An apartment cat does not have the same needs as a cat that goes out. But all need a baseline, because some viruses travel on our shoes.
Core vaccines for all cats
- Feline panleukopenia ("cat typhus"): very resistant virus, fatal in kittens.
- Cat flu (calicivirus and herpesvirus): chronic and very contagious.
Depending on lifestyle
- Feline leukaemia (FeLV): recommended for any cat that goes outside or lives with cats of unknown status. Spread by direct contact (grooming, fights, bowls).
- Chlamydiosis: in groups (catteries, shelters).
- Rabies: only for travelling outside Belgium, with a European passport.
Typical kitten schedule
| Age | What is done | |---|---| | 8 to 9 weeks | First injection panleukopenia + cat flu | | 12 weeks | Second injection (+ leukaemia if outdoor cat) | | 16 weeks | Additional injection depending on the protocol | | 1 year | First full booster |
Adult boosters
- Panleukopenia: every 3 years after the first booster for most vaccines.
- Cat flu: yearly for an exposed cat, every 3 years for a strictly indoor cat.
- Leukaemia: yearly to every 2-3 years depending on the vaccine and exposure.
Should a cat that never goes out be vaccinated?
Yes, at least against panleukopenia and cat flu. The panleukopenia virus survives for months in the environment and comes in on soles, hands or another animal. And an indoor cat may one day get out: a move, a window, a cattery.
Test before the leukaemia vaccine
Before vaccinating against leukaemia, the vet usually runs a blood test: vaccinating an already infected cat is pointless.
Never miss a booster again
In Zoolinko, every vaccine is dated in the cat's digital health record, shared with the vet, with a reminder 30 days and 7 days before the due date.
General information: your cat's vaccination protocol is decided by your vet.