Meta Description: Discover the full CAT vaccine schedule, from rabies shots to FVRCP and FeLV vaccines. Learn about vaccination costs in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, and find free and paid vet clinics near you.
Complete Cat Vaccine Schedule – Essential Guide for Feline Health
Core vaccines are mandatory for all cats and are critical for preventing fatal diseases. These vaccines are often required by law in certain countries. Here are the core vaccines your cat needs:
· Rabies Vaccine: Protects against the rabies virus, a fatal disease affecting animals and humans. Most regions require this by law. Kittens should get their first rabies shot at 12-16 weeks, with boosters administered every 1-3 years.
· FVRCP Vaccine: This combination vaccine protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (often called feline distemper). Kittens start this vaccine series at 6-8 weeks, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks of age, followed by yearly boosters.
Non-Core Vaccines Schedule for Cats
Non-core vaccines are optional and depend on your cat’s environment and lifestyle. These vaccines are recommended based on specific exposure risks:
· FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus): This vaccine is important for cats that spend time outdoors or live in multi-cat households where the virus may be present. Kittens can receive this vaccine at eight weeks, with boosters given 3-4 weeks later, then yearly after that.
· Chlamydia and Bordetella: These vaccines are recommended for cats in high-density environments, like shelters or catteries. They help prevent bacterial respiratory infections.
Booster Shots for Cats Vaccine Schedule
Booster shots are necessary to maintain immunity. The cat vaccination schedule typically requires the following:
· FVRCP: Initial shots are given every 3-4 weeks until the kitten reaches 16-20 weeks. After the initial series, a booster is needed annually or every three years, depending on the vaccine.
· Rabies: After the initial rabies shot at 12-16 weeks, cats should receive a booster annually or every three years, depending on local laws and the type of vaccine used.
· FeLV: Requires a booster 3-4 weeks after the first dose, then annually.
In the U.S., pet owners usually pay for vaccinations at private veterinary clinics. However, low-cost vaccine clinics are sometimes available through animal shelters, rescue organizations, or non-profits.
Where to Get Vaccines:
Veterinary Clinics
- Private vet practices offer comprehensive care, including vaccines.
Low-Cost Clinics: Some organizations, like the Humane Society or ASPCA, may provide lower-cost vaccinations.
Popular Vet Chains:
- Banfield Pet Hospital (Located in many PetSmart stores across the U.S.)
Website: Banfield Pet Hospital
VCA Animal Hospitals (Nationwide)
Website: VCA Hospitals
Petco Vetco Clinics
- Provides low-cost vaccinations in Petco stores
Website: Vetco at Petco
ASPCA Community Clinics
- Low-cost vaccination options
Website: ASPCA Low-Cost Services
United Kingdom-
In the U.K., pet owners generally pay for vaccinations through private veterinary clinics. Some charitable organizations may offer low-cost options.
Where to Get Vaccines:
Veterinary Clinics
These Vaccines are available at private clinics or through large veterinary chains.
Charitable Clinics
Organizations like the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) offer free or low-cost care for eligible pet owners on certain benefits.
Popular Vet Chains
Vets4Pets (Located in many Pets at Home stores across the U.K.)
Website: Vets4Pets
Medivet (National chain)
Website: Medivet
PDSA
Charity providing free or reduced-cost care for those on benefits
Website: PDSA
Canada
- In Canada, most pet vaccinations are paid for by the owner and offered at veterinary clinics. Non-profit organizations run some low-cost clinics.
Where to Get Vaccines:
Private Clinics: Most pet owners get vaccines at private veterinary clinics.
Non-Profit & Humane Societies: Some shelters or non-profits provide affordable vaccine services.
Popular Vet Chains:
VCA Canada (Nationwide)
Website: VCA Canada
Global Pet Foods (Hosts clinics for vaccines at times)
Website: Global Pet Foods
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society (Offers low-cost vaccinations in Ontario)
Website: Ontario SPCA
Australia
In Australia, pet owners generally pay for vaccines through veterinary clinics, but some charitable organizations offer discounted services.
Where to Get Vaccines:
Veterinary Clinics: Vaccines are available through private vet practices.
Low-Cost Clinics: Some organizations offer lower-cost options for pets of low-income owners.
Popular Vet Chains:
Greencross Vets (Located in Petbarn stores across Australia)
Website: Greencross Vets
Vetwest Animal Hospitals (Located in Western Australia)
Website: Vetwest
RSPCA Australia (Offers low-cost vaccinations in certain locations)
Website: RSPCA Australia
Cost of Vaccines
Pet vaccine costs vary depending on the region, the specific vaccines required, and the clinic’s pricing.
