Which vaccinations does my cat need?

Core vaccines (required for all cats) include Rabies and FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia). Non-core vaccines like FeLV (feline leukemia virus) depend on your region and lifestyle. Our schedule follows WSAVA and AAFP feline guidelines.

How often does my cat need booster shots?

FVRCP boosters are typically every 1–3 years after the initial kitten series. Rabies boosters are every 1–3 years depending on local laws. Annual wellness exams are recommended even in non-booster years. Our calculator generates a personalized timeline.

When do kittens need their first shots?

Kittens start their vaccination series at 6-8 weeks: 1st FVRCP at 6-8 weeks, 2nd FVRCP at 10-12 weeks, 3rd FVRCP + Rabies at 14-16 weeks. The final dose is given at or after 16 weeks because maternal antibodies can persist until then — giving it earlier risks the vaccine being neutralized. Indoor-only kittens still need the full core series (FVRCP + Rabies). FeLV vaccination is recommended for kittens with outdoor access or exposure to FeLV-positive cats. A 1-year booster after the initial series is essential for long-term protection.

Does an indoor cat need the same vaccines as an outdoor cat?

Indoor-only cats still need all core vaccines (FVRCP + Rabies). FVRCP protects against airborne viruses that can enter through open windows, and rabies is legally required in most jurisdictions regardless of lifestyle — it also protects your cat if a bat enters your home, which is not uncommon. The main difference is non-core vaccines: indoor cats typically do not need FeLV (feline leukemia) vaccination. Our schedule adjusts for indoor vs. outdoor lifestyle to give you the right recommendation.

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Cat Vaccination Schedule

Get a personalized vaccination schedule for your cat based on WSAVA core feline vaccine guidelines.

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Key Knowledge

Core vs. Non-Core Feline Vaccines

Core vaccines for ALL cats: FVRCP + Rabies. Non-core (FeLV, FIV, Chlamydia, Bordetella) depend on outdoor access and multi-cat exposure. Core vaccines for ALL cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) and Rabies. Non-core vaccines — FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus), FIV, Chlamydia, Bordetella — depend on lifestyle. Indoor-only cats need core vaccines; outdoor cats or multi-cat households may need FeLV.

Source: WSAVA / AAFP Vaccination Guidelines

FVRCP: What It Covers

FVRCP covers Rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus), Calicivirus (oral/respiratory), and Panleukopenia (feline distemper — often fatal). FVRCP is the feline core vaccine covering: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus causing upper respiratory disease), Calicivirus (oral ulcers, respiratory disease), and Panleukopenia (feline distemper — highly contagious, often fatal). Kittens receive the initial series at 6-8, 12, and 16 weeks, followed by a 12-month booster and then every 3 years.

Source: AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines

Indoor Cat Vaccine Needs

Indoor-only cats still need FVRCP + Rabies — airborne viruses enter through windows, and rabies vaccination is legally required in most jurisdictions. Indoor-only cats still need core vaccines (FVRCP + Rabies). Rabies is legally required in most jurisdictions regardless of lifestyle. FVRCP protects against airborne viruses — an open window or a vet visit is enough exposure. Rabies vaccination also protects your cat if a bat or other rabid animal enters your home, which is not uncommon.

Source: AAFP Indoor Cat Guidelines

Kitten Vaccination Timeline

FVRCP at 6-8, 12, and 16 weeks; Rabies at 14-16 weeks; 12-month booster; then core boosters every 3 years. 6-8 weeks: 1st FVRCP. 10-12 weeks: 2nd FVRCP + optional FeLV test/vaccine. 14-16 weeks: 3rd FVRCP + Rabies. 12-16 months: FVRCP booster + Rabies booster. Adult cats: FVRCP every 3 years, Rabies per local law (1-3 years). FeLV: annually for outdoor cats. Deworming: schedule per vet recommendation based on fecal exams.

Source: WSAVA Global Vaccination Guidelines (2024)

Data verified by petsMetrics using peer-reviewed veterinary sources. Citations: ASPCA, AVMA, AAFP. Last reviewed: 2026.

The Science Behind the Cat Vaccination Schedule

This schedule follows WSAVA 2024 Global Vaccination Guidelines and AAFP Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel recommendations. The 3-dose kitten FVRCP series (6-8, 12, 16 weeks) addresses maternal antibody interference — maternal antibodies can persist up to 14-16 weeks in some kittens, which is why the final dose is given at or after 16 weeks. The 12-month booster is critical: if missed, the cat may not have lasting immunity. Subsequent 3-year intervals are supported by challenge studies demonstrating durable protection. FeLV vaccine is recommended only for cats with exposure risk (outdoor access, FeLV-positive housemates) — it's not core because indoor-only cats have near-zero risk.

References: WSAVA Global Vaccination Guidelines (2024); AAFP Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel Report— via petsMetrics

Check Your Cat's Healthy Weight

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