Vaccination is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your cat’s health. Whether you’re bringing home a playful kitten or caring for an adult cat, understanding what vaccines cats need, when they need them, and why they matter is essential for long-term wellbeing.
With more Indian pet parents actively searching for reliable information on cat vaccinations, this guide breaks down everything you need to know in a clear, practical, and vet-backed way.
Why Are Cat Vaccinations Important?
Cats, even indoor-only cats, are vulnerable to serious and sometimes fatal diseases. Vaccines work by training your cat’s immune system to recognize and fight infections before they cause severe illness.
Key benefits of vaccinating your cat:
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Protects against highly contagious and life-threatening diseases
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Reduces the risk of disease transmission to other cats
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Helps kittens build immunity during their most vulnerable stage
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Often required for boarding, grooming, and travel
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Supports overall preventive healthcare and longevity
In India, where stray animal exposure and viral prevalence are relatively high, vaccination becomes even more critical.
Core vs Non-Core Cat Vaccines
Veterinarians classify cat vaccines into core and non-core categories.
Core vaccines
These are recommended for all cats, regardless of lifestyle or location.
Non-core vaccines
These are given based on factors such as:
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Indoor vs outdoor lifestyle
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Exposure to other cats
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Boarding or breeding environments
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Regional disease risk
Your vet will help determine which non-core vaccines your cat needs.
Core Vaccines for Cats (Must-Have)
1. FVRCP Vaccine (Core Combo Vaccine)
The FVRCP vaccine is the most important vaccination for cats. It protects against three major diseases:
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)
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Caused by feline herpesvirus
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Leads to severe respiratory infections, eye discharge, and fever
Calicivirus
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Causes oral ulcers, respiratory illness, and lameness
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Highly contagious among cats
Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)
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A deadly viral disease affecting kittens and unvaccinated cats
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Attacks the immune system and intestines
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High mortality rate if untreated
Why it’s essential:
These viruses spread easily through contact, contaminated surfaces, and even human clothing.
2. Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects both animals and humans.
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Mandatory in many Indian states
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Transmitted through bites and scratches
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Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal
Even indoor cats need rabies vaccination, as accidental exposure (balcony access, escapes, or contact with stray animals) is always possible.
Non-Core Vaccines for Cats (Lifestyle-Based)
1. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
FeLV is one of the leading causes of death in cats.
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Spread through saliva, grooming, shared food bowls, and bites
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Weakens the immune system
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Increases risk of infections, anemia, and cancer
Recommended for:
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Kittens
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Outdoor cats
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Cats living with FeLV-positive cats
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Cats that socialize or live in multi-cat households
2. Chlamydia Felis
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Causes conjunctivitis and respiratory issues
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More common in shelters or catteries
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Often included in some combo vaccines
3. Bordetella (Kennel Cough for Cats)
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Less common but contagious
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Considered in multi-cat environments or boarding situations
Kitten Vaccination Schedule (India)
Kittens rely on maternal antibodies initially, but these wear off quickly. Vaccination fills this immunity gap.
Typical kitten vaccination timeline:
6–8 weeks
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First FVRCP dose
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Deworming begins
9–12 weeks
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Second FVRCP booster
12–16 weeks
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Third FVRCP booster
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First Rabies vaccine
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First FeLV vaccine (if recommended)
16–20 weeks
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FeLV booster (if applicable)
1 year
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Annual booster for FVRCP and Rabies
Your vet may slightly adjust this schedule based on your kitten’s health and risk factors.
Adult Cat Vaccination Schedule
If your cat is over one year old:
Annual or periodic boosters:
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FVRCP booster
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Rabies booster (usually yearly in India)
FeLV boosters:
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Given annually or as advised for at-risk cats
If you adopt an adult cat with unknown vaccination history, vets typically restart the vaccination series to ensure full protection.
Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccinations?
Yes. This is one of the most common misconceptions among cat parents.
Indoor cats can still be exposed to viruses through:
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Humans carrying pathogens on shoes or clothes
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Open windows or balconies
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Vet visits
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Contact with other pets
Vaccinating indoor cats ensures they are protected against unexpected exposure.
Are Cat Vaccines Safe?
Cat vaccines are extensively tested and considered very safe.
Common mild side effects:
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Slight fever
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Temporary lethargy
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Mild swelling at injection site
These usually resolve within 24–48 hours.
Severe reactions are rare, and vets always assess your cat’s health before administering vaccines.
Importance of Vaccination Records
Always maintain a vaccination card or digital record. It helps with:
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Tracking booster dates
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Boarding and grooming requirements
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Travel documentation
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Long-term health monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can sick cats be vaccinated?
No. Cats should only be vaccinated when healthy. Vaccination may be postponed if your cat is unwell.
Q. What if I miss a booster?
Consult your vet. In most cases, the schedule can be safely adjusted.
Q. How long do vaccines last?
Some vaccines offer multi-year protection, but annual boosters are commonly recommended in India for optimal immunity.
Conclusion
Understanding what vaccines cats need a crucial part of responsible pet parenting. From protecting kittens against deadly infections like panleukopenia to ensuring lifelong safety from rabies, vaccinations lay the foundation for a healthy, happy life.
Preventive care is always easier, safer, and more affordable than treating serious illness later.
For expert-led vaccination plans, compassionate handling, and end-to-end preventive healthcare, Zigly Vetcare offers trusted veterinary services designed around your cat’s unique needs ensuring your feline companion stays protected at every stage of life.
