When my friend brought home her first kitten, she panicked at the vet's office because she had no idea what FVRCP even meant. If you have ever felt the same way, staring at a paperwork bill and a tiny ball of fur, this guide is for you. A clear cat vaccination schedule takes the guesswork out of caring for your cat and protects them from diseases that are still very much out there.
Below you will find a simple schedule by age, core vs non-core vaccines explained in plain language, what to do if shots are missed, side effects to watch for, and what it usually costs.
What Is a Cat Vaccination Schedule?
A cat vaccination schedule is a timed plan of shots given from kittenhood through adulthood to protect your cat from serious, often fatal diseases. It follows globally accepted guidelines, most notably the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines, so vets worldwide work from a similar playbook.
According to Statista, more than 370 million cats live in homes around the world, yet vaccination rates remain uneven. A proper schedule is the single easiest thing you can do to keep your cat on the right side of that gap.
Core vs Non-Core Cat Vaccines
Core Vaccines Every Cat Needs
Core vaccines protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, or dangerous for both cats and people. The WSAVA lists these as core for every cat, regardless of lifestyle:
- FVRCP, a combined feline vaccine covering feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia
- Rabies, required in most countries by law, and often the only vaccine legally mandated
Non-Core Vaccines Based on Lifestyle
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on where your cat lives and what it does. These include FeLV (feline leukemia virus), FIV, Chlamydia felis, and Bordetella. A shy indoor-only cat in a single-cat home usually needs fewer non-core shots than a kitten going to a multi-cat household or one that roams outdoors.
The Complete Cat Vaccination Schedule by Age
Here is a clean global schedule based on WSAVA and International Cat Care guidance. Always confirm timings with your local vet, because regional rules vary.
| Age | Core Vaccines | Non-Core (Lifestyle) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | FVRCP, first dose | FeLV if at risk |
| 10 to 12 weeks | FVRCP, second dose | FeLV second dose |
| 14 to 16 weeks | FVRCP, third dose | Rabies, first dose (age allowed) |
| 16 to 20 weeks |
