Vaccinations are an important part of preventive care for cats. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends core vaccines for kittens and adult cats, which include:
- Feline panleukopenia virus
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis, also known as herpes virus type 1 (FHV-1)
- Feline caliciviruses
- Rabies virus
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is considered a core vaccine in kittens only.
Non-core vaccines, which are optional and recommended for cats with a risk of exposure to specific diseases, include:
- Chlamydophila felis (causes feline chlamydiosis)
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (causes feline bordetellosis)
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in adult cats.
The Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel, which comprises dedicated feline veterinarians and scientists, recommends the FVRCP and rabies vaccines for most cats. These diseases are highly infectious and seen worldwide, and the vaccines are considered to provide a good deal of protection with minimal risk. The FeLV vaccine is required for kittens but optional for cats that are at least a year old.
The general cat vaccination guidelines to use as a starting point are:
- Kittens (up to 1 year of age)
- 6-8 weeks: FVRCP (core), FeLV (core)
- 10-12 weeks: FVRCP (core; first or second shot), FeLV (core; first or second shot)
- 14-16 weeks: FVRCP (core; only if first shot given at 10-12 weeks), Rabies.
Adult cats need shots less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last. Rabies vaccination is given every year or every three years, depending on state laws and the brand of vaccine used. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best vaccination schedule for your cat based on their age, overall health, and lifestyle.
