Vaccines protect cats from feline panleukopenia, cat flu viruses, feline leukaemia and rabies. Kittens need a series of shots, a booster around six months to one year, and adult cats need boosters on a schedule tailored to their risk. Here is how it works.
This guide is part of our pet health checkup and vaccine guide. Schedules vary by country and vaccine product, so follow your vet’s advice and local law.
Core and non-core cat vaccines
| Vaccine | Protects against | Type |
|---|---|---|
| FVRCP (often called the “3-in-1”) | Feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus), calicivirus and panleukopenia | Core for all cats |
| Rabies | Rabies virus | Core where rabies is present or legally required, including India |
| FeLV | Feline leukaemia virus | Recommended for all kittens; for adults based on outdoor access and contact with other cats |
| Chlamydia, Bordetella | Respiratory infections | Non-core; used in multi-cat settings at risk |
Kitten vaccination schedule
| Age | Typical vaccines |
|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | First FVRCP |
| 9 to 12 weeks | Second FVRCP; first FeLV (after a negative FeLV test if indicated) |
| 12 to 16 weeks | Third FVRCP; second FeLV; rabies according to local law |
| 16 weeks or older | Final kitten FVRCP dose. Guidelines advise finishing at 16 weeks or later because maternal antibodies can block earlier doses |
| 6 months to 1 year | Booster of core vaccines and FeLV |
Adult cat boosters
- FVRCP: for many lower-risk adult cats, international guidelines support boosters about every three years after the one-year booster. Higher-risk cats, such as those in catteries or shelters, may need more frequent boosters.
- Rabies: every one or three years depending on the vaccine product and local law.
- FeLV: for adult cats at continued risk, typically every one to three years.
Do indoor cats need vaccines?
Yes, core vaccines are recommended for indoor cats too. Panleukopenia virus is very hardy and can be carried in on shoes, and indoor cats can escape or need boarding or hospital stays. Your vet may skip FeLV boosters for strictly indoor adult cats with no contact with other cats.
After vaccination
Mild lethargy or a small lump at the injection site for a day or two is common. Call your vet about swelling, vomiting, breathing difficulty or collapse. Tell your vet about any lump at an injection site that persists for more than a few weeks, grows, or is larger than about 2 cm, as vets monitor for rare injection-site reactions.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my kitten misses a vaccine?
Your vet will tell you whether to continue the series or restart, depending on how long it has been.
Can a vaccinated cat still get cat flu?
Vaccines reduce the severity of herpesvirus and calicivirus infections but do not always prevent infection completely.
Related guides
- Kitten’s first vet visit
- How often should cats go to the vet?
- Dog vaccination schedule
- Pet vaccination reminder templates (for clinics)
This guide is general information for pet owners and is not a substitute for an examination by a licensed veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, contact your vet.
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