Feline vaccines: products, risk and records

Edited by MaxTeng · Educational content, not reviewed by a veterinarian · 2026-10-26

A vaccination plan depends on the cat, product, route and jurisdiction; this is not a universal calendar.

Identify the vaccine and context

FPV, FHV-1, FCV, FeLV and rabies prevention are different questions. Core/noncore categories need guideline, age and exposure context. Tell the vet about illness, pregnancy, medicines and previous reactions.

A conditional kitten framework

For general-practice injectable FPV/FHV-1/FCV, the 2020 AAHA/AAFP framework starts no earlier than 6 weeks, repeats every 3–4 weeks to 16–20 weeks, and considers a booster around 6 months. The 2024 WSAVA guidance also requires risk/product assessment. This is not every vaccine or route, and not all adult boosters are every 3 years.

Separate FeLV and rabies questions

FeLV vaccination is not FIV vaccination. Discuss FeLV exposure, age and product; rabies requirements follow local rules and approved products. Do not substitute a website or antibody result for those requirements.

Keep a usable record

Record date, full vaccine/product/route, batch, clinic, injection site, health status, reactions and exposure changes. Breathing difficulty, marked facial swelling or collapse needs immediate contact. Site choice belongs to the veterinarian and cannot guarantee prevention of sarcoma or limb preservation.