From Kitten to Adult: The Definitive Cat Vaccination Schedule for Indian Pet Owners
Published By : Satya Mohapatra
| July 21, 2025 11:01 AM
A Guide to Essential Feline Vaccinations and Schedules
For cat owners, ensuring the health and longevity of their feline companions is a top priority. One of the most effective tools in preventive care is vaccination. Understanding which vaccines are necessary and when they should be administered is a crucial part of responsible pet ownership, providing a shield against several dangerous and potentially fatal diseases.
Veterinarians categorize vaccines into two main groups: core and non-core.
Core Vaccines are considered essential for every cat, regardless of its lifestyle or location. In India, these vaccines protect against four highly infectious viral diseases. Three of these—feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia—are specific to cats and can cause severe illness. The fourth, rabies, is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted to humans and is fatal for all warm-blooded animals. A combination vaccine, often referred to as RCP, is commonly used to protect against the first three viruses.
Non-Core Vaccines are recommended only for cats with specific risk factors, such as those who spend time outdoors or live in multi-cat households. Vaccines for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) fall into this category. In India, these are less commonly administered, and a veterinarian will determine if they are necessary based on an individual cat's lifestyle.
The Recommended Vaccination Schedule
Following a proper schedule is key to ensuring the vaccines are effective. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) provides global guidelines that are widely followed.
Kittens: The primary vaccination course should begin when a kitten is 6 to 8 weeks old. The RCP vaccine is given every 2 to 4 weeks until the kitten reaches 16 weeks of age. This series of shots is vital to overcome the waning immunity they receive from their mother's milk. The rabies vaccine is typically administered at 12 weeks of age.
Adult Cats: An adult cat that completed its full kitten vaccination series should receive booster shots for all four core diseases annually.
Rescued or Shelter Cats: For cats with an unknown vaccination history, vets recommend a course of two doses of the RCP and rabies vaccines, given 2 to 4 weeks apart, after a thorough health screening.
Understanding Potential Risks
While vaccines are overwhelmingly safe and effective, some cats may experience mild, temporary side effects like fever, lethargy, or swelling at the injection site. These usually resolve within 24 to 72 hours. In very rare instances, more serious reactions like an allergic response or a type of tumour called a feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS) can occur. It's also important to note that vaccine failure, though uncommon, can happen due to factors like improper storage or a pre-existing illness in the cat.
Why Even Indoor Cats Need Vaccines
A common misconception is that indoor cats are not at risk and do not require vaccination. However, viruses can be brought into the home on shoes, clothing, or other objects. Some viruses can also survive in the environment for extended periods. For this reason, veterinary experts universally agree that all cats must receive their core vaccines.
In conclusion, vaccination is a simple yet profound act of care. By working with a veterinarian to follow the recommended schedule, cat owners can protect their beloved pets from devastating diseases and contribute to a healthier community for all animals.
With expert advice and inputs from Dr.TruptiPriyaLenka, MVSc and Dr.Ritu Gupta, MVSc, Assistant Professors, Department of Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, SOA Deemed University, Bhubaneswar.
