Cat vaccination schedule and cost in India
By the vetkar team · Updated · 3 min read
The short answer
- Kittens usually get a core three-in-one shot from 8 weeks, boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks, and rabies from around 12 weeks.
- We found one published price: about ₹1,000 for a core dose at an NGO clinic. Private clinics do not publish theirs, so call and ask.
- Indoor cats still need vaccines. Your vet will tell you which extras suit your cat.
A typical kitten schedule
Global guidelines and Indian clinics agree on the shape of it. The exact ages and the optional shots are your vet's call.
| Age | What is usually given | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | First core shot (panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus) | Often called the 3-in-1 or FVRCP. Some vets start at 6 weeks. |
| 12 weeks | Second core shot, and first rabies shot | Rabies is given from around 12 weeks. |
| 16 weeks | Third core shot | Guidelines want the last kitten dose at 16 weeks or older. |
| 12 months | Core booster and rabies booster | Do not skip this one. |
| After that | Rabies as your vet advises; core booster every 1 to 3 years | Frequency depends on the vaccine and your cat's lifestyle. |
What the shots protect against
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper) is a severe, often fatal illness in kittens and spreads easily.
- Herpesvirus and calicivirus cause the cat flu: sneezing, eye and nose discharge, mouth ulcers.
- Rabies is fatal and can spread to people. Cats that go outside, or live with a dog that does, are at risk.
- Feline leukaemia (FeLV) is an optional shot that guidelines recommend considering for kittens, and more strongly for cats that go outdoors or live with cats of unknown status.
Does an indoor cat need vaccines?
Yes for the core shots. Viruses can come in on shoes and hands, a cat can slip out, and a bite from a stray or a bat that gets in can carry rabies. What can vary is the optional shots, which depend on where your cat goes.
What it costs
Cat prices are the thinnest part of what is published online. The one figure we found is about ₹1,000 for a core three-in-one dose at an NGO clinic. Private clinics tend to charge more and quote by brand, and the dog ranges below give a sense of the scale, but they are not cat prices. Call two or three clinics and ask for the price per dose and per course.
| Service | Indicative range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies vaccine, one dose (dog) | ₹350 – ₹900 | Some government clinics and NGO drives charge ₹50–₹100 or nothing. Source: PetYaari, Conbun. |
| 7-in-1 or 9-in-1 combination, one dose (dog) | ₹570 – ₹1,800 | The 9-in-1 adds protection against leptospirosis. Imported brands cost more. Source: PetYaari, Conbun, Supertails. |
| Adult booster, one shot (dog) | ₹800 – ₹2,000 | Yearly, per the vet's schedule. Source: Conbun. |
| Full puppy series | ₹2,500 – ₹8,000 | The low end is the core shots; the high end adds rabies and kennel cough. Source: PetYaari, Conbun, Supertails. |
Before you go
- Say your cat is a cat when you ask for a price. Many guides only quote dog vaccines.
- Ask which brand it is and whether the price is per dose or per course.
- Get every dose written in a vaccination card with the date.
- A healthy kitten is best vaccinated when it is well, so tell the vet about sneezing, diarrhoea or low energy.
Keep your cat's dates in one place
A vetkar Pet Passport stores your cat's vaccine dates and reminds you when the next one is due.
Frequently asked questions
How much does cat vaccination cost in India?
Published prices are scarce. We found about ₹1,000 for a core dose at an NGO clinic. Private clinics charge more and rarely publish, so ask for a quote per dose and per course.
When should a kitten get its first shot?
Usually at around 8 weeks, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks. Rabies is generally given from about 12 weeks.
Do cats need a rabies vaccine in India?
Yes, vets advise it for cats, indoor cats included, because rabies is fatal and can pass to people. Ask your vet when to start and how often to repeat it.
How often does an adult cat need boosters?
A booster at 12 months, then rabies as your vet advises and the core shot every one to three years, depending on the vaccine and your cat's lifestyle.
Sources
- WSAVA: Vaccination Guidelines
- AAFP: Feline Vaccination Guidelines
- Blue Cross Society, Pune: vaccine cost
This is general information written from the sources above. It is not veterinary advice and has not been reviewed by a veterinarian. Your vet knows your pet, so follow their instructions, and see a vet promptly if your pet seems unwell.