Cats need fewer vaccines than dogs, but the core ones matter a great deal — panleukopenia and rabies are life-threatening. Here's what the AAHA/AAFP guidelines recommend.

Core vaccines (for every cat)

  • FVRCP — a 3-in-1 against feline herpesvirus (rhinotracheitis), calicivirus and panleukopenia (feline "distemper").
  • Rabies — required by law in most areas.
  • FeLV (feline leukemia) — considered core for all kittens, and recommended for adults that go outdoors or live with other cats.

Kitten schedule

  • From 6–8 weeks: FVRCP, a dose every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks
  • 8–12 weeks: FeLV series (2 doses)
  • 12–16 weeks: Rabies
  • At ~1 year: FVRCP + Rabies boosters
  • After that: FVRCP every 3 years (yearly if high-risk); rabies every 1–3 years

Indoor cats too?

Yes — indoor cats still need core vaccines. Panleukopenia is extremely hardy and can be carried in on shoes, and rabies is a legal requirement regardless of lifestyle.

Keep your cat's shots and booster dates in a free PetsAlbum profile so you never guess when the next one is due.