Cats need several key vaccinations to protect them from serious and contagious diseases. The core vaccines generally recommended for cats include:
- FVRCP vaccine (a combination vaccine protecting against three diseases):
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus 1)
- Feline Calicivirus
- Feline Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
- Rabies vaccine (required by law in most places)
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccine (core for kittens and cats at risk, such as outdoor cats)
Typical Vaccination Schedule
For kittens:
- Start at 6–8 weeks of age with the FVRCP vaccine and FeLV vaccine
- Boosters every 3-4 weeks until about 16 weeks of age
- Rabies vaccine given around 12-16 weeks
- A booster for FVRCP, Rabies, and FeLV one year after the initial series
For adult cats:
- FVRCP booster every 3 years (or yearly if high risk)
- Rabies booster every 1 to 3 years depending on local laws and vaccine type
- FeLV booster annually for at-risk cats (outdoor or exposed cats), otherwise may not be needed after the initial series
Vaccination frequency depends on factors like age, lifestyle (indoor vs. outdoor), health status, and local regulations. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your cat's needs
Summary of Core Shots for Cats
Vaccine| Purpose| Typical Schedule
---|---|---
FVRCP| Protects against 3 major viral diseases| Kittens: series starting at
6-8 weeks; boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks; adult boosters every 3
years or yearly if high risk
Rabies| Protects against rabies virus (fatal)| First dose by 12-16 weeks;
boosters yearly or every 3 years per law and vaccine type
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)| Protects against leukemia virus, especially outdoor
cats| Kittens: series starting at 8 weeks; adult boosters annually if at risk;
indoor cats may not need further vaccination
Non-core vaccines like Bordetella may be recommended based on risk factors. In conclusion, cats need the FVRCP vaccine, Rabies vaccine, and FeLV vaccine (especially if outdoor or at risk), with schedules adjusted by age and lifestyle to maintain immunity and comply with legal requirements
