How Often Do Cats Need Vaccines?
After the kitten series and first boosters, adult cats get the injectable FVRCP vaccine every 3 years, rabies every 1 or 3 years depending on the product and local law, and FeLV every 1 to 2 years only if they are at risk of exposure. Intranasal vaccines are usually given yearly. These intervals come from the 2020 AAHA/AAFP feline vaccination guidelines.
Cats don't need every vaccine every year. The 2020 feline vaccination guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners set the intervals below.
Adult cat vaccine schedule
| Vaccine | How often (adult cat) |
|---|---|
| FVRCP, injectable | Every 3 years (after a booster at 6 months or 1 year of age) |
| FVRCP or FHV/FCV, intranasal | Every year |
| Rabies | Every 1 or 3 years, depending on the vaccine label and local law; the guidelines favor 3-year intervals where allowed |
| FeLV (only for at-risk adults) | Every year for high-risk cats; every 2–3 years with some vaccines for lower-risk cats |
| Bordetella, Chlamydia (non-core) | Usually yearly, only if needed |
How long do cat vaccines last?
The booster intervals reflect how long each vaccine is expected to protect: about three years for injectable FVRCP and for a three-year rabies vaccine, and one to two years for FeLV depending on the product. A rabies certificate shows the legal due date, which is the one that matters for compliance.
Do cat vaccines expire?
Your cat's protection is considered to lapse at the due date on the record, so book the booster before then. If a vaccine is overdue, your vet will decide whether one booster is enough or the series needs restarting, based on the product's instructions.
Are cat vaccines yearly?
Some are. Intranasal products and FeLV for high-risk cats are typically yearly, and some rabies vaccines for cats are labeled for one year. Injectable FVRCP is not yearly for adults. Most cats still benefit from a yearly vet visit, since the AAHA/AAFP life stage guidelines recommend at least one exam a year for every cat and every six months for seniors. See how often to take your cat to the vet.
Kittens need vaccines much more often
Kittens get FVRCP every 3 to 4 weeks from 6–8 weeks of age until 16 to 20 weeks, plus two FeLV doses 3 to 4 weeks apart and a rabies shot. See the kitten vaccination schedule.
What do yearly cat vaccines cost?
Pumpkin estimates $40 to $100 a year for adult boosters, plus the exam fee. See how much cat vaccines cost.
Find veterinarians near you to check your cat's vaccine due dates.
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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.
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