Most people land on a cat vaccination page for one of three reasons: they’ve just brought home a kitten, their adult cat’s booster is overdue, or they’re trying to work out which “extras” matter for an indoor cat versus a wanderer. The timing matters, because early gaps leave kittens exposed, while unnecessary vaccines add cost without much benefit.
Below is a clear, Australia-focused guide to core and non-core cat vaccines, a practical schedule, what side effects to watch for, and where the common myths creep in.
What cat vaccinations do (and what they don’t)
Vaccines train the immune system to recognise a virus or bacterium before the real thing arrives. That usually means fewer infections, milder disease if infection happens, and far less shedding to other cats in the home or neighbourhood.1, 2
No vaccine is a force field. Protection takes time to develop, and some cats will still get sick after exposure, especially in high-risk settings like shelters, boarding, or multi-cat households. The goal is to prevent the worst outcomes and reduce spread.2
Core vaccines in Australia (the ones most cats need)
In Australia, “core” generally means the F3 vaccine: protection against feline panleukopenia (parvovirus), feline herpesvirus-1, and feline calicivirus.3, 2
Feline panleukopenia (feline parvovirus)
A tough, highly contagious virus that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and death, particularly in kittens. It can persist in the environment, which is why even indoor cats can be exposed through contaminated objects and shoes.2
Feline herpesvirus-1 and calicivirus
Common causes of feline upper respiratory disease (“cat flu”). Signs can include sneezing, eye and nose discharge, fever, mouth ulcers (more typical with calicivirus), and prolonged recovery in kittens or stressed cats.2
Non-core vaccines (useful in the right life)
Non-core vaccines are chosen after a simple risk check: exposure to other cats, outdoor access, fighting, dense housing (catteries/shelters), and local disease patterns. Your vet’s recommendation should match your cat’s actual world, not a one-size schedule.3, 2
FeLV (feline leukaemia virus)
FeLV spreads mainly through close contact (especially saliva) between cats. Vaccination is commonly recommended for kittens and for cats with a realistic chance of mixing with cats of unknown FeLV status (outdoors, shelters, new additions to the household). Testing for FeLV is recommended before vaccination so you’re not vaccinating a cat that is already infected.4
FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus)
FIV is spread primarily through bite wounds, so risk rises in cats that roam and fight. In Australia, FIV vaccination is not routinely advised for every cat; it’s generally reserved for cats with a genuine bite-risk lifestyle, discussed case-by-case with your vet.5
Chlamydia (Chlamydophila felis)
This vaccine is usually considered for higher-density, multi-cat environments where conjunctivitis and respiratory disease circulate. For the average single-cat household, it’s not commonly needed.2
Vaccination schedule (kittens and adult cats)
Schedules vary slightly by clinic and product, but the underlying pattern is consistent: start young, repeat at short intervals while maternal antibodies fade, then move to longer booster intervals once protection is established.1, 2
Typical kitten course (core F3)
- Start at 6–8 weeks.
- Repeat every 3–4 weeks.
- Finish at 16 weeks of age or later.
This “series” matters. Early doses may not take fully if maternal antibodies are still blocking the response, so the later doses are the ones that often lock in protection.2, 1
First booster after the kitten course
Many guidelines recommend a booster about 12 months after the final kitten vaccine, then extending intervals based on risk and vaccine label directions.2, 3
Adult cats (core boosters)
For an adult cat that completed a primary course, boosters are commonly given every 1–3 years, depending on the vaccine used and the cat’s exposure risk (for example, frequent contact with other cats versus quiet indoor life).3, 2
Adult cats with unknown history
If you’ve adopted an adult cat and the vaccination history is unclear, a common approach is two core doses given 2–4 weeks apart, then ongoing boosters based on your vet’s advice.3
When to keep kittens indoors
Until a kitten has finished the initial course and had time to respond, they’re still learning their immune defences. Many veterinary hospitals advise avoiding public outdoor areas and unknown cats until after the final kitten vaccine has had time to “settle in”.5
Side effects: what’s normal, what’s not
Most cats have no problems beyond a quiet day. Mild effects can include sleepiness, reduced appetite, or a small, tender lump at the injection site for a day or two.2
Get veterinary help urgently if you notice
- Facial swelling, hives, intense itch, or sudden vomiting/diarrhoea soon after vaccination
- Breathing difficulty or collapse
- Extreme lethargy that doesn’t lift
Severe reactions are uncommon, but they need prompt care.2
Cost of cat vaccinations in Australia (what to expect)
Prices vary by clinic, state, and what’s included (exam fee, microchipping, parasite prevention, FeLV/FIV testing). Because fees change frequently, the most reliable guide is your local clinic’s current price list. If cost is tight, ask about:
- kitten packages (often cheaper than paying visit-by-visit)
- shelter or council-supported vaccination days in your area
- spacing optional vaccines based on genuine risk rather than habit
Legal and practical notes in Australia
Routine cat vaccination (like F3) is widely recommended, but it isn’t a single nationwide legal requirement in the way some people assume. Rules can still appear through boarding facilities, shelters, breeders, or local policies, so it’s worth checking what your situation requires.
Rabies vaccination is not part of routine vaccination for cats living in Australia because Australia is rabies-free; however, rabies vaccination and testing are part of the Australian Government’s import conditions for cats coming from certain countries or returning to Australia from overseas.6, 7
Final thoughts
Cat vaccination works best when it matches the cat in front of you: their age, their roaming range, the number of other cats they meet, and how much disease pressure sits in their environment. Keep the core course solid, use non-core vaccines where they genuinely reduce risk, and let your vet tailor the timing so your cat isn’t left with thin coverage at the wrong moment.3, 2
References
- AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) – 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines: FAQs
- WSAVA – Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats (peer-reviewed, open access via PubMed Central)
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase – What vaccinations should my cat receive?
- AAHA – Core vaccines for pet cats (includes FeLV guidance and revaccination considerations)
- University of Sydney – University Veterinary Teaching Hospital: Vaccinations (kitten schedule and risk-based guidance)
- Australian Government (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) – Rabies vaccination and tests for cats and dogs coming to Australia
- Australian Government (DAFF) – How to bring your cat to Australia from a Group 3 country (rabies vaccination and RNATT requirements)
- Preventive Health Care for Cats (review article, open access via PubMed Central; summary of vaccination recommendations)
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom