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cat vaccines: guides by vaccine and life stage

Cats need two routine vaccines — FVRCP and rabies — plus the feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine, which Banfield recommends based on your cat's lifestyle and exposure risk. This page helps you find the right vaccine guide, whether you're looking for information about a specific vaccine, your kitten's first-year schedule, or what your adult cat needs.

For a complete overview of recommended vaccines, schedules, and side effects, see Vaccinations for cats: what every cat owner should know

If you have a kitten, read The complete kitten vaccination schedule for a week-by-week guide to your kitten's first-year vaccinations.

You can also have your Banfield veterinary team create a vaccine plan tailored just for your cat.

Make a cat vaccine appointment

More of a visual learner or just want the quick facts? Watch our handy video below.

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Routine cat vaccines

Routine vaccines help protect against serious diseases that nearly every cat is at risk of encountering. For cats, these include the FVRCP vaccine, which protects against three common infectious diseases, and the rabies vaccine, which protects against rabies and is required by law in many areas.

Learn more about each vaccine:

FVRCP vaccine guide — What FVRCP stands for, what it protects against, and the recommended schedule
Rabies vaccine guide — Rabies vaccination requirements, booster timing, and side effects

Illustration of a gray cat with green collar

Lifestyle and risk-based cat vaccines

Some vaccines are recommended based on your cat's lifestyle, environment, and risk of exposure to certain diseases. For many cats, this includes the feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine, which Banfield recommends based on factors such as outdoor access or contact with cats of unknown FeLV status.

Learn more about whether the FeLV vaccine is right for your cat in our Feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine guide, including who should receive it, testing recommendations, and the vaccination schedule.

Cat vaccine schedules

Your cat's vaccination schedule depends on their age, previous vaccine history, lifestyle, and the specific vaccine being given. Kittens receive a series of vaccinations during their first few months, while adult cats receive boosters based on their veterinarian's recommendations.

For detailed schedules, visit:

Cat vaccinations guide for adult vaccination recommendations
Kitten vaccination schedule for your kitten's first-year vaccine timeline

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Cat vaccine safety

Most cats experience only mild, short-lived reactions after vaccination, such as temporary soreness at the injection site or feeling a little tired for a day. Rarely, more serious reactions — such as facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse — require immediate veterinary care.

For vaccine-specific information about side effects, visit:

Cat vaccine FAQs

What vaccines does my cat need?

Most cats need routine vaccines that protect against serious diseases, including FVRCP and rabies. Depending on your cat's lifestyle and exposure risk, your veterinarian may also recommend the feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine or other risk-based vaccines. Talk to your Banfield veterinarian to create a vaccine schedule tailored to your cat.

What is the FVRCP vaccine for cats?

The FVRCP vaccine protects against three highly contagious feline diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (also called feline distemper). It is considered a routine vaccine because it helps protect nearly all cats from serious illness.

Does my cat need the feline leukemia vaccine?

The FeLV vaccine is recommended based on your cat's lifestyle and risk of exposure. Cats that spend time outdoors, live with cats of unknown FeLV status, or have other exposure risks often benefit from vaccination. Your veterinarian can help determine whether it's recommended for your cat.

Is the rabies vaccine required for cats?

In many states and local jurisdictions, yes. Rabies vaccination requirements vary depending on where you live, so your Banfield veterinary team will recommend the appropriate schedule based on local laws and your cat's vaccination history.

Where do I find the cat vaccine schedule?

Your veterinarian will create a vaccination schedule based on your cat's age, health history, and lifestyle. You can also learn more by visiting our Cat vaccinations guide.

Protect your cat with Banfield

Not sure which vaccines your cat needs? Schedule a wellness exam with your Banfield veterinary team to build a vaccination plan that's tailored to your cat's age, lifestyle, and health needs. Find a Banfield near you

Did you know that routine vaccinations are always included in Optimum Wellness Plans^®?

Explore cat care packages

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Important Notice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet's health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this page.