Vaccinations are one of the most important steps you can take to protect your cat from serious, sometimes fatal diseases. Whether your feline spends all day lounging indoors or enjoys outdoor adventures, staying up to date on their shots is essential for a long, healthy life. At Hershey Veterinary Hospital, we offer recommended core and non-core vaccines for cats, including FVRCP, FeLV, and rabies vaccines.
Why Cat Vaccines Matter
Vaccines work by stimulating your cat’s immune system to recognize and fight harmful viruses before they cause illness. Some protect against highly contagious diseases, while others are required by law to help safeguard both pets and people. Even indoor cats can be exposed to disease through other animals, visitors, or quick escapes outside.
Core vs. Non-Core Cat Vaccines
Veterinarians group vaccines into two main categories:
- Core Vaccines – Recommended for all cats, regardless of age or lifestyle. These protect against diseases that are widespread, severe, or transmissible to humans.
- Non-Core Vaccines – Recommended based on a cat’s individual lifestyle and risk factors, such as time spent outdoors or contact with other cats.
At Hershey Veterinary Hospital, we’ll work with you to create a vaccination plan tailored to your pet’s needs.
Core Vaccines for Cats
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a fatal viral infection that affects the nervous system and can be passed to humans. Rabies vaccination is required by law in Pennsylvania for all cats over 3 months old. We offer 1-year rabies vaccines for cats.
FVRCP Vaccine
The FVRCP vaccine is a three-in-one shot that protects against:
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) – Caused by feline herpesvirus, this leads to upper respiratory infections, eye problems, and lifelong viral shedding.
- Feline Calicivirus (FCV) – A viral infection that can cause oral ulcers, respiratory illness, and, in severe strains, systemic disease.
- Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) – Also known as feline distemper, this highly contagious disease can be deadly, especially for kittens.
We recommend FVRCP vaccines for kittens and adult cats to protect against these common and potentially serious conditions.
Non-Core Vaccines for Cats
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
FeLV weakens the immune system and can lead to cancer, anemia, and other life-threatening conditions. The virus spreads through saliva, urine, and other bodily fluids. We recommend FeLV vaccination for all kittens and for adult cats who spend time outdoors or live with other cats.
Cat Vaccination Schedule
While each cat’s needs are different, following a structured vaccination schedule helps ensure lifelong protection. At Hershey Veterinary Hospital, we recommend:
Kittens:
- 8 weeks: FVRCP (1 of 3-part series)
- 12 weeks: FVRCP (2 of 3-part series), FeLV (1 of 2-part series)
- 16 weeks: FVRCP (3 of 3-part series), FeLV (2 of 2-part series), and Rabies (required by law in Pennsylvania)
Adult Cats:
- Annual boosters for FVRCP, FeLV (if at risk), and rabies after the initial kitten series
Our team will help create a personalized vaccination schedule to protect your cat from core and non-core diseases while avoiding unnecessary injections.
Side Effects of Cat Vaccines
Most cats experience no side effects beyond mild soreness at the injection site. Occasionally, a cat may be sleepy, have a slight fever, or lose their appetite for a day. Severe allergic reactions are rare but require immediate veterinary attention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Vaccines
Cats should receive core vaccines—rabies and the FVRCP combination, which protects against feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, and panleukopenia. These fall into the categories of core and non-core. Non-core vaccines, like the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine, are recommended for higher-risk cats, including outdoor cats.
Yes. In Pennsylvania, rabies vaccination is required by law for all cats over 3 months old. This vaccination protects your cat and helps prevent the spread of a dangerous viral infection to people and pets.
Vaccines reduce the severity and likelihood of disease, but no vaccine offers 100% protection. For example, the FVRCP vaccine lowers the risk of upper respiratory infection in cats, but an infected cat may still have mild symptoms.
The feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) vaccine is generally not recommended because it hasn’t shown consistent protection. Your veterinarian can help you decide if it’s appropriate for your cat’s situation.
Kittens start vaccines at 8 weeks, with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks. Adult cats need boosters every year.
Most side effects are mild and include temporary soreness at the injection site, low energy, or brief fever. Severe reactions are rare but require prompt veterinary care.
Protect Your Cat’s Health for Life
Keeping your cat current on vaccines is one of the best ways to ensure they stay healthy and safe. At Hershey Veterinary Hospital, we follow the latest feline vaccination guidelines to protect your pet while minimizing risks.Schedule your cat’s vaccinations today to keep them—and your family—safe from preventable diseases.