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Your cat's vaccine schedule may vary depending on the type of vaccine given [attenuated-live (weakened, but live germ), inactivated (killed germ), and recombinant], and the injection route (SC, intra-nasal, intra-oral). Each cat must be evaluated and a plan formulated on an individual basis to provide the best protection for your pet. While vaccination generally provides good protection, it does not guarantee complete immunity due to several factors that can affect efficacy. No vaccine achieves 100% protection.
Need help to decide which vaccines your cat needs? Use the Lifestyle-based Vaccine Calculator tool by AAHA for suggestions.
Vaccine | ≤ 16 Weeks | ≥ 16 Weeks | Boosters |
FVRCP (core) | *Starting 6-8 weeks of age: Administer every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks of age (3-4 total vaccinations) | *2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart | *Booster once annually, then every 3 years |
Rabies (core) Schedule may vary depending on state laws and regulations | *Not indicated | *1 dose at 3-4 months of age (12-16 weeks) | *Annually or every 3 years (depending on the vaccine manufacturer) |
FeLV (core for cats and kittens <1 year; non-core for cats >1 year of age) | *Starting 8 weeks of age: 2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart | *2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart | *High risk: Annually *Low risk: Booster every 2-3 years |
Core Vaccines: Recommended for all pet cats as diseases can cause significant infection and/or death. These diseases are widely distributed.
FVRCP—vaccine includes:
Feline viral rhinotracheitis [also known as Feline Herpes Virus type 1 (FHV-1)]
Feline calicivirus
Feline panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper or feline parvo)
Rabies
Rabies virus is transmissible to humans and other mammals (zoonotic)
Vaccination required by AZ law starting at 3 months of age
FeLV (Cats ≤1 year of age)
Feline leukemia
Requires blood testing for FeLV antigens prior to vaccination
If infected with FeLV (presence of antigens), there is no proven benefit for vaccination
Non-core Vaccines (optional): Recommended based on your cat's disease risks (environmental, lifestyle, and life-stage factors)
FeLV (Cats ≥1 year of age)
Feline leukemia
Requires blood testing for FeLV antigens prior to vaccination
If infected with FeLV (presence of antigens), there is no proven benefit for vaccination
*Chlamydia felis
Not typically used in pet cats
May provide incomplete protection
*Bordetella bronchiseptica
May provide incomplete protection
Higher risk of adverse reactions
*Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Not generally recommended as there is not enough evidence to suggest protection
Sources
2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines—Current and up-to-date vaccination guidelines for cats
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