AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guide for Cats

July 3, 2025

Scheduling Vaccinations For Your Cat

Yvonne Figueroa

Vaccines are the foundation of preventive care and wellness, protecting cats from a wide range of contagious diseases. Vaccines play a crucial role in protecting not only your cat but also other cats they may encounter. The 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines¹ offer a clear model for veterinarians and cat owners to create custom vaccine schedules based on the lifestyle, health status, and risk factors of each cat.

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are recommended for every cat, regardless of environment or lifestyle:

• Rabies: a fatal viral disease that attacks the nervous system. It is a significant public health risk as it can infect humans and any warm-blooded animal. There is no cure.
• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP):
  Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis: also known as “feline herpes,” it causes upper respiratory infections, including sneezing and nasal discharge.
  Feline Calicivirus: causes upper respiratory disease and oral ulcers.
  Feline Panleukopenia Virus: also known as “feline distemper,” a highly infectious disease that weakens the immune system and causes secondary infections and gastrointestinal symptoms.

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): causes viremia, bone marrow infection, and is associated with cancer. It is a core vaccine for kittens and cats under the age of one year old since they are more vulnerable.

Non-Core Vaccines

Non-core vaccines are optional and administered based on an individual cat’s specific risk factors. These factors include lifestyle (indoors versus outdoors), geographic location, and exposure to other animals:

• Chlamydia felis: suggested for multi-cat households with a history of chlamydial disease but may be associated with a higher risk of adverse effects.
• Bordetella bronchiseptica: also known as “kennel cough,” it is administered in cats with high-density living environments, such as shelters or catteries.

The decision to use non-core vaccines should be made in consultation with a veterinarian, considering the potential benefits and risks.

Vaccination Schedules

FVRCP

Kittens:

• Start at 6-8 weeks of age
• Booster every 2-4 weeks until 16-18 weeks old
  Additional booster at 6 months of age recommended

Adult Cats (after kitten series, or over 1 year of age):

• First booster: 3-4 weeks
• Next booster: 1 year later
• Then every 3 years, depending on risk assessment and vaccine type

Rabies

Kittens:

• Start at 12-16 weeks (depends on local laws)

Adult Cats:

• Booster 1 year after initial dose
• Next booster: every 1-3 years, depending on vaccine type and local legal requirements

Note: Rabies vaccination is legally required in many areas.

FeLV

Kittens:

• Start at 8 weeks of age
• Two doses, given 3-4 weeks apart

Adult Cats:

• Booster every 1-2 years
• Considered a non-core vaccine for adult cats (while it is a core vaccine for kittens),
• Recommended for cats with outdoor access or reside with FeLV-positive cats

For further guidance, here is a helpful table created by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (formerly AAFP):

Safety Considerations

While vaccines are generally safe and vital for disease protection, they are not entirely without risk. Post-vaccination monitoring of adverse effects is essential. Symptoms such as persistent vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or swelling should be immediately reported to a veterinarian.

One rare but serious potential reaction is the development of feline injection-site sarcomas (FISS).⁴ This is a type of tumor for which the exact cause is not yet fully understood. Although vaccines can be associated with FISS formation, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, and vaccines remain an essential part of feline health care. If you have concerns, consult your veterinarian for guidance tailored to your cat’s needs.

Making Veterinary Visits a Positive Experience

An estimated 52% of cat owners do not take their cat to the veterinarian regularly. With a few simple steps, you can transform the experience from stressful to manageable.

Make the carrier more inviting by leaving a warm, cozy blanket inside and spraying with calming pheromones such as Feliway.

Pre-visit medication can be prescribed by a veterinarian. Medications such as gabapentin or low-dose pregabalin (e.g., Bonqat) can be given two hours before the appointment to help reduce fear and anxiety.

In the clinic, treats like Churu can work wonders in creating a nice distraction and overall calmer environment. Also, don’t hesitate to seek out certified Cat Friendly Practices. They are equipped with the training and techniques to make cats feel at ease, making your trip to the veterinarian as stress-free as it can be.

Conclusion

Vaccination is a critical component of preventive care. Regular check-ups are essential for maintaining an effective vaccination schedule tailored to each cat’s unique needs. Cat owners can keep their feline companions healthy and protected by adhering to vaccine guidelines, and by working together with veterinarians.

References:

1. 2020 AAHA /AAFP Guidelines. https://catvets.com/resource/aaha-aafp-feline-vaccination-guidelines/
2. Squires, RA, Crawford, C, Marcondes, M, Whitley, N. 2024 guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats – compiled by the Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG) of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Journal of Small Animal Practice. https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WSAVA-Vaccination-guidelines-2024.pdf
3. Lappin, Michael R. Update on Prevention of Select Infectious Diseases in Dogs and Cats. https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2-3_Prevention-update_LAPPIN.pdf
4. Vaccines and sarcomas: a concern for cat owners. American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/vaccines-and-sarcomas-concern-cat-owners