Vaccine Protocol for Cats

by Dr. N.J.Hayes, DVM, CCRT

Why should I vaccinate?

Vaccinations are an important and somewhat controversial topic. While vaccines are a very important of a healthy pet's wellness program, which vaccines your cat should receive will be based on your cat#39;s individual needs. Vaccines are divided into core vaccines that all cats should have, and additional vaccines that some cats should have based on their risk of exposure to that particular disease.

Core vaccinations include:

  • distemper (panleukopenia)
  • calicivirus
  • rhinotracheitis (FVRCP)
  • rabies

Additional vaccines include:

  • feline leukemia
  • feline infectious peritonitis

These individual disease vaccines are discussed in a later section.

Core vaccinations are started in kittens at 6 to 8 weeks of age. At this age the kitten should receive distemper (panleukopenia), calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis vaccinations.

The kitten should be revaccinated with a distemper (panleukopenia), calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis (FVRCP) vaccine at twelve weeks of age.

Rabies is given at sixteen weeks of age.

At one year of age, the young adult will be given distemper (panleukopenia), calicivirus, rhinotracheitis (FVRCP) and rabies. This ensures a solid immunity.

After one year of age, distemper (panleukopenia), calicivirus and rhinotracheitis (FVRCP) can be given every three years. Rabies is given every 3 years as well. We will keep track of when your cat is due for vaccinations and notify you when cat needs to come in for his wellness exam.

Additional vaccinations include feline leukemia virus and feline infectious peritonitis. These are given primarily to cats that go outside. See below for the descriptions of the vaccinations. Additional vaccinations are administered based on need. The frequency will be annually unless otherwise noted.

Feline Vaccination Chart

  less than
12 weeks
12 weeks 16 weeks 1 year Over
1 year
FVRCP
Panleukopenia,
Calicivirus,
Rhinotracheitis
check mark check mark   check mark Every 3 years
Rabies     check mark
One year vaccine
check mark
Three year vaccine
Every 3 years as needed

The above are core vaccinations for cats.

  less than
12 weeks
12 weeks 16 weeks 1 year Over
1 year
FeLV
Feline leukemia virus
  check mark check mark check mark Annually
FIP     check mark* check mark Annually

These are additional vaccinations and are given to patients that are at increased risk for these diseases only.
*A repeat booster is required 3 weeks after the first booster. This is an intranasal vaccination.

If you have any questions regarding vaccines for your pet dog, Please do not hesitate to contact us at 309-685-4707 We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have and want to ensure that your pet has the best of health.

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