By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Many cat owners skip vaccinations once their kitten grows up, especially if the cat lives indoors. Then a stray kitten is brought home, or the cat goes to a cattery for a week, and the risk is suddenly real. Feline panleukopenia has caused serious outbreaks in Australian shelters in recent years, and cat flu viruses are everywhere. Vaccines protect against both. Here are the questions vets get asked most, answered plainly.
Key takeaways
- The core cat vaccine in Australia is the F3, covering feline panleukopenia (feline parvovirus), feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus.
- Indoor cats still need core vaccines. These viruses travel on shoes, clothing and new pets.
- FeLV and FIV are non-core and depend on whether your cat goes outdoors or lives with cats that do.
- Kittens need a series of vaccines. Adults usually need boosters every one to three years, depending on risk and product.
- Severe vaccine reactions are rare. Facial swelling, vomiting, breathing trouble or collapse needs urgent care.
- Related: cat flu, feline calicivirus, feline leukaemia vaccine.
What does the F3 protect against?
Feline panleukopenia (feline parvovirus). A severe, often fatal virus that causes vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and a crash in white blood cells. Kittens and unvaccinated cats are most at risk. The virus survives in the environment for a long time and is resistant to many household cleaners.
Feline herpesvirus. One of the two main causes of cat flu. It causes sneezing, eye and nose discharge, eye ulcers and fever. Infected cats often carry the virus for life and can have flare-ups when stressed.
Feline calicivirus. The other main cat flu virus. It can cause mouth ulcers, drooling, sneezing and lameness. Some strains are more severe.
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) considers these three core for every cat worldwide.
My cat never goes outside. Does it still need vaccines?
Yes. Panleukopenia virus can be carried into the house on shoes or clothing, and cat flu viruses spread easily if you foster, adopt or visit other cats. Indoor cats also need protection for unexpected events such as a stay at a cattery, a vet hospital admission or escaping outdoors. The vaccine schedule for a strictly indoor adult cat may be less frequent, and your vet can tailor it.
What about FeLV and FIV?
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) weakens the immune system and can cause cancer. It spreads through close contact such as grooming and shared bowls. Vaccination may be recommended for cats that go outdoors or live with cats that do. Testing before vaccination is usually advised.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is spread mainly through bites, so outdoor cats that fight are most at risk. An FIV vaccine has been used in Australia, but availability and recommendations have changed over time, so ask your vet what is currently offered and whether it suits your cat. Keeping cats indoors, especially at night, reduces fight injuries and FIV risk.
Some combination vaccines also include Chlamydia felis, mainly considered for multi-cat households with a history of eye infections.
When do kittens get vaccinated?
Kittens receive a series of core vaccines because antibodies from their mother can block early vaccines. WSAVA recommends starting at six to eight weeks and repeating every two to four weeks until 16 weeks of age or older, with a later booster. Until the course is complete, keep kittens away from unknown cats.
How often do adult cats need boosters?
After the kitten course and an early booster, many adult cats receive core boosters every one to three years. Cats with higher risk, such as those boarding regularly or living in busy multi-cat homes, may be boosted more often for cat flu. Your vet will base the plan on your cat's lifestyle and the products used.
Are cat vaccines safe?
For most cats, yes. A sleepy day, a reduced appetite or mild tenderness where the needle went in are common. Rarely, cats can have allergic reactions. A very rare complication is a type of tumour at an injection site. Vets reduce this risk by choosing products carefully and using particular injection sites. Watch the spot and tell your vet about any lump that is still there after three months, is larger than about two centimetres, or is still growing a month after the vaccine.
Go to a vet straight away if your cat has facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing trouble or collapse after a vaccine.
Do catteries require vaccines?
Most Australian catteries require proof of current F3 vaccination, given a set time before the stay. Check well before your holiday.
FAQ
My cat is 14. Does it still need vaccines?
Older cats can still benefit, especially if they board or meet other cats. Your vet will weigh their health and lifestyle.
Can vaccines cause cat flu?
Vaccines do not cause the full disease, though mild sneezing can follow some nasal vaccines. Cats already carrying herpesvirus may flare up after any stress.
Do cats need a rabies vaccine in Australia?
No, unless they are travelling overseas. Australia is free of rabies.
Can a pregnant cat be vaccinated?
Vaccines are usually avoided during pregnancy. Plan vaccinations before breeding with your vet.
Talk with a vet
If your cat's vaccines are overdue or you are not sure which ones they need, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can talk through your cat's lifestyle and help you plan the next visit. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- Squires RA, Crawford C, Marcondes M, Whitley N. 2024 guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats, compiled by the Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG) of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). J Small Anim Pract. 2024.
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase. What vaccinations should my cat receive?
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feline vaccines: benefits and risks.
- International Cat Care. Vaccinating your cat.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.