Cats need core vaccines against infectious diseases like rabies and feline distemper, plus optional lifestyle-based vaccines. Kittens start their vaccination series at 6-8 weeks old.
Vaccines stimulate your cat's immune system using inactivated or weakened versions of disease-causing organisms. This prepares the immune system to fight off actual infections later. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) categorizes vaccines as either core or non-core:
| Vaccine Name | Diseases Prevented | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Rabies | Core |
| FVRCP | Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia | Core |
| FeLV | Feline leukemia virus | Non-core |
Many cat owners believe vaccines only protect against obvious threats like rabies. However, core vaccines also prevent deadly but less-known diseases like feline panleukopenia, which has a 90% mortality rate in unvaccinated kittens (Cornell Feline Health Center). Another myth is that indoor cats don't need vaccines-yet even indoor cats can be exposed to diseases through open windows or contaminated surfaces.
I once had a client whose indoor cat developed an upper respiratory infection after sitting near an open window where a stray cat had recently been. The infection required weeks of treatment and could have been prevented with the proper vaccines.