Which vaccines are essential for all cats?

The WSAVA classifies feline panleukopaenia (FPV), herpesvirus (FHV-1), and calicivirus (FCV) as core vaccines — meaning all cats should receive them regardless of lifestyle. Rabies is core in most of the world. Read the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines for the full classification by region.

Can an indoor cat skip vaccinations?

No. Indoor cats can still be exposed through open windows, new pets entering the home, or accidental escapes. Feline panleukopaenia survives in the environment for over a year and is easily carried on shoes and clothing. The International Cat Care vaccination guide covers this in detail.

Are there risks to vaccination?

Mild lethargy and a small skin lump at the injection site are common and usually resolve within a few days. Severe allergic reactions are rare (estimated 1 in 10,000 injections). A rarer concern in cats is feline injection-site sarcoma; modern vaccines and rotating sites have reduced this risk significantly. See our when to call the vet guide if your cat seems unwell after vaccination.

How long after vaccination can my kitten go outside?

One week after the final kitten vaccine — usually at around 13–14 weeks. Before then, your kitten has no reliable protection against feline panleukopaenia, which is often fatal in unvaccinated cats. For everything to prepare before going outdoors, see our cat-proofing checklist .

What if my cat missed a booster?

Missing one booster does not usually mean restarting the full primary course — your vet will advise based on the gap. However, a cat more than 2–3 years overdue may be treated as unvaccinated and need two doses again. Call your vet to discuss rather than skipping the appointment altogether.

Cat Vaccinations: Core Vaccines, Schedule and What to Expect

Core vaccines: what they protect against

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Vaccination Guidelines — the global standard — classify three diseases as core for all cats worldwide:

Feline panleukopaenia (FPV): A highly contagious parvovirus. Often fatal in kittens and unvaccinated adults. Survives in the environment for months to years.
Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1): One of the main causes of cat flu. Causes respiratory disease, eye inflammation, and can remain latent for life, reactivating under stress.
Feline calicivirus (FCV): The other main cat flu pathogen. Causes mouth ulcers, lameness, and upper respiratory signs. Multiple strains exist.

Rabies is a core vaccine in most countries where the disease is present. In the UK, it is required for international travel under the pet travel scheme.

Kitten primary course

AgeVaccineNotes

8–9 weeksFPV + FHV-1 + FCV (dose 1)No outdoor access yet

11–12 weeksFPV + FHV-1 + FCV (dose 2)Can include FeLV if indicated

14–16 weeksOptional third dose if FPV risk is highVet-dependent

12 monthsFirst adult boosterFull health check at same visit

One week after the final kitten dose, your cat can go outdoors. Before then, refer to our cat-proofing checklist to prepare the home and garden.

Non-core vaccines

Non-core vaccines are given based on individual risk. Your vet will assess whether your cat's lifestyle makes them appropriate:

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV): Recommended for cats with outdoor access or contact with unknown cats. Transmitted through close contact and shared resources.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): Available in some countries for cats at high risk of bite wounds (outdoor, territorial males).
Chlamydia felis: Considered in multi-cat households with persistent conjunctivitis problems.
Bordetella bronchiseptica: Occasionally given to cats going into high-density environments such as shows or shelters.

Adult booster schedule

After the 12-month booster, the schedule varies by vaccine component. The current WSAVA recommendation is:

FPV: every 3 years (core; high-efficacy long-duration vaccines available)
FHV-1 and FCV: every 1–3 years depending on product and local disease pressure
FeLV: annually for outdoor cats; may be spaced in strictly indoor cats

If you are unsure what schedule your cat is on, your vet's practice should hold vaccination records. Many UK practices send automated reminders when boosters are due.

What to expect on vaccination day

The injection itself takes a few seconds. Mild side effects in the following 24–48 hours can include lethargy, reduced appetite, and a small tender lump at the injection site. These are normal immune responses and resolve without treatment.

Call your vet if you notice: facial swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or collapse within an hour of the vaccine. These are rare signs of an allergic reaction. Our guide to signs it is time to call the vet covers what to watch for after any veterinary procedure.

Titre testing. Blood tests that measure antibody levels against FPV, FHV-1 and FCV are available and can indicate whether protective immunity still exists. While useful in cats with injection-site reactions or concerns about over-vaccination, they are not universally covered by standard vet fees. Discuss with your vet whether titre testing is right for your cat.

Cat vaccinations: core vaccines, schedule and what to expect

Core vaccines: what they protect against

Kitten primary course

Non-core vaccines

Adult booster schedule

What to expect on vaccination day

Frequently asked questions