Kitten receiving vaccination from veterinarian

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Vaccines are essential for safeguarding the health and overall well-being of our feline companions. Among them, the FVRCP vaccine plays a critical role in protecting cats from three highly contagious and potentially severe diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.

In this blog post, we will explore the specifics of the FVRCP vaccine for cats, including its recommended timing for administration and potential side effects. Continue reading to learn more.

Why Does My Cat Need To Be Vaccinated?

Vaccinations are widely acknowledged by veterinary professionals as a critical measure in preventing the spread of disease among pets. Vaccinations stimulate the immune system of pets to develop immunity against specific infectious agents, such as viruses or bacteria.1

Cats need to be vaccinated to protect them from various diseases that can be harmful or potentially life-threatening. By vaccinating your cat, you provide them with important protection against common feline illnesses. If proper precautions are not taken, diseases that may seem prevalent only in the wild, like rabies, can find their way into your home.1

When you protect your cat, you protect yourself as well. Diseases can not only transmit between pets but some diseases can also spread and infect humans. Additionally, by getting your cat vaccinated early on, especially if you adopt them as a kitten, you can minimize your chances of paying for costly treatments and medication down the line.1

What Is The FVRCP Vaccine For Cats?

What does the FVRCP vaccine protect against?

The FVRCP vaccine for cats is a combination vaccine that protects against three highly contagious feline diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), calicivirus (C), and panleukopenia (P). Let's examine each of these three diseases and their potential impact on your cat's health.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis

Feline viral rhinotracheitis is a disease that primarily affects the respiratory system and is often accompanied by symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and cold-like symptoms. One of the characteristic signs is a clear discharge from the nose and mouth, which may eventually become mucus-like or contain pus.2

After being diagnosed with feline viral rhinotracheitis, the virus can remain dormant in a cat's body for an extended period. Therefore, even if it appears that your cat has recovered from the disease, there is a significant risk of it resurfacing. In healthy adult cats, the symptoms usually last for 5 to 10 days, but elderly cats or young kittens may experience a prolonged illness, leading to severe weight loss.2

Feline Calicivirus

Feline calicivirus, much like feline viral rhinotracheitis, is a respiratory illness that commonly impacts a cat's mouth and lungs. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the strain, with some strains causing no noticeable symptoms. However, certain strains can result in mouth sores, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and even pneumonia.2

In some cases, kittens may experience joint inflammation and mobility issues, although these typically resolve without treatment. Inflammation in the gums and mouth is a key symptom, which generally subsides within 2 to 3 days. More severe cases of feline calicivirus may persist for 7 to 10 days.2

Feline Panleukopenia

Feline panleukopenia, also known as "feline distemper" or "feline infectious enteritis," is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in cats, characterized by a significant decrease in white blood cell count. Kittens and pregnant cats are particularly vulnerable to the severe effects of this disease, and infection rates are high among cats that have not been vaccinated.3

The virus is commonly transmitted through the nose and mouth via various secretions and excretions, including feces, saliva, tears, and urine. While many infected cats may not display any symptoms, severe cases can be fatal.3

When Should My Cat Receive The FVRCP Vaccine?

The FVRCP vaccine is first given to kittens at 6 to 8 weeks, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until they’re around 16 weeks old

In general, the FVRCP vaccine is typically given to kittens when they are approximately 6 to 8 weeks old. Following the initial dose, booster shots are typically administered at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks until the kitten reaches around 16 weeks old. However, if your cat is an adult, they will usually receive two doses of the vaccine, also spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart.5

When a cat should receive their vaccine typically depends on the following factors. However, always consult your veterinarian to determine the best vaccination schedule for your cat.

