Cat Vaccination Schedule: Core Vaccines, Boosters & What Your Cat Needs

Quick answer: All cats need core vaccines: FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) and rabies. Kittens receive a series of FVRCP shots every 3-4 weeks starting at 6-8 weeks old until 16 weeks, plus their first rabies vaccine at 12-16 weeks. Adult boosters are given one year later, then every three years. Non-core vaccines like FeLV are recommended based on lifestyle and risk factors. Even indoor-only cats need core vaccines and rabies.

Reviewed by Dr. James Chen, DVM — Board Certified in Feline Practice

Meowing Goods is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in preventive medicine — for humans and cats alike. They’ve dramatically reduced the incidence of once-devastating feline diseases like panleukopenia (which had mortality rates of 60-90% in kittens) and virtually eliminated rabies in well-vaccinated pet populations. Yet cat vaccinations remain a source of confusion and anxiety for many cat owners.

How many vaccines does a kitten actually need? What’s the difference between core and non-core? Do indoor cats really need shots? Is over-vaccination a real concern? These are legitimate questions, and the answers matter.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about feline vaccinations — the specific vaccines available, the recommended schedules for kittens and adults, how indoor versus outdoor lifestyle affects vaccine decisions, and what to expect (and watch for) after your cat is vaccinated. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all topic, and we’ll explain where individualized decisions come into play.

Understanding Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) classifies feline vaccines into two categories: core and non-core. Understanding this distinction is the foundation of any vaccination conversation.

Core Vaccines (Recommended for ALL Cats)

Core vaccines protect against diseases that are severe, highly contagious, and/or pose a risk to human health. Every cat, regardless of lifestyle, should receive core vaccines.

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) — This combination vaccine protects against three separate diseases:

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) — Caused by feline herpesvirus-1, this upper respiratory infection causes sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and fever. Once infected, cats carry the virus for life and may have recurring flare-ups during stress. The virus is extremely contagious and can spread through the air and on contaminated surfaces.

• Feline Calicivirus (FCV) — Another common upper respiratory pathogen that causes sneezing, nasal discharge, oral ulcers, and in some strains, a severe systemic disease. Like herpesvirus, calicivirus is highly contagious and environmentally resilient, surviving on surfaces for up to a month.

• Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) — Also called feline distemper or feline parvovirus, this is one of the most dangerous feline diseases. It attacks rapidly dividing cells — particularly in the bone marrow and intestinal lining — causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and immunosuppression. Mortality rates in unvaccinated kittens can reach 90%. The virus is extremely hardy, surviving in the environment for a year or more. Vaccination has made panleukopenia far less common, but unvaccinated cats remain at serious risk.

Rabies — Rabies vaccination is required by law in most jurisdictions. Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of all mammals, including humans. There is no treatment once clinical signs appear — the disease is 100% fatal. In North America, bats are the most common source of feline rabies exposure, making even indoor cats potentially at risk.

Non-Core Vaccines (Recommended Based on Lifestyle and Risk)

Non-core vaccines are given based on individual risk assessment, considering factors like geographic location, outdoor access, contact with other cats, and shelter or boarding exposure.

FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) — FeLV is a retrovirus that suppresses the immune system and can cause cancer (lymphoma), anemia, and secondary infections. It spreads through close contact — mutual grooming, shared food bowls, bite wounds, and from mother to kitten. The AAFP recommends FeLV vaccination for:

• All kittens (regardless of expected lifestyle, since plans can change)
• Adult cats that go outdoors
• Cats in multi-cat households where the FeLV status of all cats isn’t confirmed negative

FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) — An FIV vaccine was previously available but has been discontinued in North America due to limited efficacy and interference with FIV testing. Prevention relies on keeping cats indoors and avoiding contact with infected cats (FIV spreads primarily through deep bite wounds).

Bordetella bronchiseptica — May be recommended for cats in high-density environments like shelters or catteries.

Chlamydophila felis — May be recommended for cats in multi-cat environments with known exposure risk.

Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Kittens are born with maternal antibodies — immune protection passed from their mother through colostrum (first milk). These antibodies provide temporary protection during the first weeks of life but gradually wane, leaving kittens vulnerable. The timing of this decline varies, which is why kittens receive a series of vaccines rather than a single shot.

The Cornell Feline Health Center outlines the following standard kitten vaccination timeline:

Key points about the kitten series:

• Why multiple doses? Maternal antibodies can interfere with the vaccine’s ability to stimulate the kitten’s own immune response. By giving a series of doses every 3-4 weeks, you ensure that at least one dose takes effect after maternal antibodies have declined enough.
• The final dose at 16 weeks is critical. In some kittens, maternal antibodies persist until 16 weeks or even slightly later. If the vaccine series ends before maternal antibodies wane, the kitten may not develop adequate immunity. This is why the last dose should be given no earlier than 16 weeks of age.
• Adopted kittens with unknown history should receive the full series regardless of age. Better to give an extra dose than to leave a kitten unprotected.

