Adult Cat Vaccine Schedule
Adult cats need periodic boosters. Indoor cats still need rabies and FVRCP; outdoor cats may need more.
Boosters and how often
| Vaccine | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Every year | Core. Every 1–3 years depending on local law and the vaccine used. Check your certificate. |
| FVRCP (feline distemper) | Every 3 years | Core. Usually every 3 years after the one-year booster. |
| FeLV (feline leukemia) | Every year | Lifestyle. Yearly for cats that go outdoors or live with FeLV-positive cats. |
Core vs. lifestyle vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for nearly every cat and are often required by law (rabies). Lifestyle vaccines depend on where your cat goes, who they meet and where you live. Your vet will tailor the plan.
Don't forget prevention
Alongside vaccines, most vets recommend year-round heartworm prevention and flea & tick control, usually given monthly. Pawrently tracks these too, with a heads-up before each is due.
Frequently asked questions
How often do adult cats need vaccines?
Core vaccines (FVRCP and rabies) are typically boosted every 1–3 years depending on the product and local law.
Do indoor cats need rabies vaccines?
In many places it's required by law even for indoor cats, and it protects against rare but serious exposures, such as a bat in the house.
When does an adult cat need FeLV?
Mainly if they go outdoors or live with cats that do. Your vet will assess your cat's risk.
What if my cat's records are lost?
Your vet can look up what they gave. Starting a digital record now means you'll always have the dates handy.
More pet guides & tools
This is general information, not veterinary advice. Every pet is different — check with your vet.