  • Age: Your cat’s age plays an important role in determining when they should receive the FVRCP cat vaccine, or any vaccine for that matter. Certain vaccines can only be administered at certain ages, and often, adult cats will need a follow-up of booster vaccines and shots.4
  • Location: When your cat should get their cat FVRCP vaccine also depends on where you live. Based on the specific state, area, or environment, certain risks are more prevalent for cats, and as a result, prioritizing specific vaccines becomes essential.4
  • Habits: The timing of your cat’s FVRCP vaccine also depends on their habits. Are they out and about a lot? Does your cat prefer to stay sat in with you? If your cat is often outdoors, they may need to get additional vaccinations or get vaccinated as early as possible.4

Overall, always listen to your veterinarian when it comes to vaccinations. They will determine the best time for your cat to get vaccinated based on a number of factors, including their age, location, habits, current health condition, medical history, and more. They will also let you know if they need additional vaccines in addition to the core feline vaccines.

FVRCP Vaccine Side Effects

While all vaccines can have side effects, it is important to note that not every cat will experience the same side effects. Fortunately, most side effects of the FVRCP vaccine are mild and typically resolve within a day or two. These may include vomiting, a slight fever, a temporary decrease in appetite, mild lethargy, or reduced activity levels.6 Some cats may also experience mild swelling or tenderness at the injection site. If any of these issues persist or cause concern, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian and inform them of the situation.

In rare instances, cats may experience an allergic reaction to the vaccine. Allergic reactions can manifest as symptoms such as hives, swelling, and itchiness.6 If the allergic reaction is severe, your cat may even have a hard time breathing, collapse, or experience seizures. If you observe any of these allergic reactions, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately, as this constitutes an emergency situation.

Severe FVRCP vaccine side effects that require immediate veterinary attention

FVRCP Vaccine: Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the FVRCP vaccine cost?

It is no secret that the cost of owning a pet can be expensive, but investing in vaccines can actually save you money in the long run by preventing the need for costly treatments. Generally, the cost of the FVRCP vaccine ranges from $20 to $40, depending on where you live.

Do cats need FVRCP vaccine boosters?

After the initial vaccination, kittens typically require a series of booster shots. Usually, adult cats only need one additional booster shot following the initial vaccination. It is recommended that both kittens and adult cats receive their booster shots within a 3 to 4-week interval from each other.

Is FVRCP the same as distemper?

In cats, distemper is a disease that the FVRCP vaccine covers, as well as two other diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus. Feline distemper is also referred to as feline panleukopenia, which is the “P” in the FVRCP acronym.

Kitten receiving vaccination from veterinarian

Final Notes

It cannot be emphasized enough how crucial it is to protect your pets through preventative vaccinations. Unless your veterinarian advises otherwise, we highly recommend exploring all core vaccinations for your precious feline. Opting for the FVRCP vaccine is a great choice as it combines three essential vaccinations, protecting your cat from three highly contagious diseases while saving you the hassle and expense of getting separate vaccines.

Want to know more about cats? Feel free to browse through our extensive library of blog posts. Whether you want to learn how to give your cat a bath or find out if it's safe for cats to eat strawberries, we have a wealth of information to provide answers to all your cat-related questions.

Need to consult a veterinarian? Skip the stress of an in-person visit and talk to a vet from the comfort of your own home. At Dutch, we diagnose and treat a wide range of pet health conditions depending on where you live, from allergies to urinary health issues. Try Dutch today.

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Medically reviewed by

Dr. Kate Elden, DVM

References

  1. “Vaccinations” AVMA https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/vaccinations.

  2. F. Keuhen, Ned. “Feline Respiratory Disease (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus)” MSD Manual, Oct 2022 https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/lung-and-airway-disorders-of-cats/feline-respiratory-disease-complex-feline-viral-rhinotracheitis,-feline-calicivirus.

  3. A. Squires, Richard. “Feline Panleukopenia” MSD Manual, Oct 2022 https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/disorders-affecting-multiple-body-systems-of-cats/feline-panleukopenia.

  4. “Should My Pet Be Vaccinated?” AAHA https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/Pet-Vaccination/.

  5. “Vaccination in General Practice” American Association of Feline Practitioners https://catvets.com/public/PDFs/PracticeGuidelines/VaccinationGLS-summary.pdf.

