Protocol on Cat Vaccination

Vaccination against certain diseases  is an important part of routine health care for all cats.  The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends six different vaccines for cats. Two of these, rabies and FVRCP, are recommended for all cats. The other four are recommended for cats whose lifestyles put them at increased risk of contracting specific diseases. 

Core Vaccinations

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) guidelines require two vaccinations, rabies and FVRCP (feline viral rhinotrachetitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia), for all cats.  The recommended schedule for these core vaccines is as follows:

• FVRCP- Kittens should get one dose at 6 weeks and then receive additional doses every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Cats should get a booster dose at 1 year of age. Additional boosters are given no more frequently than every 3 years.


• Rabies- Kittens should get the initial dose at 8-12 weeks of age and receive a booster shot one year later. Requirements for additional boosters depend on the laws of the municipality where the cat resides.

Non Core Vaccinations

According to the AAFP, non core vaccinations should only be used in cats whose lifestyle puts them at risk for developing certain infectious diseases.  Non core vaccines include:

• Feline Leukemia Virus- An initial dose at 8-12 weeks with a second dose 3-4 weeks later is recommended for all kittens. Outdoor cats and cats at increased risk of exposure to the feline leukemia virus should get an annual booster.


• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus- This vaccine should be reserved for outdoor cats or cats with a high risk of exposure to the virus. Vaccinated cats will test positive for the disease on antibody tests for a year following vaccination. If the vaccine is necessary, a cat should receive an initial dose followed by 2 additional doses at 2-3 week intervals.  At risk cats need annual booster doses of this vaccine.


• Bordetella bronchiseptica- A single, annual dose of this intra nasal vaccine is given to cats who are at risk of being exposed to Bordatella.


• Chlamydophila felis- This vaccine is only for cats in multiple-cat households where veterinarians have confirmed clinical infections. The initial dose is followed by a second dose 2-3 weeks later. For cats with continued exposure, annual boosters are required.