If you’re preparing for a new kitten, our kitten litter training guide covers other essential aspects of early kitten care.

Adult Cat Vaccination Schedule

After completing the kitten series, adult vaccination follows a more relaxed schedule. The first adult booster is given one year after the final kitten dose, and subsequent boosters follow the schedule recommended by the AAFP:

Important notes on adult vaccination:

• The one-year booster is essential. It’s not just a “repeat” — it provides a critical immune system boost that extends protection for the following three-year interval.
• Rabies vaccine frequency varies by product. Some rabies vaccines are labeled for one-year duration, while others are approved for three years. Your veterinarian will use the appropriate product and schedule.
• Adult cats with unknown or lapsed vaccine history should receive two FVRCP doses 3-4 weeks apart, followed by the standard three-year booster schedule.

Indoor vs. Outdoor: How Lifestyle Affects Vaccine Decisions

One of the most common questions veterinarians hear is whether indoor-only cats truly need vaccinations. The answer is yes for core vaccines, with some nuance for non-core vaccines.

Why Indoor Cats Still Need Core Vaccines

• Disease can enter your home. Feline panleukopenia virus is extraordinarily resilient — it can survive on surfaces and be tracked indoors on shoes, clothing, or hands. Calicivirus similarly persists on contaminated objects.
• Bats. Bats are a leading source of rabies in North America. They can enter homes through chimneys, attic openings, and gaps in window screens. Encounters between indoor cats and bats are not as rare as people think.
• Escape risk. Even the most devoted indoor cat can slip through an open door. One unvaccinated outdoor excursion is all it takes for exposure.
• Boarding and vet visits. Veterinary waiting rooms and boarding facilities, despite precautions, are places where infectious disease exposure can occur.
• Legal requirements. Rabies vaccination is legally required in most areas regardless of lifestyle.

When Non-Core Vaccines Make Sense

FeLV vaccination is particularly relevant for:

• Cats with outdoor access — Even supervised outdoor time or catio access creates potential for contact with infected stray cats.
• Multi-cat households — Especially if new cats are introduced periodically or if any cat goes outdoors.
• Kittens — The AAFP recommends FeLV vaccination for all kittens, since their future lifestyle may change (a kitten adopted as an indoor-only cat may end up in a home that allows outdoor access).

For indoor-only adult cats in single-cat households, FeLV vaccination is generally not recommended after the initial kitten series — the risk of exposure is extremely low.

Vaccine Side Effects: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Vaccination stimulates the immune system, and this process can cause mild, temporary effects. Understanding what’s normal helps you avoid unnecessary worry while still being vigilant for the rare serious reaction.

Normal (Common) Side Effects

These typically appear within 6-24 hours of vaccination and resolve within 24-48 hours:

• Mild lethargy or sleepiness
• Slight decrease in appetite
• Low-grade fever
• Mild tenderness or small swelling at the injection site
• Mild sneezing (particularly after intranasal vaccines)

These are signs of a healthy immune response. Provide a quiet, comfortable resting spot and let your cat recover at their own pace.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

Call your vet if you observe:

• Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours
• A lump at the injection site that persists for more than three weeks, grows larger than 2 centimeters, or is still present one month post-vaccination
• Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
• Lameness or reluctance to use the limb near the injection site

Emergency Signs (Rare — Seek Immediate Care)

• Facial swelling (especially around the eyes and muzzle)
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Hives or widespread skin bumps
• Collapse or extreme weakness
• Persistent vomiting beginning within minutes to hours of vaccination

Anaphylactic reactions are extremely rare in cats but require emergency treatment. If your cat has a known history of vaccine reactions, discuss pre-treatment protocols (such as antihistamines) with your veterinarian before future vaccinations.

Injection-Site Sarcomas

Injection-site sarcomas (also called feline injection-site sarcomas or FISS) are a rare but serious concern specific to cats. These aggressive tumors can develop at sites where vaccines or other injectable products have been administered. The estimated incidence is 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 30,000 vaccinations.

To minimize this risk, current veterinary practice includes:

• Using non-adjuvanted vaccines when available (adjuvants are additives that enhance immune response but have been associated with higher sarcoma risk)
• Administering vaccines in specific limb locations rather than between the shoulder blades, so that if a sarcoma develops, surgical removal (including amputation if necessary) is possible
• Avoiding unnecessary vaccinations — every vaccine decision should be justified by genuine disease risk

This is one of several reasons why the AAFP has moved toward less frequent booster schedules and risk-based non-core vaccine decisions.

