Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines for Cats
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) divides cat vaccines into two categories. Core vaccines are recommended for every cat regardless of lifestyle. Non-core vaccines are given based on your cat's exposure risk.
Core Vaccines (Every Cat Needs These)
| Vaccine | What it protects against | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Fatal viral disease, legally required in most states even for indoor cats | First dose at 12–16 weeks, booster at 1 year, then every 1 or 3 years |
| FVRCP | Feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia | Kitten series starting at 6–8 weeks, booster at 1 year, then every 3 years |
Non-Core Vaccines (Based on Lifestyle)
| Vaccine | Recommended for | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| FeLV (Feline Leukemia) | Cats with outdoor access or exposure to other cats | Initial 2-dose series, then annual for at-risk cats |
| FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) | Outdoor cats in high-risk areas | Ask your vet: availability varies |
| Bordetella | Cats in boarding or multi-cat households | Annual |
| Chlamydophila | Cats in high-density environments | Annual if recommended |
Many owners skip vaccines for indoor-only cats. This is a mistake. Rabies is legally required in most states regardless of lifestyle. And indoor cats can escape, be exposed to bats, or come into contact with other animals. Core vaccines are non-negotiable.
The Kitten Vaccine Schedule
Kittens receive a series of shots because maternal antibodies from their mother gradually fade during their first months of life. Here is a typical schedule:
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | FVRCP (first dose) |
| 10–12 weeks | FVRCP (second dose), FeLV (first dose if at risk) |
| 14–16 weeks | FVRCP (third dose), Rabies, FeLV (second dose if at risk) |
| 12–16 months | FVRCP booster, Rabies booster, annual non-core vaccines |
Adult Cat Booster Schedule
After the initial kitten series, adult cats need boosters to maintain protection:
- Rabies: every 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine and your state's law
- FVRCP: every 3 years after the first adult booster
- FeLV: annually for cats with outdoor access
Cats can rarely develop injection-site sarcomas, a type of tumor that can appear months or years after vaccination. Ask your vet about low-risk injection sites and report any lump that persists more than 3 weeks at a vaccine site.
Track every vaccine with Kinselo
Kinselo stores each vaccine with its date and next due date, shows a visual status and alerts you before it expires for both your dogs and cats.
Get KinseloWhat to Do If Your Cat Missed a Vaccine
Don't wait. Call your vet and schedule a catch-up appointment. Most vaccines can be restarted without repeating the full series. Your vet will recommend the right schedule based on how long it's been and your cat's current health.
Common Questions
Do indoor cats really need Rabies vaccines?
Yes. Rabies is required by law in most U.S. states for all cats, indoor or outdoor. Beyond the legal requirement, there is always some risk of exposure through an escaped cat, a bat that enters the home, or contact with an infected animal. The risk of the disease far outweighs the risk of the vaccine.
Can I vaccinate my cat myself?
Some vaccines are available without a prescription, but Rabies must be administered by a licensed veterinarian in most states. For the other vaccines, a vet can also check your cat's overall health and flag anything concerning, and that alone is worth the visit.
Useful products for your cat's health
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