Cat Vaccinations Cost

The average cost of cat vaccines ranges from $10 – $50 per shot, and the total cost can add up to around $200.¹ Vaccinating your cat is an essential step in keeping them healthy and protecting them from serious illnesses, like rabies.

While the cost of individual shots may seem manageable, these expenses can quickly add up if you’re covering the full vaccine series. Let’s take a look at what vaccines your cat needs, the costs of common cat vaccines, and ways to manage vaccination expenses.

What Vaccines Does Your Cat Need?

The vaccines your cat needs depend a lot on their age, especially when they’re a kitten. Kittens usually require a few more shots during their first few months, and after that, they’ll typically only need routine boosters to stay protected. So costs can be a bit higher upfront while they’re young, but once those initial vaccines are done, it’s mostly maintenance from there.

Here are the essential vaccines, called core vaccines, your cat will need:¹

• Rabies: This protects against rabies, which can be passed to humans and is always fatal if untreated. Depending on the rabies vaccination your vet uses, it needs to be given every 1 – 3 years. You can expect this to cost between $20 and $30.
• FVRCP (Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia): The FVRCP vaccine is a combination shot that covers several serious illnesses. It’s usually given in a series of shots when your cat is a kitten, with vaccine boosters every 3 years. Costs are typically between $20 and $40.

Optional or non-core cat vaccinations

In addition to the core vaccinations, there are also optional shots — called non-core vaccines — your veterinarian might recommend depending on your cat’s lifestyle or risk factors. Some non-core vaccines include:¹

• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV): This vaccine is especially important for outdoor cats or cats exposed to others who may carry the virus. The FeLV vaccine can cost between $25 and $45 per dose.
• Bordetella: While this illness can cause “kennel cough” in dogs, it can also affect cats who are in close contact with other cats (like at a groomer or boarding facility). The bordetella vaccine can help prevent respiratory infections and usually costs between $10 and $30.

How Much Are Cat Vaccinations?

The cost of vaccinating your cat depends on factors like your location, veterinarian, and whether you’re vaccinating a kitten or an adult cat. Generally, kittens need more vaccines early on, which can make the initial cost of cat vaccines feel higher.

After their first year, however, costs tend to drop because only boosters and routine shots are needed. Here’s a quick overview of the potential costs for both core and non-core cat vaccinations.¹

What Affects the Total Cost of Cat Shots?

Getting an exact estimate for cat vaccinations can be tricky because several factors affect the final cost. Here’s a look at what can impact how much you end up paying for cat vaccines:²

• Type of veterinary practice: Different vet clinics may have various pricing structures for cat vaccines. You might want to call a few local places to compare costs and find the best option for your budget.
• Location: The cost of your cat’s shots can vary based on where you live and your local cost of living. Areas with higher costs of living, like urban areas, can have higher prices for pet care compared to more rural locations.
• Age and health of your cat: Kittens usually need more initial vaccinations, which can make the early costs higher. Adult cats often require fewer shots, but prices can differ based on your cat’s overall health and specific needs.
• Number and type of vaccines: The total cost of cat vaccines also depends on the number of vaccines your cat needs and the specific types of shots. For instance, core vaccines may be priced differently compared to non-core vaccines, which can vary based on your cat’s lifestyle.
• Previous vaccines: If you adopted your cat from a shelter, their initial vaccines might have been covered by the adoption fee. However, if you’ve had your cat for a while, you might notice a jump in prices due to increased labor and service costs at vet clinics.
• Inflation and rising (or falling) costs: Like many services, veterinary care costs can rise and fall due to inflation. This means the cost of vaccines might be higher (or lower) than you expect, especially if you haven’t had to pay for them recently.³

How To Find Low-Cost Cat Vaccines

Finding cost effective options for cat vaccinations can help you manage costs while also making sure your pet stays healthy. Here are a few ways to find low-cost cat vaccines in your area.⁴

Visit veterinary colleges

Vet colleges often offer vaccines at a lower cost since the procedures are performed by students under professional supervision. This can be a budget-friendly way to get your cat the vaccinations — and general care — they need.

Find low-cost veterinary clinics

Some vet clinics specialize in providing budget friendly care and might accept new patients. While these clinics may not offer all the bells and whistles of a full-service veterinary practice, they can still provide essential cat vaccinations at reduced rates.

Look for pop-up clinics

Keep an eye out for pop-up vaccination clinics hosted by local pet stores or community events. These types of clinics are frequently run by volunteer veterinarians and can provide lower-cost vaccines for pets compared to regular vet visits.

Check for discounts and programs

Local animal shelters and pet organizations sometimes offer vaccination discount programs or vouchers. It’s worth researching these organizations to see if they have any cost-saving vaccine options available.

Plan for routine vaccinations

Cat vaccinations are often cheaper when given as part of a package deal. Planning ahead and scheduling all of your cat’s necessary vaccinations in advance can help reduce the overall costs.

Don’t forget to collect your vaccination certificates after each vet visit. These documents are important for proving your cat’s vaccination status to various entities that may require them, like apartment complexes and boarding facilities.

Consider cat insurance

Taking out a cat insurance policy can be a smart move for helping you manage the cost of cat vaccinations and other veterinary care. MetLife Pet Insurance offers comprehensive coverage — including an Optional Preventive Care add-on — that can help you cover routine vaccinations as part of the wellness plan.

By having pet insurance, you can ease the financial burden of regular vet visits and unexpected health issues. MetLife Pet’s cat insurance plans often cover vaccines, routine checkups, and other preventive care, which can let you focus on your cat’s health without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses.

Pet Insurance Can Help You Save on Cat Vaccinations

The total cost of cat vaccinations varies based on factors like where you live, what vaccines your cat needs, and your cat’s environment. Before heading to the vet, it’s a good idea to consider these factors and look for any vaccination options in your area.

Another way to manage these costs is by purchasing pet insurance coverage. A pet insurance policy can help keep your expenses in check and ensure your cat gets the care they need.

If you’re ready to browse different cat insurance policies, get a free quote today to find the best option for your cat.