Feline Vaccine (FVRCP) Information: A Comprehensive Guide by Dr. Natalie Marks, DVM, Reviewed by Dr. Brittany Kleszynski, DVM, Last Updated on March 6, 2025

The use of vaccines for the protection of feline health has significantly reduced the incidence of various diseases, such as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline panleukopenia (FPV), among others. One of the essential core vaccines for cats is the three-way FVRCP vaccine.

Understanding the FVRCP Vaccine

The FVRCP vaccine is a multi-combination vaccine that shields cats from multiple viruses at once. Given their developing immune systems, kittens are highly susceptible to infection and may experience life-threatening complications. In these instances, having a health and pet care credit card, like CareCredit, can offer peace of mind.[1]

Upon examining the three letters in the FVRCP acronym, here’s what each stands for:

FVR: Stands for feline viral rhinotracheitis, a disease causing inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, like the nose and windpipe. It accounts for 80-90 percent of upper respiratory infections in cats.[2] Symptoms may include lethargy, sneezing, nasal discharge, and conjunctivitis. Young kittens are particularly susceptible, and severe cases can cause ulcers on their eyes and life-threatening pneumonia.
C: Represents feline calicivirus, which causes similar respiratory symptoms like FVR. However, calicivirus can also cause ulcers on the tongues of cats and inflammation of the joints, leading to limping.[2] In severe cases, kittens and senior cats can develop life-threatening pneumonia.
P: Stands for feline panleukopenia, a virus affecting the bone marrow and lining of the intestine, leading to immunosuppression and severe diarrhea. It is incredibly difficult to treat, and unfortunately, many kittens die from this virus.[2]

The FVRCP vaccine is widely accessible at small animal veterinary offices, administered by veterinarians, and offered by veterinary professionals in shelters and rescue organizations working with cats. No specialist is needed for your cat to receive this crucial vaccine.

How the FVRCP Vaccine Works

Vaccination serves as a natural way to stimulate and build your cat's immunity to disease. During the initial FVRCP vaccine administration, a small amount of the modified virus enters the body, prompting the immune system to create a protein match called an antibody. This antibody functions as a "memory protein" that the body can utilize if ever challenged by the same virus, making the cat's immune system stronger and more capable of warding off diseases. However, for more substantial protection, a booster shot is necessary.[3]

FVRCP Vaccine Schedule for Cats

The American Association of Feline Practitioners has provided guidelines to help pet parents understand when and how often kittens and cats should get this core vaccine. Here is a simplified timeline:

If your kitten is between 6 and 16 weeks old, the initial vaccine can be given at 6 weeks of age. Follow this with subsequent doses every 3–4 weeks until your kitten is 16 weeks old.
If your cat is 16 weeks old or older, the initial vaccine is given, followed by a booster within 3–4 weeks of the first shot.

After completing one of these two scenarios, the next vaccine is given one year after the booster, with subsequent boosters every three years after that. Pregnant cats should not receive this vaccine.[4]

FVRCP Vaccine Side Effects

While rare, mild reactions following a FVRCP booster may include decreased activity or lethargy, a decrease in appetite, and mild swelling around the vaccination site.[4] If these signs persist for several days, consult your veterinarian.

In extremely rare cases, cats may have allergic reactions to the vaccine, causing hives, itching, redness around the eyes and lips, swelling around the eyes and lips, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, breathing difficulties, pale gums, and collapse.[4] If any of these symptoms are observed following vaccination, seek veterinary care immediately.

Manufacturers of the FVRCP Vaccine for Cats

Several pharmaceutical companies produce the FVRCP vaccine, such as Merial/Boerhinger Ingelheim, which produces the PureVax line without adjuvants. Merck Animal Health produces the only USDA-approved, 3-year core FVRCP vaccine, offering 100 percent protection against calicivirus-induced mouth ulcers without adjuvants.[5]

Elanco Animal Health provides the Ultra Fel-O-Vax vaccines, containing 50 percent less vaccine for a more comfortable injection, and the UltraNasal line for a non-injectable vaccination option. Zoetis also manufactures an adjuvant-free FVRCP vaccine line called FeloCell.[5]

Cost of the FVRCP Vaccine for Cats

Costs for veterinary care and vaccines can vary depending on your geographic location and other factors. Typically, FVRCP vaccines cost between $45–$70 for a 3-year vaccination. Pet insurance can help offset the cost of certain vaccines, but coverage depends on your policy.[1] CareCredit is a viable solution to consider, offering flexible financing options for payment[1].

Does Your Cat Need the FVRCP Vaccine?

The question of vaccination is often a subject of debate for many veterinarians and cat owners. However, keeping in mind that veterinarians recommend vaccines based on essential (core) vaccinations and a cat's individual health and environmental risks, it is a wise choice for feline owners to ensure their cats are vaccinated against these airborne diseases.

Even indoor cats without direct exposure to the outdoors can contract these diseases through contact with open windows or screens, or by humans entering and exiting the house. Moreover, if you plan to travel with your cat, hospitalize them, or add another cat to your family, there is no time to immediately vaccinate since it takes up to a month to reach full protection. It's far better to keep your cat proactively protected with the FVRCP vaccine.[6] According to the experts, this vaccine is essential for all cats.[6]

For any concerns or questions about whether the vaccine is suitable for your cat, consult your veterinarian for more information.

[1] Source: CareCredit

[2] Source: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

[3] Source: Merck Animal Health

[4] Source: Merial

[5] Source: Elanco Animal Health

[6] Source: American Association of Feline Practitioners

The FVRCP vaccine stimulates a cat's immunity to health-and-wellness related diseases such as feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia, as it serves as a natural way to build immunity to these viruses. Moreover, one can consider pet insurance like CareCredit for financial assistance in covering the cost of this crucial multi-combination vaccine, which is essential for all cats.

When examining the side effects of the FVRCP vaccine, mild reactions may include decreased activity, loss of appetite, and swelling around the vaccination site, while severely allergic reactions may cause hives, itching, redness around the eyes and lips, swelling, breathing difficulties, pale gums, and collapse. It is important to consult with a veterinarian if any of these symptoms are observed following vaccination.