Cat Vaccination Schedule: Essential Shots from Kitten to Adult

Core Vaccines vs. Non-Core Vaccines

Veterinarians classify cat vaccines as core (recommended for all cats) and non-core (optional, depending on the cat’s lifestyle and risk). Core vaccines protect against the most common and dangerous diseases – ones that every cat, indoor or outdoor, could potentially be exposed to. For cats, the core vaccines are:

• FVRCP vaccine – a 3-in-1 shot protecting against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus), Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. (Sometimes called the “distemper shot” or “cat flu shot”). These diseases are widespread and can be very serious, so FVRCP is a must.
• Rabies vaccine – rabies is deadly to animals and people, and often legally required for cats. Even indoor cats should get rabies shots, because bats or other wildlife can sometimes get into houses.

Non-core vaccines include things like Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), FIV, Bordetella, Chlamydophila felis, etc. FeLV is generally recommended as a core vaccine for kittens (more on that below) and for adult cats that go outdoors or live with an FeLV-positive cat. Others (FIV, Bordetella, etc.) are only used in special circumstances.

Why vaccinate? Vaccines “teach” the immune system to recognize and fight the actual virus or bacteria. By vaccinating, you greatly reduce the chance your cat will contract those diseases, or at least minimize severity. Kittens are especially vulnerable to infections once maternal antibodies wane, so starting vaccines early is crucial​. Overall, following a proper vaccination schedule can save your cat’s life and spare them serious illness. It’s one of the easiest preventive measures we have.

Kitten Vaccination Schedule (Birth to 16 Weeks)

Kittens receive some immunity from their mother’s milk (colostrum) in the first day of life. However, these maternal antibodies begin to decline by a few weeks of age and can interfere with vaccines until they drop low enough. That’s why kittens need a series of booster shots – to ensure that once mom’s antibodies fade, the vaccines “take” and build the kitten’s own immunity​. Here’s a typical kitten vaccine schedule:

• 6–8 weeks old: First FVRCP vaccine. Kittens can start as early as 6 weeks, but many shelters/breeders or vets begin around 7-8 weeks. This shot protects against feline rhinotracheitis (herpes), calicivirus, and panleukopenia. (Panleukopenia, also called feline distemper, is highly contagious and often fatal to kittens, so starting this early is key.) If the breeder or shelter already gave a first FVRCP at 6 weeks, your vet will continue the series accordingly.
• 8–12 weeks old: Second FVRCP booster. (Vaccines are boosted every 3-4 weeks in kittens.) Also around 8-12 weeks is when we give the first FeLV (Feline Leukemia) vaccine if indicated, and in many cases, Rabies as well (depending on local law and the product used, rabies is often given at 12 or 16 weeks). In practice, many vets do: at 8 weeks FVRCP #2 + FeLV #1, and at ~12 weeks FVRCP #3 + FeLV #2 + Rabies. FeLV is recommended for all kittens because kittens are most susceptible to feline leukemia virus, and even indoor kittens can sneak out or later live with other cats​. After the initial kitten FeLV series, strictly indoor cats may not need ongoing FeLV boosters (more on that below). Rabies minimum age varies by state/country, but commonly it’s given once at 12 or 16 weeks.
• 14–16 weeks old: Final kitten FVRCP booster (usually this is the 3rd or 4th FVRCP, depending on start time) and Rabies if not given yet. By 16 weeks, kittens should have received at least two FVRCP shots after 12 weeks of age for full protection (maternal antibodies are usually gone by 12-14 weeks). The last FVRCP of the series effectively “locks in” the immunity for the next year​.
• FeLV second booster is given 3-4 weeks after the first, so if first was at 8-9 weeks, second is at 12-13 weeks. FeLV immunization requires two shots initially.

Kitten Vaccine Schedule Summary: FVRCP every 3-4 weeks (start ~8 weeks, continue until ~16 weeks), FeLV two doses (around 8 and 12 weeks), Rabies once (at 12 or 16 weeks, per vet’s protocol and legal requirements). By 4 months old, a kitten should be fully vaccinated with core shots.