Typically, core vaccines for dogs and cats (like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus) are more expensive at private clinics, ranging from $50 to $100. Low-cost or charitable clinics can significantly reduce these costs.
Low-Cost Vaccine Clinics
Mobile Clinics: Many areas in the U.S., U.K., and Canada have mobile vaccination clinics that offer lower-cost options. Humane societies, animal control agencies, or national non-profits often run these.
Check with your local vet or non-profit organizations to see if they offer free or discounted vaccination programs.
United States
In the U.S., pet owners usually pay for vaccinations at private veterinary clinics. However, low-cost vaccine clinics are sometimes available through animal shelters, rescue organizations, or non-profits.
Where to Get Vaccines:
Veterinary Clinics: Private vet practices offer comprehensive care, including vaccines.
Low-Cost Clinics: Some organizations, like the Humane Society or ASPCA, may provide lower-cost vaccinations.
Popular Vet Chains:
Banfield Pet Hospital (Located in many PetSmart stores across the U.S.)
Website: Banfield Pet Hospital
VCA Animal Hospitals (Nationwide)
Website: VCA Hospitals
Petco Vetco Clinics (Provides low-cost vaccinations in Petco stores)
Website: Vetco at Petco
ASPCA Community Clinics (Low-cost vaccination options)
Website: ASPCA Low-Cost Services
United Kingdom
In the U.K., pet owners generally pay for vaccinations through private veterinary clinics. Some charitable organizations may offer low-cost options.
Where to Get Vaccines:
Veterinary Clinics: Vaccines are available at private clinics or through large veterinary chains.
Charitable Clinics: Organizations like the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) offer free or low-cost care for eligible pet owners on certain benefits.
Popular Vet Chains:
Vets4Pets (Located in many Pets at Home stores across the U.K.)
Website: Vets4Pets
Medivet (National chain)
Website: Medivet
PDSA (Charity providing free or reduced-cost care for those on benefits)
Website: PDSA
Canada
In Canada, most pet vaccinations are paid for by the owner and offered at veterinary clinics. Non-profit organizations run some low-cost clinics.
Where to Get Vaccines:
Private Clinics: Most pet owners get vaccines at private veterinary clinics.
Non-Profit & Humane Societies: Some shelters or non-profits provide affordable vaccine services.
Popular Vet Chains:
VCA Canada (Nationwide)
Website: VCA Canada
Global Pet Foods (Hosts clinics for vaccines at times)
Website: Global Pet Foods
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society (Offers low-cost vaccinations in Ontario)
Website: Ontario SPCA
Australia
In Australia, pet owners generally pay for vaccines through veterinary clinics, but some charitable organizations offer discounted services.
Where to Get Vaccines:
Veterinary Clinics: Vaccines are available through private vet practices.
Low-Cost Clinics: Some organizations offer lower-cost options for pets of low-income owners.
Popular Vet Chains:
Greencross Vets (Located in Petbarn stores across Australia)
Website: Greencross Vets
Vetwest Animal Hospitals (Located in Western Australia)
Website: Vetwest
RSPCA Australia (Offers low-cost vaccinations in certain locations)
Website: RSPCA Australia
Cats typically need rabies shots every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine type and local regulations.
2. Do indoor cats need vaccines?
Yes, indoor cats should receive core vaccines like rabies and FVRCP to protect them from preventable diseases.
3. What is the FVRCP vaccine for cats?
The FVRCP vaccine protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.
4. How much do cat vaccinations cost in the USA?
Costs in the USA range from $50 to $100 per visit, depending on whether you visit a private vet or a low-cost clinic.
5. Can I buy feline vaccines online?
Yes, some vaccines are available online, but they should only be administered by a veterinarian to ensure safety.
6. What vaccines do kittens need?
Kittens require core vaccines like rabies and FVRCP, starting as early as 6-8 weeks of age.
7. What is the FeLV vaccine?
The FeLV vaccine protects against feline leukemia virus and is recommended for outdoor cats or those living in multi-cat environments.
8. How often should I get booster shots for my cat?
Booster shots are typically needed yearly for vaccines like FVRCP and FeLV, although some may be administered every three years.
9. What is the WHO guideline on cat vaccinations?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends regular vaccinations, particularly for zoonotic diseases like rabies, to ensure both animal and human health.
10. How much does rabies shot cost for cats?
The cost of a rabies shot ranges from $15 to $25 in most regions, but prices can vary.
Maintaining a proper CAT vaccine schedule is vital for the health and safety of your pet. Core vaccines, including rabies and FVRCP, are essential for all cats, while non-core vaccines like FeLV should be considered based on your cat’s lifestyle.
You can consult with your vet and explore affordable vaccination options, including mobile clinics and low-cost services. Stay informed, protect your pet, and ensure they live a healthy life.
