As a responsible pet owner, one of the most important things you can do for your cat’s health is ensure they receive all necessary vaccinations. Vaccines protect cats from dangerous, potentially fatal diseases that could cut their lives tragically short. But with so many vaccines available, how do you know which ones your cat really needs? Understanding your cat’s ideal vaccination schedule will set them up for a long, healthy, happy life.
Kitten Vaccinations
Kittens are especially vulnerable to disease because they have no immunity at birth. Maternal antibodies passed on from the mother provide some early protection, but these dissipate as the kitten ages. This makes starting vaccines as soon as safely possible essential. Kittens should receive multiple sets of core vaccines spaced 3-4 weeks apart. Vaccination begins as early as 6 weeks and continues until 16-20 weeks of age. The initial series establishes immunity, while boosters strengthen and extend it. Kittens need vaccines more frequently than adult cats because their immune systems are still developing.
The specific vaccines kittens require include:
- Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV)
- Feline calicivirus (FCV)
- Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV)
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
- Rabies
Some kittens may also need vaccines for chlamydophila and bordetella (respiratory diseases), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIP), depending on risk factors like their lifestyle and geographic location.
FPV, FCV, FHV Vaccines
The FPV, FCV, and FHV vaccines are typically administered together as a multivalent vaccine. FPV targets panleukopenia virus, also called feline distemper, which attacks the immune system and causes vomiting, diarrhea, and often death. FCV protects against the respiratory illness feline calicivirus. FHV prevents rhinotracheitis caused by feline herpesvirus-1. Kittens need their first dose of these core vaccines starting at 6 weeks old and a follow up dose every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks of age.
Feline Leukemia Vaccine
The FeLV vaccine defends against feline leukemia virus. FeLV compromises the immune system and increases susceptibility to other diseases. It can cause anemia, cancer, and death. Kittens should receive their first FeLV vaccine at 8-9 weeks of age or be vaccinated as early as 6 weeks if there is significant virus presence in the environment. Boosters are given every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks old.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. All cats should be vaccinated against rabies based on local laws and risks. The first rabies vaccine is typically given at 12 weeks of age or older. Kittens must be at least 12 weeks old before getting this vaccine. Additional boosters are given based on the vaccine’s licensing. Rabies vaccines provide a minimum 1 year immunity, while some formulas protect for 3 years.
Adult Cat Vaccines
Once cats reach adulthood, they still need regular vaccines. However, adult cats do not require vaccines as frequently as growing kittens. Generally, adult cats only need FPV, FCV, and FHV vaccine boosters every 3 years. Adult cats at low disease risk may only need FCV and FHV boosters every 3 years after receiving an initial series of two boosters one year apart upon reaching adulthood. FeLV vaccines are recommended annually for high-risk adult cats. Rabies vaccine boosters are given based on either 1 or 3 year formulas. Discuss an appropriate vaccination schedule for your adult cat with your veterinarian.
FPV Vaccine
Adult cats should receive the panleukopenia vaccine about every three years. Yearly boosters may be advised in regions with frequent panleukopenia outbreaks.
FCV and FHV Vaccines
For adult cats at low disease risk, current guidelines recommend repeating the FCV and FHV vaccines one year after the initial kitten series is complete. Subsequent boosters can be given every three years thereafter. Higher risk cats benefit from more frequent annual boosters. Discuss your specific cat’s needs with your vet.
FeLV Vaccine
Continue annual FeLV vaccines for any adult cat with ongoing exposures or elevated contracting risks. Indoor only, solitary cats are at low risk and generally do not require yearly FeLV boosters.
Rabies Vaccine
A rabies vaccine booster is necessary when the one or three year vaccine expires. Adult cats should maintain current rabies vaccination at all times based on laws in your local jurisdiction.
Are Vaccine Boosters Necessary?
Some pet owners question whether their adult cat really needs repeat vaccines every few years. It’s true that core vaccines like FPV convey long-lasting, likely lifelong immunity for most cats. But individual responses can vary. Some cats may have incomplete protection without periodic vaccine boosters. Since determining which cats need boosters isn’t usually possible, veterinarians recommend routine boosters for all adult cats to ensure robust, persistent immunity. Follow your vet’s advice about boosters to give your cat the best health and safety.
What If My Adult Cat is Overdue for Vaccines?
Ideally adult cats should receive vaccine boosters as directed by your vet, without lapses in protection during adulthood. But if your adult cat has gone more than a year past due for any vaccine, they may need additional boosters to renew immunity.
For core FPV, FCV, and FHV vaccines, your vet may recommend two boosters spaced 2-4 weeks apart if it has been over a year since the last dose. After these initial boosters, your cat can resume getting revaccinated every 3 years. FeLV and rabies vaccines follow the same booster guidelines during adulthood whether given routinely or delayed.
Rarely, a titer test may be done to check immunity from past core vaccines instead of automatically giving boosters. But waiting this long between vaccines is not ideal. Follow your vet’s booster recommendations to best protect your cat.
Are There Any Risks to Vaccines?
Vaccines are extremely safe and effective for cats. Any risks are far outweighed by the benefits of disease protection. Still, mild side effects can sometimes occur.
Common Vaccine Side Effects
- Low-grade fever
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Localized swelling or soreness at the injection site
These effects are usually mild and transient, resolving within a few days. More serious vaccine reactions are very rare in cats. But seek prompt veterinary care if your cat experiences difficulty breathing, walking, or any concerning symptoms after vaccination.
Adjuvanted vs. Non-Adjuvanted Vaccines
Some FeLV and rabies vaccines contain an adjuvant, a compound added to enhance the immune response. While adjuvants improve vaccine efficacy, they may also increase risk of side effects like swelling and soreness. Using non-adjuvanted vaccines when available can reduce chances of reactions.
Intranasal Vaccines
Intranasal FHV and FCV vaccines represent newer technology that may cause fewer side effects than injectable options. Discuss intranasal vaccine benefits for your cat with your vet.
Are There Any Reasons to Skip Vaccines?
Skipping vaccines leaves your cat vulnerable to preventable disease. However, there are some specific situations where vaccination may be temporarily or permanently contraindicated.
Age
Kittens under 4-6 weeks old should not receive vaccines. Maternal antibodies offer protection this early in life. Exceptions could occur during panleukopenia outbreaks.
Illness
Cats with acute moderate to severe illness should postpone vaccines until recovered. Mild illnesses are not a barrier to vaccination.
Pregnancy
All vaccines are avoided during pregnancy if possible. But nursing mothers often need select vaccines like rabies and panleukopenia to confer protection through milk.
Immune Mediated Diseases
Cats with conditions like FIV may need more tailored vaccine schedules. Vaccines are generally avoided in cats with a history of serious vaccine reactions.
Key Takeaways
- Kittens require multiple sets of vaccines starting at 6-8 weeks old given every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks of age.
- Adult cats need vaccine boosters, but less frequently than growing kittens.
- Core vaccines include panleukopenia virus, calicivirus, herpesvirus, rabies, and leukemia virus for high-risk cats.
- Maintain continuous vaccine coverage during adulthood.
- Discuss an optimal vaccine schedule for your individual cat with your vet.
Protecting your cat through proper vaccination is one of the best investments you can make in their health. While the vaccine schedule may seem busy, especially for kittens, sticking to these guidelines will give your cat the best chance at living a long and healthy life.
