What Is the FVRCP Vaccine? Here’s What Cat Parents Need to Know

Yes, your cat must get this core vaccine. Here’s why it’s so important, and how to determine when your kitty needs it.

by Adrienne A. Kruzer, BBA, RVT, LVT, | June 9, 2025

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What Is the FVRCP Vaccine? Here’s What Cat Parents Need to Know

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Vaccines can help keep your cat healthy, and figuring out which ones your kitty needs can be confusing. Some, called core vaccines, are recommended for all cats, while others (non-core vaccines) are only recommended for high-risk cats.

Core vaccines include rabies, FeLV for kittens, and a combination vaccine called FVRCP. The FVRCP vaccine helps to protect your cat from three major diseases and is given to both kittens and adult cats. After the initial kitten vaccine series, your cat will likely need FVRCP vaccine boosters throughout their life to ensure they continue to be adequately protected.

What is the FVRCP vaccine?

The FVRCP vaccine is a combination vaccine for cats. This one shot includes vaccines against three viruses: the feline herpesvirus that causes feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. It is one of three core cat vaccines, which means all cats should receive it.

Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)

Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) causes the disease called feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR). It is a highly contagious and can infect cats through direct contact with a sick cat or through airborne particles — but FVR does not infect people or dogs. FVR has no cure, but in most cats with mild infections, the disease can be managed over their lives. Conjunctivitis, eye and nose discharge, coughing, sneezing, and other symptoms are commonly seen in cats with FHV-1/FVR. This vaccine is the “FVR” part of the combination vaccine FVRCP.

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Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a virus that spreads easily among cats through direct contact with an infected cat, airborne particles, or contaminated items. Depending on the specific strain of the virus that infects a cat, it can cause severe, but temporary, oral disease and respiratory issues. Some symptoms may resolve with supportive care, but life-threatening swelling, fever, liver damage, bleeding, and other symptoms that may also occur because of FCV may require your cat to receive intensive care in the hospital. This vaccine is the “C” part of the FVRCP combination shot for cats.

Feline Panleukopenia (FPL)

The third part of the FVRCP vaccine is another highly contagious virus in cats called feline panleukopenia. This disease is also known as feline distemper, feline parvovirus (FPV), and feline viral enteritis. It causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, fever, and even sudden death, especially in kittens. The virus is spread through direct contact with infected cats, and contaminated objects, fleas, and environments. Panleukopenia is the “P” part of the combination vaccine FVRCP, despite commonly being referred to as a distemper shot for cats.

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Are there side effects?

The vaccine for FVRCP in cats is very safe, but side effects, such as some soreness at the injection site and lethargy, can occasionally occur. On rare occasions, more serious side effects may occur. These include swelling, itchiness, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.

Tumors at the injection site are also rare but can develop, too. These tumors are called injection-site sarcomas (ISS) but only occur in one out of every 10,000 to 30,000 cats. Because of the seriousness of the diseases that the FVRCP vaccine protects your cat from, the unlikely side effects of this vaccine are far outweighed by its benefits.

When should you go to the vet?

If you are concerned about the potential for side effects from the FVRCP vaccine, your chosen veterinarian may recommend that a premedication be given to your cat. This will be administered at their vaccine appointment, before the vaccination is given. A premedication is an antihistamine and/or a steroid that will decrease any negative side effects that may occur after FVRCP vaccination.

Some rare side effects may warrant a follow-up vet visit.

Swelling or breathing issues: If, after vaccination, your cat begins to have trouble breathing or experiences facial swelling, you should notify your veterinarian. These side effects typically occur within 30 minutes of vaccinations if they are going to happen at all.
Vomiting: Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat shows signs of vomiting, as this could indicate a severe reaction.
Long-lasting diarrhea: If, once you get home, your cat experiences diarrhea for more than 48 hours, you should contact your veterinarian to ensure your cat doesn’t become dehydrated.
Injection site lumps: A small bump where the vaccine was injected is normal for up to a week or two after it was given. However, if you notice a lump at the injection site more than three weeks after the vaccination was given, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to examine the area.

