What vaccines does an indoor-only cat need?

Even strictly indoor cats need core vaccines — FVRCP and rabies — since exposure can happen through open windows, other pets, or accidental escapes, and rabies is legally required in most areas. FeLV is generally only needed for cats with outdoor access or exposure to FeLV-positive cats.

At what age do kittens start vaccines?

Kittens typically start their FVRCP series at 6–8 weeks old, with follow-up doses every 3–4 weeks until at least 16 weeks. Rabies is usually given at 12–16 weeks, and FeLV testing/vaccination is often recommended in the same window for at-risk kittens.

Does my cat need FeLV vaccine every year?

FeLV vaccine schedules vary — an initial two-dose series is followed by a booster at one year, and then annual or every-other-year boosters depending on ongoing outdoor exposure. Indoor-only adult cats with no FeLV-positive housemates may not need continued boosters — ask your vet.

Cat Vaccination Schedule Calculator — What Shots Are Due?

Cat's Age

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Under 1 year old? Just fill in months and/or weeks.

When was the last core vaccine round (FVRCP)?

Lifestyle

⚕️ This calculator provides general guidelines based on standard veterinary protocols (WSAVA / AAFP). Individual vaccine needs vary by region, health status, and vet judgment. Always confirm with your veterinarian.

Core vs. Non-Core Cat Vaccines

Core vaccines are recommended for every cat, indoor or outdoor, because the diseases are common or severe enough to warrant protection regardless of lifestyle. These are FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) and rabies, which is legally required in most areas.

FeLV (feline leukemia) sits in a gray zone — it's considered core for kittens (since risk is highest early in life and exposure history is often unknown) but becomes non-core for adult indoor-only cats with no exposure to unknown-status cats. Outdoor cats or those living with FeLV-positive cats should stay on the FeLV vaccine schedule.

Why "Indoor Only" Doesn't Mean "No Vaccines Needed"

It's a common assumption that strictly indoor cats don't need much in the way of vaccination. In practice, indoor cats still need core vaccines. Rhinotracheitis and calicivirus are highly contagious respiratory viruses that can be carried in on clothing or by other pets, and panleukopenia (feline distemper) can survive on surfaces for a long time. Rabies exposure, while rare for indoor cats, is still possible through an accidental escape or an unvaccinated animal getting into the home — and it's the one vaccine where the legal requirement doesn't bend based on lifestyle.

Where lifestyle genuinely changes the calculation is with FeLV and other exposure-driven vaccines — that's where indoor-only status meaningfully reduces what's needed.

Adult Booster Schedules

After the kitten series and a one-year booster, many vets move FVRCP to a 3-year schedule for healthy adult cats. Rabies boosters follow local law and vaccine type — often 1 or 3 years. FeLV, when still indicated, typically follows an annual or every-other-year booster schedule depending on ongoing exposure risk.

If your cat's vaccine history is unknown — common with adopted or rescued cats — vets will often restart with a fresh series rather than assume partial protection, since there's no reliable way to confirm what was actually given previously.

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💉 Cat Vaccination Schedule Calculator

Your Cat's Vaccine Status

Core vs. Non-Core Cat Vaccines

Why "Indoor Only" Doesn't Mean "No Vaccines Needed"

Adult Booster Schedules