Cat Vaccination Schedule: Which Vaccines and When
Core and non-core cat vaccines explained, a typical kitten vaccination schedule, adult boosters, indoor cats and vaccine side effects.
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Vaccination is one of the simplest ways to protect your cat from serious, sometimes fatal diseases. The exact schedule depends on your country, local laws, your cat's lifestyle and the vaccines your vet uses — so treat this as a guide to discuss with your vet, not a replacement for their advice.
Core vaccines: recommended for every cat
International guidelines (such as those from the American Association of Feline Practitioners, AAHA and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association) recommend these for all cats, including indoor cats:
- Feline panleukopenia (FPV) — also called feline parvovirus or feline infectious enteritis. A highly contagious, often fatal virus that survives in the environment for months and can be carried indoors on shoes.
- Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) — a major cause of "cat flu": sneezing, eye and nasal discharge, eye ulcers.
- Feline calicivirus (FCV) — another cat flu virus, also causing mouth ulcers and sometimes severe disease.
These three are usually combined in one injection, often called FVRCP (in the US) or "tricat" / "F3".
- Rabies — core in countries where rabies is present, and legally required in many places (including most US states). Also required for international travel. See taking a cat abroad.
FeLV: recommended for kittens, then based on risk
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) spreads through close contact between cats (grooming, sharing bowls, bites). Because kittens are most susceptible and their future lifestyle is often uncertain, many guidelines recommend vaccinating all kittens, then continuing in adult cats who go outdoors or live with FeLV-positive cats. Cats should be tested for FeLV before vaccination.
Non-core vaccines (lifestyle-dependent)
Your vet may suggest these depending on risk: Chlamydia felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica (sometimes for boarding or shelters), and others that vary by region.
Typical kitten schedule
| Age | Vaccines usually given |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | First core (FVRCP) vaccine |
| 9–12 weeks | Second FVRCP; first FeLV (after FeLV test) |
| 12–16 weeks | Third FVRCP; second FeLV; rabies (age per product and local law) |
| 16–20 weeks | Final kitten FVRCP dose — the last dose should be given at 16 weeks or older |
| 6 months (26 weeks) – 1 year | Booster of core vaccines; some guidelines now recommend a booster at 6 months to protect kittens whose first series may not have "taken" |
| 1 year after first dose | Rabies booster; FeLV booster (if continuing) |
Kittens receive vaccines every 3–4 weeks until they're at least 16 weeks old, because antibodies from their mother's milk can block early vaccines — nobody can tell exactly when those maternal antibodies fade.
Adult cats
- Core vaccines (FVRCP): after the first-year booster, typically every 3 years for lower-risk cats. Some components (particularly for cat flu) may be given more often for high-risk cats, such as those who board frequently.
- Rabies: every 1 or 3 years, depending on the vaccine and local law.
- FeLV: every 1–3 years for cats at risk.
- Adopted adult cat with unknown history: usually two doses of core vaccines 3–4 weeks apart, then boosters as above.
Do indoor cats need vaccines?
Yes — core vaccines are recommended for all cats. Panleukopenia virus can be carried in on shoes and clothing; cats escape, need boarding or emergency hospitalization, and travel. Indoor cats may, however, need fewer lifestyle vaccines and less frequent boosters.
Side effects
Most cats have no reaction or mild, short-lived effects for a day or two: sleepiness, reduced appetite, a mild fever or tenderness at the injection site.
Contact your vet immediately if you see vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing or collapse — signs of an allergic reaction, which is rare but serious.
A rare but important complication is an injection-site sarcoma, a type of tumor. Vets now inject vaccines in specific locations (often low on the legs or tail) to make any problem easier to treat. Tell your vet if a lump at the injection site is still present three months after vaccination, is larger than 2 cm, or is growing a month after the injection.
Keep records
Keep your cat's vaccination certificate or pet passport safe — you'll need it for boarding catteries, travel and when moving to a new vet. See microchipping and documents.