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Writer's pictureDr. Stacie Grannum

Cat Vaccination Schedule

Updated: Sep 20, 2023

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



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