Vaccines for Kittens & Cats

Without vaccines it’s difficult to give your feline companion the best life as they will always be at risk. Vaccines stimulate the body’s response to a virus which makes them immune to it in the future. Even if your cat was fully vaccinated as a kitten, they will need boosters in their adult years. 

When should my cat be vaccinated?

We usually begin to vaccinate kittens between the ages of 6 to 8 weeks old. It’s important to start early to build up their immune system. Different vaccine doses are administered every 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Once the kitten vaccine series is completed your adult cat should be vaccinated every 1 to 3 years.

Which vaccines are necessary?

Vaccines that are absolutely necessary for all cats are called core vaccines. Regardless of your cat’s lifestyle, it is law that they have core vaccines to protect them and the community from deadly diseases. Kittens and cats must have their Rabies, FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia) and Feline Leukemia vaccines. Additionally, based on your cat’s lifestyle, they may need non-core vaccines. Non-core vaccines are only essential for certain cats, they include feline chlamydia, feline bordetella or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

Do indoor cats need vaccines?

Yes, indoor cats and kittens need to be vaccinated. Although they aren’t exposed to as many viruses, it is still possible for them to catch diseases. Indoor cats can get diseases from other animals that enter the home or even from us humans.