Cat vaccinations: which ones your cat needs and how often

Vaccines protect cats from diseases that can be fatal, especially in kittens. Your vet sets the exact schedule based on your cat's age, lifestyle and health. Here are the basics.

Core vaccines (for every cat)

The core combination vaccine protects against:

• panleukopenia (feline distemper), highly contagious and often fatal in kittens
• herpesvirus and calicivirus, which cause “cat flu”: sneezing, runny eyes and nose, mouth ulcers

Lifestyle vaccines

• Feline leukaemia (FeLV): for cats that go outdoors or live with other cats. A test is done before vaccinating.
• Rabies: required if your cat travels abroad (with an EU pet passport).

Kitten schedule

1. First dose at around 8–9 weeks.
2. Boosters every 3–4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age.
3. Another booster some months later (usually around one year).
4. After that, boosters every one to three years, as your vet advises.

Deworming is done alongside vaccinations, because parasites weaken the immune system.

“My cat never goes outside. Does she need vaccines?”

Yes, at least the core ones. The panleukopenia virus survives for months in the environment and gets into homes on shoes and clothes. Your vet may space out boosters for an indoor-only cat.

After the vaccination

A little tiredness or tenderness at the injection site for a day is normal. If your cat vomits, its face swells or it has trouble breathing, see a vet immediately.

Compare vaccination prices by vet and book at a time that suits you. When your vet records the vaccine on your cat's profile, you get an automatic reminder for the next one.

Frequently asked questions

How often does an adult cat need vaccines?

After the first-year schedule, boosters are given every one to three years, depending on the vaccine and your cat’s lifestyle.

Can a cat with fleas or an illness be vaccinated?

Vets only vaccinate healthy animals. If your cat has parasites or is unwell, that is usually treated first.

Does a cat in Greece need a rabies vaccine?

It is required for travel abroad. For cats that don’t travel, ask your vet what they recommend.