Cat vaccination schedule: even for indoor cats

“My cat never goes out, does it really need vaccines?” It’s the most common question. The answer is yes: some diseases come into the home on your shoes or with another animal. Here is the usual schedule, which your vet adapts to your cat.

Core vaccines for cats

According to international veterinary guidelines (WSAVA), all cats should be protected against:

• Panleukopenia (feline distemper): highly contagious and often fatal in kittens. The virus survives a long time in the environment.
• Cat flu: mainly caused by herpesvirus and calicivirus. Sneezing, runny eyes, fever, mouth ulcers.

Depending on lifestyle, the vet may also recommend:

• Feline leukaemia (FeLV): for cats that go out or live with other cats.
• Rabies: required to travel abroad, and recommended for cats that go out, as rabies is present in Morocco.

The kitten schedule

Age	Usual vaccines
8 weeks	1st injection panleukopenia + cat flu
12 weeks	2nd injection (+ leukaemia if needed)
16 weeks	sometimes a 3rd injection, depending on the vet
1 year	booster

Deworm your kitten and get a check-up before its first vaccine: it must be healthy on the day.

Adult boosters

• Panleukopenia: often every three years after the one-year booster, depending on the vaccine.
• Cat flu: often every year, especially if the cat goes to boarding or meets other cats.
• Leukaemia: depending on the risk.
• Rabies: depending on the vaccine, every year or every three years.

Indoor cats

A cat that never goes out has fewer risks, but not zero:

• the panleukopenia virus can be carried in on your shoes;
• a stay at a cattery or with a sitter caring for other cats exposes it to cat flu;
• escapes through a window or balcony happen more often than you think.

The vet can adapt the schedule: fewer vaccines, but the core ones remain important.

Before leaving your cat with someone

If you travel and your cat goes to a sitter or cattery, check its vaccines are up to date at least two weeks before. Many sitters ask for it, and it protects your cat.

After the vaccine

Your cat may be a little tired or eat less for 24 hours. Call the vet in case of vomiting, a swollen face, breathing difficulties, or a lump at the injection site that persists for weeks.

Street cats and adopted cats: special cases

In Morocco, many cats are adopted from the street or taken in very young. In that case, nobody knows their exact age or medical history. Here’s the recommended approach:

1. Vet visit in the first days, to estimate age and check general health.
2. Treatment against worms and fleas before any vaccination.
3. Keep it apart for a few days if you already have other cats, until you’re sure it isn’t sick.
4. Full first vaccination: two injections a few weeks apart, then the booster.
5. Neutering at the age your vet recommends.

If you feed the cats in your building, know that some associations run neutering and vaccination programmes for street cats. It’s a practical way to reduce disease in the neighbourhood and also to protect your own cats, especially if they go out on the terrace or balcony.

A healthy, vaccinated, neutered cat can live 15 years or more. The few appointments of the first year are a small investment for many years together.

FAQ

At what age can a kitten be vaccinated? Usually from 8 weeks.

My adopted adult cat has no record, what now? The vet restarts a full schedule: two injections a few weeks apart, then boosters.

Can a vaccine make my cat ill? Serious side effects are rare. The benefits far outweigh the risks.

A reminder at the right time

In DarPaws, add your cat’s vaccines and their booster date. The app shows upcoming dates on the home screen.

Read also: Dog vaccination schedule · Spaying and neutering: prices and age · Travelling without your pet

---

All their vaccines in your pocket. Download DarPaws for free on Google Play.

This article gives general information. It does not replace your vet’s advice.