Which Cat Vaccines Are Necessary?
Every cat should get the core vaccines: FVRCP, which protects against panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline herpesvirus and calicivirus, and rabies. Feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine is core for kittens and cats under one year; for adults it depends on risk, such as going outdoors or living with an FeLV-positive cat. This follows the 2020 AAHA/AAFP feline guidelines.
The American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners publish joint feline vaccination guidelines, most recently in 2020. They divide cat vaccines into core (recommended for all cats) and non-core (based on each cat's risk).
Core cat vaccines
| Vaccine | Protects against | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| FVRCP (FPV + FHV-1 + FCV) | Feline panleukopenia (distemper), feline herpesvirus-1, feline calicivirus | All cats |
| Rabies | Rabies | All cats; required by law for cats in many states |
| FeLV | Feline leukemia virus | All kittens and cats under 1 year (after a negative test) |
Non-core cat vaccines
| Vaccine | Consider if your cat... |
|---|---|
| FeLV (adults) | Goes outdoors, lives with or meets cats of unknown status, or lives with an FeLV-positive cat |
| Bordetella | Boards, visits groomers or lives in a multi-cat environment |
| Chlamydia felis | Lives in a multi-cat environment where it has been a problem |
Pumpkin suggests Bordetella and Chlamydia mainly for cats that board or visit groomers.
Are cat vaccines necessary for indoor cats?
Core vaccines, yes. Panleukopenia virus survives a long time in the environment and can be carried indoors on shoes, clothing and hands. Herpesvirus and calicivirus spread easily if a new cat joins the household or your cat boards. Rabies is a legal requirement for cats in many states, and bats sometimes get into homes. The FeLV vaccine after the first year is where an indoor-only lifestyle really changes the recommendation.
Why FeLV is core for kittens
Kittens are much more likely than adults to become persistently infected if exposed, and many kittens' future lifestyles are unknown when they're adopted. The guidelines therefore recommend the FeLV series for all kittens, after an FeLV test, and then decide on adult boosters based on risk. See what is the FeLV vaccine.
Are cat vaccines required by law?
Rabies is the only cat vaccine required by law, and only in some states and localities. The Michigan State University state law table lists cats in the rabies requirements of many states, including Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia, while others cover only dogs or leave it to local governments. See are cat vaccines required by law.
Which cat vaccines are given yearly?
FVRCP (injectable) is given every three years after the early booster. Rabies is every one or three years depending on the product and law. FeLV for at-risk adults is every one to two years depending on the vaccine. Intranasal products are usually yearly. See how often cats need vaccines.
Find veterinarians near you to set up your cat's vaccine plan.
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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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