  6. C. Mitchell, Sandra. “What Is the FVRCP Cat Vaccine?” petMD, 27 June 2019 https://www.petmd.com/cat/wellness/what-fvrcp-cat-vaccine.

Frequently asked questions

Dutch is an online veterinary telehealth service. With a membership, pet parents get unlimited video consults with licensed vets for up to 5 pets, plus prescription medication shipped to your door in most U.S. states. Members can treat 150+ common conditions without leaving home, typically for less than the cost of a single in-person vet visit.

Sign up with your pet's information and book a video consult with a licensed vet at Dutch. The vet reviews your pet's symptoms, medical history, and any photos you share, then recommends a treatment plan. If medication is appropriate, it's prescribed and shipped directly to your door, typically within 1-3 business days. Members get unlimited follow-up consults at no extra cost.

Our vets can provide care and prescriptions for more than 150 issues — and over 90% of cases can be treated virtually. 

The vet can diagnose your pet based on your description of their symptoms, their medical history, seeing them during your video call, and, if needed, through uploaded photos and videos. They may ask you to do a few simple checks during the call. We also offer a number of at-home lab test kits for dogs and cats.

The health and safety of pets is our top priority. In the rare case that a vet determines a pet needs to go to a local clinic, they’ll provide a referral and offer advice on how to care for them until they can be seen. 

Some things that require in-person care include emergencies, wounds that need stitches, and issues that require blood work, imaging (X-rays or ultrasounds), or surgery.

Our vets are always available for second opinions and follow-up care after in-person vet visits — so you don’t have to navigate health issues alone.

You and your pet will have a 10-minute video call with a licensed veterinarian. Here’s what to expect:

Before the call

When booking the call online, you'll be asked a few questions about your pet. Depending on the issue, you may need to fill out a longer questionnaire about their symptoms or share photographs of them so our veterinarians can better understand what’s going on. You’ll then pick an appointment time. Make sure your pet will be with you at that time — the vet will need to see them on the call.

During the video call

One of our vets will talk to you about the symptoms your pet is experiencing, ask you questions, review your pet’s medical history if you’ve provided it, look at your pet on camera, and answer any questions you have. They may ask you to perform some simple checks on your pet, like raising their gums, if needed.

After the call

The vet will send you a message with a custom treatment plan to help your pet feel better, including a link to buy any recommended prescription or over-the-counter medications. Place your order and we’ll ship it free. If you have any questions, you can message your vet anytime or book another appointment with the same vet to follow up.

Vets at Dutch are licensed to provide care in most U.S. states. Coverage expands as new state licenses are added. The current state availability list is on the membership plans page on dutch.com.

Dutch is an annual membership service. At $132/year ($11/month), the annual membership covers unlimited video consults for up to 5 pets and is designed to cost less than a single typical in-person vet visit. Prescription medication costs are separate and shown transparently at checkout before any purchase. Detailed pricing is on the membership plans page.

Yes, in most states. Vets at Dutch can prescribe medication after a video consult that establishes the required vet-client-patient relationship. Prescriptions are shipped directly to your door, typically within 1-3 business days. State licensing and federal telehealth rules apply.

Same-day video consults are available in most states. After signing up, you can book an appointment that fits your schedule, including evenings and weekends. For non-emergency situations that need urgent attention, the intake questionnaire helps the vet prioritize the right care path.

Yes. Every vet at Dutch is a licensed veterinarian credentialed in the state where they provide care. Many have years of clinical practice experience alongside telehealth expertise. Medical oversight is led by Dutch's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kate Elden.

Dutch isn't pet insurance itself. It's a membership for direct telehealth care. Many major pet insurance plans reimburse for telehealth consults and prescription medication. Dutch can provide an itemized invoice to support reimbursement claims with your insure provider

Vets at Dutch offer convenient video consults from home, well-suited for non-emergency conditions, prescription refills, allergy and anxiety management, and follow-up care. In-person vets remain essential for vaccinations, surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, dental procedures, and emergencies. Many pet parents use both: Dutch for routine and chronic-condition care, in-person for hands-on needs.

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