Core Vaccines for Cats—Protecting Your Feline Friend

Practice manager
4 days ago
3 min read

Vaccinating your cat is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect them from serious infectious diseases. Even indoor cats can be at risk—some viruses spread through the air or can be carried in on your clothes or shoes. Vaccination not only protects your cat but also helps safeguard the wider cat community.

So, what are the core vaccines your cat needs, and why are they so important?

What Are Core Vaccines?

Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, regardless of their age, breed or whether they live indoors or outdoors. In Australia, the F3 vaccine is considered the essential core vaccine for cats.

The F3 vaccine protects against three potentially severe viral diseases:

1. Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Parvovirus)

A highly contagious and often fatal virus that attacks the immune system and intestinal tract.
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, loss of appetite and dehydration.
It’s especially dangerous for kittens and can survive for long periods in the environment.
There is no cure—treatment focuses on supportive care—so prevention through vaccination is vital.

2. Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)

A major cause of cat flu.
Symptoms include sneezing, runny eyes, nasal discharge and mouth ulcers.
Once infected, cats can carry the virus for life and experience flare-ups during times of stress or illness.
Vaccination helps reduce the severity and frequency of these episodes.

3. Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

Another common cause of cat flu.
Causes mouth ulcers, sneezing, eye and nasal discharge, and sometimes joint pain or lameness.
Like herpesvirus, it’s highly contagious, especially in multi-cat households and shelters.
Vaccination greatly reduces the severity and spread of infection.

The FIV Vaccine—Additional Protection

Beyond the F3, our vets may recommend FIV vaccine depending on your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors.

This includes protection against:

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): A viral disease transmitted by cat bites which affects the immune system by weakening it..

If your cat goes outdoors or mixes with other cats, our vets may recommend this additional vaccinations.

Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Kittens receive temporary immunity from their mother’s milk, but this protection fades quickly. Vaccination begins at around 6–8 weeks of age, followed by a series of boosters. A typical vaccination schedule includes:

1st vaccination: 6–8 weeks
2nd vaccination: 10–12 weeks
3rd vaccination: 14–16 weeks
Booster: At 14 months

After that, adult cats need regular boosters, often every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine type and your cat’s lifestyle. Your vet will tailor the plan to your cat’s individual needs.

Why Vaccination Matters

Protects your cat from painful, often life-threatening diseases.
Reduces community spread, protecting other cats—especially kittens and seniors.
Prevents outbreaks in shelters, boarding facilities and catteries.
Saves lives—vaccinated cats are far less likely to suffer severe illness.

Indoor Cats Still Need Protection

It’s a common misconception that indoor cats don’t need vaccines. Many infectious diseases spread through the air or via contact with contaminated objects, such as shoes or hands. Even a short trip to the vet or groomer can expose your cat to risk. Regular vaccination keeps them protected no matter where they live.

Final Thoughts

Core vaccines are a cornerstone of feline health care. By keeping your cat’s vaccinations up to date, you’re protecting them from serious diseases that still circulate in Australia today.

If you’re unsure when your cat last had their vaccinations, talk to our vets—we can review your cat’s records and recommend the best protection plan.