Keeping Track of Your Cat’s Vaccination Records

Maintaining accurate vaccine records is more important than many owners realize. You’ll need them for:

• Boarding facilities
• Grooming appointments
• Travel (domestic and international)
• Proof of rabies vaccination if your cat bites someone
• Continuity of care when switching veterinarians
• Compliance with local laws

Ask your veterinarian for a copy of vaccination records at every visit. Store them digitally (a photo on your phone works) and keep a physical copy in a safe place. Many veterinary practices also offer online portals where you can access records at any time.

Key Takeaways

• All cats need core vaccines: FVRCP and rabies, regardless of indoor or outdoor status.
• Kittens need a series of vaccines every 3-4 weeks from 6-8 weeks until 16 weeks of age. The final dose at 16 weeks is critical.
• The one-year adult booster after the kitten series is essential for long-term immunity.
• Adult boosters are given every three years for FVRCP and rabies (in most cases).
• Non-core vaccines like FeLV are given based on lifestyle risk. All kittens should receive FeLV vaccination; adult indoor-only cats in single-cat households generally don’t need it.
• Mild side effects are normal and resolve in 24-48 hours. Know the difference between normal reactions and emergencies.
• Indoor cats are not risk-free. Disease can enter homes, bats can bring rabies, and cats can escape.
• Keep detailed vaccination records. You’ll need them for boarding, travel, legal compliance, and veterinary continuity.
• Vaccine decisions should be individualized. Work with your veterinarian to create a schedule tailored to your cat’s specific risks and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vaccines does my indoor cat need?

Even strictly indoor cats need core vaccines: the FVRCP combination (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) and rabies. These diseases can enter your home through various routes — on your shoes or clothing, through window screens, or if your cat ever escapes outdoors even briefly. Rabies vaccination is required by law in most jurisdictions regardless of indoor/outdoor status. Non-core vaccines like FeLV are generally not necessary for indoor-only cats with no exposure risk, but discuss your specific situation with your veterinarian.

How often do cats need booster shots?

After the initial kitten series, the first adult booster is given one year later. After that, boosters are typically administered every three years for FVRCP and rabies (depending on the vaccine type — some rabies vaccines are labeled for one year, others for three years). FeLV boosters, if your cat receives them, are given annually. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule based on your cat’s age, health status, lifestyle, and the specific vaccines used.

Can vaccines make my cat sick?

Mild side effects are common and typically resolve within 24-48 hours. These include lethargy, mild fever, decreased appetite, and slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site. These are normal immune responses and not cause for alarm. Serious adverse reactions — difficulty breathing, facial swelling, persistent vomiting, collapse — are rare but constitute a veterinary emergency. Call your vet if mild symptoms persist beyond 48 hours or if you observe any severe reaction.

Is it safe to vaccinate a pregnant cat?

Modified live vaccines (MLV) should never be given to pregnant cats, as they can cause birth defects or fetal death. Killed (inactivated) vaccines are generally considered safer during pregnancy, but vaccination during pregnancy is best avoided when possible. Ideally, breeding cats should be fully vaccinated before mating. If a pregnant cat needs vaccination (for example, in a shelter environment with disease exposure), your veterinarian will weigh the risks and choose the safest option.

My cat is strictly indoors — does it really need a rabies vaccine?

Yes, for both legal and practical reasons. Rabies vaccination is required by law in most states and municipalities regardless of indoor status. From a health standpoint, even indoor cats can be exposed to rabies through bats that enter homes (bats are a leading rabies vector in North America), through accidental escape outdoors, or through encounters with wildlife that enters the home. Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear in any mammal, including humans, making vaccination non-negotiable.

What happens if I miss my cat’s booster vaccine?

If a booster is overdue by a few weeks to a couple of months, your veterinarian will likely just administer the vaccine and resume the normal schedule. If boosters are significantly overdue (more than a few months to years), your vet may recommend restarting a series with two doses given 3-4 weeks apart to ensure adequate immunity. Missing boosters doesn’t mean starting completely from scratch — immunological memory exists — but it does mean your cat’s protection has likely waned. Schedule the overdue booster as soon as you realize it’s been missed.

Are there risks to over-vaccinating cats?

Over-vaccination carries a small but real risk in cats. Injection-site sarcomas (a type of cancer) have been associated with certain vaccines, particularly adjuvanted vaccines given at the same injection site repeatedly. This risk is extremely low — estimated at 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 30,000 vaccinations — but it’s one reason veterinary guidelines have shifted toward less frequent boosters and rotating injection sites. Modern non-adjuvanted vaccines and the move to three-year protocols reflect a commitment to balancing protection against disease with minimizing unnecessary vaccination.

Sources

1. AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines
2. AVMA - Vaccinations for Your Pet
3. Cornell Feline Health Center - Feline Vaccines: Benefits and Risks