Here’s a handy table for a typical kitten schedule:

Kitten Age

Vaccines Due

6–8 weeks

FVRCP #1 (Feline Rhinotracheitis/Calici/Panleukopenia)

9–12 weeks

FVRCP #2; FeLV #1 (Feline Leukemia); Rabies (if 12 weeks and required by law or vet practice)

13–16 weeks

FVRCP #3; FeLV #2; Rabies (if not given yet at 12 weeks)

(Note: Some protocols add an additional FVRCP at 16 weeks if first was at 6 weeks, making it FVRCP #4. The goal is a final FVRCP at 14-16 weeks or older for best protection​ torontohumanesociety.com.)

The First Annual Booster (at ~6 months to 1 year)

After the kitten series, your cat will next need boosters at about one year of age. Commonly, about one year after the last kitten shots, vets give a booster of FVRCP, Rabies, and FeLV (if the cat is at risk). For convenience, many vets do this at the cat’s spay/neuter if that occurs around 5-6 months, or they’ll schedule it at 1 year.

• FVRCP 1-year Booster: Boosting one year after the kitten series ensures a strong, lasting immunity. After this, FVRCP is generally given every 3 years (for adult cats) if using a 3-year licensed vaccine​. Some clinics use 1-year FVRCP vaccines and will still do it annually, but many follow a 3-year protocol once the initial booster is done.
• Rabies 1-year Booster: If a 1-year rabies vaccine was used initially, a booster is needed at 1 year, and then often every 3 years thereafter with a 3-year vaccine (depending on local laws and vaccine type). Some rabies vaccines for cats are 1-year only (especially non-adjuvanted formulas often used to reduce vaccine reactions). Check your local requirements – in many places it’s legally required to keep rabies vaccination up to date. After the 1-year booster, many areas allow triennial (every 3 year) rabies for cats​.
• FeLV 1-year Booster: If your cat goes outdoors or lives with an FeLV-positive cat, a booster at 1 year is recommended, then annually or every 2 years thereafter for continued protection​. If your cat is strictly indoor and has zero contact with other cats, your vet may advise that FeLV boosters after the kitten series are not necessary. Current expert recommendations generally say to vaccinate all kittens for FeLV, but for adult indoor-only cats, FeLV vaccination can be optional/risk-based​. Discuss with your vet – many err on side of caution and give it at 1 year, then discontinue if lifestyle is 100% indoor.

Adult Cat Vaccine Schedule (After the First Year)

For adult cats, the focus is on maintaining immunity with the minimal number of vaccines needed. Core vaccines have been shown to provide immunity for several years in many cats. A common protocol is:

• FVRCP (3-year interval): After the 1-year booster, FVRCP is typically given every 3 years​. For example, if kitten got FVRCP ending at 16 weeks in 2024, then booster at 1 year in 2025, the next would be due around 2028. This 3-year interval is considered sufficient for ongoing immunity in a healthy adult.
• Rabies: Follow local law/vet protocol – often every 3 years if a 3-year vaccine was used. Some clinics use a non-adjuvanted rabies vaccine that they boost yearly or every 2 years since it’s only licensed for 1-year use. Always keep rabies current as per requirements, for safety and legality. (Indoor cats occasionally escape or encounter bats, and rabies is fatal – plus if a cat bites someone and isn’t vaccinated, there could be quarantine issues.)
• FeLV: For at-risk cats (go outdoors, meet foster cats, etc.), boost yearly or every 2 years. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) suggests that after the initial kitten FeLV series, low-risk adult cats don’t require continued FeLV vaccination, but high-risk do. Some vets will do it every year for outdoor cats; others might do every other year if risk is moderate​. There are 2-year FeLV vaccines in some markets. If your cat’s lifestyle changes (e.g., previously indoor-only, now you adopt another cat or let it leash-walk outdoors), you may need to restart FeLV vaccines.
• Non-core vaccines (if needed): Certain situations might call for additional vaccines. For example, if your cat goes to a boarding facility that requires Bordetella vaccination, or if Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) vaccine was used (this is uncommon now and can cause false positives on FIV tests). But for most pet cats, non-core vaccines are not routinely given. Discuss with your vet if there are any regional concerns (e.g., in areas with high FIP incidence in catteries, etc., though there’s no highly effective FIP vaccine in use).

