What Shots Do Cats Need

What vaccines are recommended for cats? Are any cat vaccines optional? What do they protect against? Our vet experts explain everything there is to know about cat vaccines. Learn about essential cat vaccinations like rabies, distemper, and more. Find out which vaccines your cat needs and when to protect them from serious diseases.

Learn the complete kitten vaccine schedule, including when kittens get their shots, which vaccines they need, and how much it all costs. Whether you have a playful kitten, an adventurous adult, or a gentle senior cat, vaccinations play a vital role in their overall well-being. Youll discover a simple and clear guide to the essential vaccinations your cat needs as they grow.

Adult cats require regular vaccinations and annual vet visits to maintain health and comply with legal requirements. Core vaccines, such as rabies, FHV1, FCV, and FPV, are typically administered every three years in adult cats. Cat vaccination schedules are different for adult cats and kittens; all cats need feline distemper, rabies, and feline leukemia vaccines.

Vaccines are generally divided into two groups: core and non-core (optional). Core vaccines are highly recommended for all cats and kittens, while non-core vaccines are recommended based on... Veterinarians routinely recommend certain vaccines for all cats (called core vaccines), while others (called non-core vaccines) are used more selectively, according to the cats environment and lifestyle.

Yes, indoor cats require regular vaccinations to maintain their health and limit risk to others. Ask your veterinarian or consult with our Vetco Total Care veterinary team to decide what type of vaccinations and schedule would best fit their lifestyle. Not only do vaccines prevent your cat from catching common diseases, but they can also help to stop transmission to other cats and you.

Generally, most cats will get the same vaccines, including rabies, feline distemper, feline calicivirus, and FeLV shots.