or even a trip to the groomer.

Vaccinating your kitten or cat is always important, especially if they:

  • Spend time outdoors or on patios
  • Live in multi-cat households
  • Visit boarding facilities or groomers
  • Come in contact with neighborhood cats or strays

By staying on top of their vaccine schedule, you’re not only protecting your pet—you’re helping keep the whole feline community healthier.

Kitten Vaccinations: Does My Indoor Cat Really Need Vaccines?

The short answer is yes! Even if your cat never steps a paw outside, they’re not completely safe from disease. Some, like rabies, can even be transmitted by a bat that sneaks into your home. Even your screen porch can be a source of exposure to disease transmission. Neighborhood animals such as cats and other wildlife can make contact through the screen, causing possible transmission to your cat. Some of the top wildlife species that carry rabies in our area include: raccoons, bats, coyotes, and foxes.

Data support that 1 in 4 cats escape at least once in their lifetime. Plus, if your cat ever needs to be boarded, they could be exposed to other animals. Vaccines act like a safety net—protecting your feline friend from illnesses you might never see coming.

Kitten Vaccinations: Core Vaccines Every Cat Should Have

Just like dogs, cats have core vaccines recommended for all pets, regardless of lifestyle:

  • Rabies – Required by law in South Carolina; protects against a fatal disease that can also affect humans. Did you know that on average, South Carolina has 144 reported cases of rabies annually? Cats are much more commonly reported than dogs. 
  • FVRCP – A 3-in-1 vaccine that protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia—highly contagious and potentially deadly illnesses. 

Kittens typically begin their vaccine series at 6–8 weeks of age, receiving boosters every 3–4 weeks until around 16 weeks old. Adult cats require regular vaccinations, typically every one to three years, depending on the type of vaccine.

To learn more about the importance of vaccinations for cats, watch this quick video below!

Kitten Vaccinations: Lifestyle Vaccines for Lowcountry Living

Some cats face extra risks based on where they live or how they spend their time. These lifestyle vaccines offer added protection:

  • FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) – Recommended for all kittens and for adult cats that go outdoors or live with other cats.
  • Bordetella – Although this is not commonly recommended, it may be reasonable for cats who are boarded, groomed, or live in multi-pet households with dogs who go to daycare.

Not sure if your cat needs lifestyle vaccines? Our team at Safe Harbor Animal Hospital will help assess your cat’s daily routine, environment, and potential exposure risks.

Kitten Vaccinations: Track and Manage with the MyPetsWellness App

Keeping up with your cat’s vaccines is easier than ever with the MyPetsWellness app, available to all Animal Hospitals of the Lowcountry clients.

With the app, you can:

  • View up-to-date vaccination records
  • Get reminders for upcoming boosters
  • Request appointments or prescription refills
  • Share records with groomers, boarding facilities, or emergency vets

If you need help downloading or using the app, give us a call—we’ll walk you through it step-by-step.

Kitten Vaccinations: Partner with Us for Your Cat’s Health

At Safe Harbor Animal Hospital, we believe great cat care is a partnership. We’ll take the time to answer your questions, recommend the right vaccines for your pet, and keep you informed about booster schedules.

 

Whether you’ve just adopted a kitten or your senior cat is due for an update, we’re here to help you make the best decisions for their health.

Call us at (843) 648-4787 or schedule an appointment online today. Together, we’ll create a vaccination plan that protects your cat at every life stage.

Safe Harbor Animal Hospital in Mount Pleasant, SC, is part of Animal Hospitals of the Lowcountry, a locally owned, family-run network of veterinary practices that includes:

  • Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital – South Mount Pleasant SC, at Coleman Blvd and Old Village
  • Shuler Veterinary Clinic – Central Mount Pleasant SC, at Town Center
  • Safe Harbor Animal Hospital – North Mount Pleasant SC, at North MP and Hwy 41

Visit any of our three locations and join our family today!