Cat Vaccination Schedule 2026: AAFP + WSAVA Guidelines
The standard cat vaccination schedule in 2026 follows AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) and WSAVA guidelines: core vaccines (FVRCP and rabies) for every cat, plus FeLV (essentially core for kittens) and other lifestyle vaccines based on exposure. The kitten series runs at 6–8, 10–12, and 14–16 weeks with a 1-year booster.
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Kitten vaccination schedule (week by week)
| Age | Vaccine |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | FVRCP (1st dose) |
| 8–9 weeks | FeLV (1st dose if at-risk) |
| 10–12 weeks | FVRCP (2nd dose), FeLV (2nd dose) |
| 12–16 weeks | Rabies (1st dose) |
| 14–16 weeks | FVRCP (3rd dose) |
| 1 year | FVRCP booster, Rabies booster, FeLV booster |
Core vaccines (every cat)
FVRCP
Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia
Series: Kitten: 6–8w, 10–12w, 14–16w. Adult: 1-year booster, then every 3 years.
Why: Protects against three highly contagious viruses. Panleukopenia (feline parvo) has a high fatality rate in unvaccinated kittens.
Rabies
Rabies
Series: First dose at 12–16 weeks. Booster at 1 year. Then every 1–3 years.
Why: Legally required in most jurisdictions and recommended even for indoor-only cats because indoor cats can encounter bats or escape.
Lifestyle vaccines (based on exposure)
FeLV
Feline leukemia virus
Series: Initial 2-dose series 3–4 weeks apart at age 8w+, annual booster.
Get it if: All kittens (some guidelines class as core for under-1y), outdoor cats, multi-cat households where status is unknown.
FIV
Feline immunodeficiency virus
Series: Initial 3-dose series, annual booster.
Get it if: Outdoor cats in high-risk regions. Less commonly given; consult vet.
Bordetella (cats)
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Series: Intranasal single dose, annual.
Get it if: Cats going to boarding, shelters, multi-cat homes with respiratory disease history.
Chlamydia
Chlamydophila felis
Series: Initial 2-dose series, annual booster.
Get it if: Multi-cat households with conjunctivitis outbreaks.
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Cat vaccination FAQ
What are the core cat vaccines in 2026?
Core (every cat per AAFP and WSAVA): FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) and rabies. FVRCP is given as a 3-dose kitten series at 6–8, 10–12, and 14–16 weeks, then boosted at 1 year, then every 3 years. Rabies is given at 12–16 weeks, boosted at 1 year, then every 1–3 years depending on jurisdiction and vaccine type. AAFP considers FeLV core for all cats under 1 year.
Do indoor cats need vaccinations?
Yes. Rabies is legally required in many places even for indoor-only cats because indoor cats can encounter bats or escape outside. FVRCP protects against viruses that can be brought in on shoes, clothing, or other animals. The schedule is the same as for outdoor cats, but lifestyle vaccines like FeLV may be skipped for strictly indoor cats with no exposure.
When should a kitten get their first shot?
First FVRCP dose at 6–8 weeks. Like puppies, kittens have maternal immunity for the first weeks, which is why a series of doses is needed (one dose may be neutralized by maternal antibodies; later doses 'catch' as immunity fades). The series ends at 14–16 weeks.
What is FeLV and should my cat get it?
Feline leukemia virus. AAFP recommends FeLV vaccination for every kitten under 1 year and for any outdoor or multi-cat-household cat. Strictly indoor adult cats with no exposure may skip booster after the initial series; discuss with your vet.
How often do adult cats need vaccinations?
FVRCP: every 3 years after the 1-year booster. Rabies: every 1–3 years depending on local law and vaccine. FeLV (if needed): annually. Many adult cats get an annual wellness visit that bundles needed vaccines and a physical exam.
Can I track my cat's vaccinations in Omelo?
Yes. Omelo includes a free vaccination tracker that handles AAFP core schedule, lifestyle vaccines, and sends reminders before each booster. You can print or share the record with your vet.
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