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My two-year-old cats haven't had shots. What vaccines are vital?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Wirehair | Female | spayed | 2 years old

Hello! I have two cats. They have never been vaccinated. What do I need to get them? Both are two.

7 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 24th, 2016

Excellent question. The main vaccination(s) they need are: 1) FVRCP- a combo upper respiratory vaccine. 2) And if they go outdoors they should get the FeLV (leukemia) vaccination, which is an infection that is spread through drinking water. 3) Then of course the Rabies vaccine, if it is required in your state. The FVRCP and Rabies vaccine can be given once a year for the first year, then once every 3 years. The FeLV vaccine is given yearly.

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12Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Great question! The core vaccines include feline panleukopenia, feline calcivirus, feline herpesvirus, and rabies. The first three diseases are included in a combination shot, and the rabies is given separately. I recommend taking them into your vet to get their vaccines today or tomorrow, as it's important for them to have these shots. In some states (if you live in the US), it is required by law to have your animals vaccinated against rabies, so it's a good idea to get it done ASAP.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    You need to take them to the vet which will vaccinate them (you cannot vaccinate them yourself). The first course of vaccination is basically 2 injections that are done 3-4 weeks apart, then each year they will need a booster (one injection).

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    Answered By Jyothi Alagappan

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Your cats will need rabies, FCVRP (this "core" vaccine protects against two upper respiratory diseases (rhinotracheitis/herpes virus, calicivirus, and feline distemper/panleukopenia) and feline leukemia vaccine. It will be important to make sure they are on flea/heartworm prevention.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 29th, 2017

    Your cat should definitely be vaccinated if he has never been before. What vaccines he should receive depends on his lifestyle. The rabies vaccine is the most important and is required by law in most states whether or not your cat is indoors or outdoors. This vaccine is given yearly. The other vaccines recommended include the Feline Distemper vaccine which is actually a combination vaccination that protects against feline distemper as well as rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. This vaccine is recommended as a core vaccine for all cats and if you cat has never had it before requires a series of two boosters. If your cat goes outdoors, the feline leukemia vaccine is also recommended and requires two boosters given 3 to 4 weeks apart as well.

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 26th, 2017

    Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I would just get everyone a vaccination of the core diseases we are most concerned about; Feline distemper, which is actually a combination of 3 or 4 feline respiratory diseases, a feline leukemia vaccine & rabies. Depending on what exactly your kitties had initially, your veterinarian may recommend a booster in 1 month. Then, again depending on your veterinarians protocols, vaccines should be boostered either yearly, every 2 or 3 years. The reason for keeping immunity strong even on indoor cats, is that escapes can happen. And, if you decide to bring someone new home, you want your guys well protected. We definitely want everyone to stay as healthy as possible. Take care.

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 22nd, 2019

    I would recommend vaccination for him: the FVRCP and rabies vaccines are considered to be core vaccines for all cats. The link below has more information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/vaccines-vaccination-schedule-for-cats-kittens/

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