Glossary

Core vaccines

The vaccines vets recommend for every cat, as opposed to non-core vaccines chosen according to a cat's lifestyle and risk.

Also called: core cat vaccines, essential cat vaccinations, non-core vaccines

Veterinary groups divide cat vaccines into core and non-core. Core vaccines protect against diseases that are widespread, serious or, in the case of rabies, a danger to people. They are advised for every healthy cat, whether it lives indoors or out.

For cats the core list is the FVRCP combination, which covers herpesvirus, calicivirus and panleukopenia, and the rabies vaccine. Current guidelines also treat feline leukemia vaccination as core for kittens, since young cats are the most likely to develop lasting infection if exposed. Whether an adult needs it depends on its lifestyle.

Non-core vaccines are given when a cat's risk justifies them. Examples include feline leukemia for adults that go outdoors or live with cats of unknown status, and in some places vaccines against Chlamydia or Bordetella for cats in catteries or shelters. Your vet weighs the risk against the small chance of a reaction, which includes a lump at the injection site that stays for more than a few weeks.

Schedules vary by country and by the product used. Keep your cat's vaccination record, and ask your vet which vaccines your cat needs now, how often, and whether an indoor cat can follow a lighter plan.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

In the index now

Related terms

FVRCP vaccine The combination cat vaccine that protects against feline herpesvirus, calicivirus and panleukopenia. Rabies vaccine The injection that protects a cat from rabies, required by law for cats in many places and recommended for all. Feline leukemia virus A contagious virus that weakens a cat's immune system and can cause anemia, infections and cancer such as lymphoma. Vaccine titer A blood test that measures antibodies to a germ, sometimes used to judge whether a cat is protected after vaccination. Wellness exam A routine vet visit for a healthy-looking cat to check its body, update vaccines and parasite control, and catch problems early.

Related guides

Cat vaccines explained Which vaccines cats and kittens usually get, when they are given, how lifestyle changes the plan, and what side effects to watch for. How adopting from a shelter works What happens from browsing to bringing a cat home, what fees cover, questions to ask, and how to help a shelter cat settle in. What a cat really costs The one-off, yearly and surprise costs of keeping a cat for life, how to plan for them, and where prices differ by place.