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When should my cat get the FVRCP vaccine?

When preparing for a cat, it's important to know that all cats should receive the FVRCP vaccine and subsequent boosters, but the schedule for your newly adopted cat will vary depending on their age and vaccine history. Your veterinarian will help you determine how many FVRCP vaccines your cat needs and when they need them during your cat’s first vet visit.

How many FVRCP shots do kittens need?

To care for a new kitten, you must follow a FVRCP vaccine schedule to ensure they are appropriately protected. Starting at six to eight weeks of age, your kitten will need one FVRCP vaccine every three to four weeks until they are 16 to 20 weeks old.

But if your kitten is more than 20 weeks old when they get their first vaccine, they only need to receive two doses of the FVRCP vaccine three to four weeks apart. These vaccines will be given subcutaneously, which means they are injected under your cat’s skin, as opposed to in a muscle, a vein, their mouth, or their nose.

FVRCP booster shots

After your cat has received their initial FVRCP vaccine series, they will periodically need a FVRCP vaccine booster. These boosters ensure your cat has the appropriate antibodies throughout their lifetime. One year after the last FVRCP vaccine (in their initial vaccine series) is given, your cat will need a booster shot. After that one-year booster shot, they will only need a booster shot once every three years, unless a vaccine titer result suggests otherwise.

FVRCP vaccine titers

If you’ve wondered if your cat needs annual shots, you should ask your veterinarian about vaccine titers. After your cat has received their initial FVRCP vaccine series, checking your cat’s vaccine titers may determine that a booster shot isn’t needed. This blood test is used by your veterinarian to see if your cat has enough antibodies in their body from their last FVRCP vaccine to not require a booster shot.

This test does come at an expense. Since it may show that a booster shot is still needed, most pet parents skip it to avoid the added costs and simply get their cat the yearly vaccinations their veterinarian recommends.

Commonly asked questions

What is the cost of the FVRCP vaccination?

Preparing for a cat also involves considering the costs of cat ownership. How much are kitten injections? This will vary from vet to vet, but you can expect to pay around $30 for the shot. This cost may or may not include a biohazard disposal fee, any premedications that are needed, and a charge for an vet visit or physical examination. So be sure to ask your veterinarian’s office for the total cost of bringing in your cat for an FVRCP vaccine.

Is the FVRCP vaccine the same as distemper?

Yes, the FVRCP vaccine is sometimes referred to as the distemper shot for cats. This is because the FVRCP combination vaccine includes the vaccine for panleukopenia, and panleukopenia is also known as feline distemper. Despite being caused by a parvovirus, panleukopenia exhibits symptoms that are similar to those seen in dogs with distemper.

Why do indoor cats need distemper shots?

Core vaccines, including the FVRCP combination vaccine (which helps protect your cat from feline distemper), are recommended for all cats, including those who are indoor only. The chances of your indoor cat contracting distemper are slim if they are never exposed to other cats, but if they contract the disease, it is often fatal. There’s always a chance your indoor cat can escape your home and come into contact with infected cats or contaminated objects. Or you may come into contact with another cat who is infected (or with a contaminated object) and unknowingly transmit the disease to your cat at home.

Is FVRCP the same as feline leukemia?

No, FVRCP is a combination vaccine that can protect your cat against feline herpesvirus, which causes rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. FeLV is the vaccine that can help protect your cat against feline leukemia. These are two different vaccines, but both are core vaccines for kittens who should receive both shots.

What are non-core cat vaccines?

Non-core cat vaccines are only needed for cats who are at a high risk of infection. These optional vaccines include the feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) vaccine, the feline bordetellosis vaccine, and the feline chlamydophila vaccine. The feline leukemia vaccine is also considered a non-core vaccine for adult cats, even though it is a core vaccine for kittens.