You make sure your cat has the right food, toys, and litter, but are you checking off everything when it comes to their health? Whether you have a playful kitten or a serene senior cat, vaccinations protect against serious and contagious diseases. But they only work when administered at the right time, before your cat gets sick. It’s an important part of pet parenting to keep up with your cat’s vaccine schedule, but how do you know when to schedule a vet visit, much less which jabs your pet actually needs?
Reading this is a great first step. Navigating your cat’s health can be tricky, but not when you’re as informed as possible. Here are answers to some common questions on feline vaccines as well as a rundown of what shots your kitty needs and when.
What are core vaccines vs. non-core vaccines?
In order to know what shots your pet needs vs. what just may be beneficial to their health, it’s important to understand the differences between core vaccines and non-core vaccines.
Core vaccines for cats
In a nutshell, core vaccines are shots considered mandatory for all cats by veterinarians. They protect against prevalent, highly contagious, and/or very harmful illnesses. As per current American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) guidelines, there are five core vaccines for cats:
- Feline Panleukopenia (FPV): Also known as feline distemper, this is a highly contagious virus that can be fatal.*
- Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1): A virus that causes feline viral rhinotracheitis, a severe upper respiratory infection.*
- Feline Calicivirus (FCV): A virus causing other serious upper respiratory infections, often with oral ulcers.*
- Rabies virus: A viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal. It is transmissible to humans, making animal vaccination all the more important.
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Protects against feline leukemia and is considered core for kittens and young adult cats (generally under age two). Though it is considered especially important for those that go outdoors or live in multi-cat households, it is highly recommended for others as well.
*In order to reduce the amount of injections a cat receives, FPV, FHV-1, and FCV may be administered together as a three-in-one shot called FVRCP.
Non-core feline vaccines
Non-core vaccines aren’t required for all cats but may be recommended nonetheless to help boost your pet’s immunity and prevent them from suffering unnecessarily. Your veterinarian will take stock of your pet’s health, genetics, and lifestyle in order to determine how beneficial one of these may be for them.
According to the most recent AAHA and AAFP guidelines, non-core vaccines include:
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): Considered for cats at high risk of exposure, such as outdoor cats or those that may be in situations where they fight with other cats.
- Bordetella: Recommended for cats in high-density housing situations like shelters or boarding facilities.
- Chlamydia felis: Recommended for cats at risk of exposure to this bacterium, which causes conjunctivitis and respiratory issues.
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Considered non-core for adult cats (age two or older) but may still be recommended.
When does my cat need shots?
It may come as no surprise that kittens who are still growing need more jabs than their adult counterparts. Here’s a general cat vaccine schedule to follow, though your pet’s specific needs will depend on their living situation and individual health risks.
Kitten (newborn to 6 months old)
- 6-8 weeks: FVRCP / FPV, FHV-1, FCV
- 9-11 weeks: FVRCP / FPV, FHV-1, FCV (2nd round)
- Optional: FeLV, FIV
- 12-14 weeks: FVRCP / FPV, FHV-1, FCV (3rd round)
- Optional: FeLV (2nd round), FIV (2nd round)
- 15-17 weeks: FVRCP / FPV, FHV-1, FCV (4th round), Rabies
- Optional: FIV (3rd round)
Junior (7 months to 2 years old)
- 1-3 years: FVRCP booster, Rabies (2nd round)
- Optional: FeLV & FIV boosters (annually)
Adult cat (3 to 6 years old)
- Every 3 years: FVRCP booster. Rabies vaccine required if not administered prior.
- Optional: FeLV & FIV boosters (annually)
Senior feline (7 to 10+ years)
- Vaccines dependent on current condition and lifestyle, but FVRCP still recommended every three years. Rabies still required for travel and registration if not administered prior.
Other common cat owner questions on vaccines
Have other questions before you schedule shots for your cat? It’s always a good idea to ask your vet directly, but this information may help put your mind at ease.
What about FIP shots?
Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP, is a serious illness that stems from a mutated form of feline coronavirus (which itself is usually benign and resolves quickly). FIP is almost always fatal. However, research shows that vaccination against FIP in felines is not effective, and there is lacking evidence that the illness spreads between cats, so the shot is not typically recommended.
Do I legally have to get my cat vaccinated?
Vaccination laws for cats vary by location. However, rabies vaccines are mandatory in most US states as well as across Canada. And yes, this includes indoor cats. This is because the illness is nearly always fatal to both pets and humans (there is no known cure), and it is transmissible across species.
It’s always important to consult with your veterinarian about which shots your cat needs. Your veterinarian should be well-versed on local requirements and will be able to tell you what is and isn’t mandatory by law.
How do vaccines actually work?
Feline vaccinations work the same way for cats as they do for humans. Think of them like a dress rehearsal for the immune system. They resemble harmful bacteria or viruses but don't actually cause disease. When your cat gets vaccinated, their immune system learns to recognize these fake invaders by making special proteins called antibodies and prepping specific cells to fight off the real deal. So, if your cat ever encounters the actual virus or bacteria, their body can quickly launch an immune response to knock out the invader.
Are vaccines safe for cats?
All forms of medical treatment carry some level of risk, and vaccines are no exception. Vaccines are fantastic for preventing illnesses, but they're not foolproof. They don't work equally well for every cat, so even vaccinated cats should not be around animals who are sick (or unvaccinated). For example, some cats may experience swelling at the site of injection. This should go down within days, but a follow-up appointment may be needed if it persists.
A more serious concern is a sarcoma (a type of tumor) developing at or near the site of injection. More research is needed on this phenomenon, but veterinarians use this concern to determine whether or not non-core vaccines may be recommended. Practitioners are also advised to follow AAFP guidelines for where to inject cats and keep records of injection sites for follow-up.
Rest assured, the benefits of vaccines outweigh the risks. Still, it is perfectly normal to be concerned and wonder about their safety and efficacy when it comes to your pet. Never be afraid to ask questions and talk with your veterinarian about your concerns.
How much do cat vaccinations cost?
The exact amount each feline vaccine will cost you depends on the individual veterinary clinic and the vaccine’s availability. According to a 2024 review by the Los Angeles Times, a typical cat vaccine costs between $20 and $40 apiece, though costs often go up when combined with testing and other preventive care.
How to save on your cat’s care
Pet insurance does not typically cover vaccinations, as they are considered part of routine, expected veterinary care that pet owners can plan for. However, health coverage can help you save on unexpected areas of your cat’s healthcare. If your cat gets into a fight, for example, they may be protected from certain illnesses thanks to vaccination, but they’ll likely still need treatment. Having cat insurance in place can help save you from paying in full for surprise costs like this.
