Cat Vaccination Schedule by Age
Complete cat vaccination timeline from kitten (6-8 weeks) through adult boosters — FVRCP, rabies and FeLV for at-risk cats.
| Age | Vaccines / care |
|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks | FVRCP #1 (panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus) |
| 10-12 weeks | FVRCP #2; FeLV vaccine if outdoor or multi-cat household |
| 14-16 weeks | FVRCP #3; Rabies #1 (legally required; usually at or after 12-16 weeks) |
| 1 year | FVRCP booster; rabies booster; FeLV booster if started |
| Every 1-3 years | FVRCP booster (commonly every 3 years); rabies per state law; FeLV annually for at-risk cats |
Indoor vs outdoor cats
- Indoor-only: FVRCP and rabies are core; FeLV is optional.
- Outdoor or multi-cat: add FeLV — it is the leading viral killer of cats and spreads through saliva and grooming.
- FIV vaccination is controversial and not routinely recommended in the US — discuss with your vet.
Key notes
- Kittens get multiple doses because maternal antibodies interfere with a single early dose.
- Rabies vaccination is legally required in all US states.
Based on AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines. Reviewed 2026.
Informational only — always follow your veterinarian's recommendations for your pet.
Your cat's vaccination needs depend on lifestyle
Cat vaccination is uniquely shaped by your pet's living situation. An indoor-only cat faces different disease risks than one that roams outdoors or lives in a multi-cat household. The AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) classifies feline vaccines into core — required for all cats — and non-core — recommended based on exposure risk.
FVRCP protects against three serious diseases: feline panleukopenia (a often fatal parvovirus), feline rhinotracheitis (a herpesvirus causing upper respiratory infections), and feline calicivirus (causing oral and respiratory disease). These viruses can enter your home on shoes and clothing, so even indoor cats need FVRCP protection. After the initial kitten series and one-year booster, FVRCP is typically given every three years.
FeLV (feline leukemia virus) deserves careful consideration for multi-cat households. It spreads through mutual grooming, shared food and water bowls, and bite wounds. There is no cure for FeLV — infected cats may develop cancer, anemia, or immune suppression. Vaccination is strongly recommended for any cat with outdoor access or exposure to cats of unknown FeLV status. FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) vaccination remains controversial because it interferes with standard antibody tests, making it impossible to distinguish vaccinated cats from truly infected ones.
Rabies vaccination is legally required for cats in every US state, just as it is for dogs. Bats can enter homes through small openings, and indoor cats occasionally escape. Maintaining current rabies vaccination protects both your cat and your family from this fatal disease. Check your local jurisdiction for specific timing requirements and whether one-year or three-year vaccines are accepted.