A note on timing: Try not to lapse too long on boosters. If your cat’s vaccines go significantly overdue (more than a year or so past due), your vet might recommend restarting certain series (especially for kittens or FeLV). However, for core vaccines in adult cats, a little late is usually okay without restarting. Still, timely boosters ensure the best protection. Many clinics send reminders to keep you on track.

Special Considerations

• Indoor-only Cats: Some owners wonder if indoor cats really need vaccines. The answer: Yes, at least core vaccines. Indoor cats can be exposed to viruses carried on your clothing (feline distemper virus is hardy and can come in on shoes). Rabies, as mentioned, can still find an indoor cat via a bat in the house. Plus, if your indoor cat ever requires grooming or boarding, they will need proof of vaccines. So keep up with at least FVRCP and rabies. FeLV might be optional if there’s truly no exposure, but remember that plans can change – better to vaccinate as a kitten in case the cat escapes or you rescue another cat later. Bottom line: core vaccines for all cats, indoors included​.
• Vaccine Reactions: Most cats handle vaccines fine, with maybe mild lethargy for a day. A small percentage can develop a reaction (facial swelling, itching, vomiting, or in rare cases, a sarcoma at injection site). Modern vaccines are quite safe, and vets often use specific sites (e.g., rabies in the right rear leg, FVRCP in right front leg, FeLV in left rear) so that any reaction can be clearly linked. If your cat has had a vaccine reaction in the past, inform your vet – they may use a different vaccine brand or pre-treat with antihistamines. The risk of serious reaction is low, whereas the benefit of disease protection is high. That said, we try not to over-vaccinate. Sticking to recommended schedules (not too frequent, not too infrequent) optimizes safety and efficacy.
• Lapsed Adult Cats: If you adopt an adult cat with unknown vaccine history, assume they need the core shots. Typically vets will give an adult at least one FVRCP and one rabies, then boost FVRCP again in 3-4 weeks (two shots total) to ensure immunity​. FeLV may be given if the cat will go outdoors or has risk. After that, follow the standard adult schedule.
• Senior Cats: Healthy seniors should still get vaccines, though some vets may go to a 3-year cycle for all vaccines or even discuss discontinuing some in very old indoor cats. This is case-by-case. Immunity can wane as cats age, so many vets continue core vaccines even in seniors, albeit less frequently. Always weigh the cat’s overall health – if a cat has illness that makes vaccination risky, the vet might skip or delay until stable.

Putting It All Together (Lifecycle Example)

Kitten: Multiple shots about 3-4 weeks apart (FVRCP ×3, FeLV ×2, ±Rabies). By 4 months old, kitten is fully vaccinated​.
1 year old: Booster FVRCP, Rabies, FeLV. Now switch to adult schedule​.
Adult years: FVRCP every 3 years, Rabies as required (usually 3 years after initial one-year booster), FeLV yearly if outdoor or high-risk (otherwise not after 1 yr booster).

For example, a cat vaccinated as kitten in 2023 would get boosters in 2024 (1 year old). Then next due around 2027 for FVRCP and rabies. If outdoor, FeLV due 2025, 2026, 2027, etc.

Always keep a record of your cat’s vaccinations. If you ever move or see a new vet, that record ensures continuity. Many vets also provide stickers or certificates for rabies which you should save (and a tag for the collar, though indoor cats often don’t wear them).

In summary, vaccinations have saved countless feline lives by preventing diseases like panleukopenia (which used to kill many kittens), rabies, and others. Sticking to the essential shots on the proper timeline will give your cat the best defense. Kittens need a series for full protection, and adults need periodic boosters to maintain immunity​. When in doubt about what your cat needs, consult your vet – they will tailor the plan to your cat’s needs and local disease prevalence. By following the schedule of core vaccines from kitten to adult, you’re investing in your cat’s long-term health and well-being, ensuring they stay safe from preventable diseases.

Sources: 

PetMD on kitten vaccine timing​ petmd.com

Cornell Feline Health Center guidelines; AAFP Feline Vaccination Advisory (2013); Small Door Vet vaccine schedule​ smalldoorvet.com

Toronto Humane Society kitten schedule​ torontohumanesociety.com

VCA Hospitals – “Almost 60% of domestic cats are overweight”​ vcahospitals.com (for context on indoor cat health management); and always consult your veterinarian for the most up-to-date recommendations