Cat Vaccination Guide: What Cats Need and When
Vaccination protects cats from serious and potentially fatal diseases.
Core Vaccines
- Feline herpesvirus: major cause of cat flu
- Feline calicivirus: cat flu, mouth ulcers
- Feline panleukopenia: highly fatal parvovirus equivalent
Non-Core Vaccines
- Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV): recommended for outdoor cats
- Rabies: required for travel
Kitten Schedule
- 8-9 weeks: first vaccination
- 11-12 weeks: second
- 15 months: first adult booster
Indoor Cats Still Need Vaccines
Viruses can be carried in on clothing and shoes. Emergencies may require boarding where exposure risk is higher.
Key takeaways
- Core vaccines protect against three serious feline diseases: herpesvirus (cat flu), calicivirus (cat flu and mouth ulcers), and panleukopenia (highly fatal parvovirus)
- Kittens receive their first vaccination at 8-9 weeks, second at 11-12 weeks, then their first adult booster at 15 months
- Even indoor cats need vaccination because viruses can enter homes on clothing, shoes, and through emergency situations like boarding
- Non-core vaccines (FeLV and rabies) are recommended based on your cat's lifestyle—outdoor cats and travelling cats have different needs
Frequently asked questions
Does my indoor cat really need vaccinations?
Yes, indoor cats should be vaccinated. Viruses can be brought inside on your clothing and shoes, and if your cat needs emergency boarding or veterinary care, vaccination protects them from exposure in those environments.
What age should I start vaccinating my kitten?
Vaccination begins at 8-9 weeks of age, followed by a second dose at 11-12 weeks. Your kitten will then receive their first adult booster at 15 months to ensure lasting protection.
What's the difference between core and non-core cat vaccines?
Core vaccines protect against diseases all cats are at risk from: feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Non-core vaccines like FeLV and rabies are recommended based on your cat's lifestyle—for example, outdoor cats benefit from FeLV vaccination, whilst rabies is essential if you travel.
Which cat vaccine is most important?
All three core vaccines are important as they protect against serious and potentially fatal diseases. Feline panleukopenia is particularly dangerous as it's the feline equivalent of parvovirus with high fatality rates, making vaccination crucial for all cats.