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Recommended Shots For Cats | Rebel DK Services
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Recommended Shots For Cats

For cats, the “core” recommended shots protect against the most common and dangerous feline diseases, and there are also optional (“non-core”) vaccines based on lifestyle and risk.

Core vaccines — recommended for all cats, indoor or outdoor:

  • Rabies – Protects against a fatal virus that can also infect humans; often required by law.
  • FVRCP combo – One shot that covers:
    • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus) – Causes severe upper respiratory infections.
    • Calicivirus – Causes respiratory illness and mouth ulcers.
    • Panleukopenia (feline distemper) – A highly contagious, often deadly virus.

Non-core (optional) vaccines — given depending on your cat’s lifestyle:

  • FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) – Recommended for kittens, outdoor cats, or cats that have contact with unknown cats; FeLV suppresses immunity and can cause cancer.
  • Bordetella – Usually only for cats in shelters, catteries, or boarding facilities with high exposure risk.
  • Chlamydophila felis – Protects against a bacterial cause of conjunctivitis; rarely given unless there’s a known outbreak risk.

Typical schedule:

  • Kittens start shots at about 6–8 weeks old, get boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks old, then an annual or 3-year booster depending on the vaccine and local regulations.
  • Adult cats with no vaccine history usually get two doses a few weeks apart, then regular boosters.

Here’s a straightforward cat vaccination timeline you can follow. This applies to most healthy kittens, but your vet might adjust it based on health, location, and lifestyle.

Kittens

  • 6–8 weeks old – First FVRCP shot (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia)
  • 9–12 weeks old – Second FVRCP booster + First FeLV (if outdoor or at risk)
  • 12–16 weeks old – Rabies vaccine (timing depends on local laws) + Second FeLV (if applicable)
  • 16–20 weeks old – Final FVRCP booster

Adult cats (no prior vaccines)

  • First visit – FVRCP + Rabies + FeLV (if at risk)
  • 3–4 weeks later – Second FVRCP booster + Second FeLV (if applicable)

Boosters after initial series

  • FVRCP – Every 1–3 years (depends on vaccine type and vet’s guidance)
  • Rabies – Every 1 or 3 years (depends on local laws and vaccine type)
  • FeLV – Annually if still at risk