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My indoor cat is getting his first shots. What vaccines does he need?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 22 days old

Hi this will be my cat's first time getting shots. He's an indoor cat. And I don't know what shots to take him for.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 7th, 2019

Hello. I think it is a good idea to get a full set of vaccinations plus one booster in a month. This should include the usual feline respiratory diseases such as panleukopenia ( feline distemper ), rhinotracheitis, calicivirus & feline leukemia. Booster in 1 year to establish good immunity. After this, you can probably booster Onix every 2-3 years & the reason for this is to protect him on the off chance he should get outdoors, or if you decide to introduce a new cat in the future. The rabies should be given on a regular schedule mainly because this is a human liability issue. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Most indoor kittens his age will get 2 rounds of FVRCP and Feline Leukemia virus. The leukemia virus vaccine does however depend on your location and local infection rates. It can also depend on if he will go outside as an adult or not. Your veterinarian will decide if this vaccine is appropriate for Onix. He will get the first set of vaccines and then come in for boosters 2 to 4 weeks later. You must get the vaccine boosters in order to make the vaccines work appropriately. He will also get his Rabies vaccine during one of these visits. He does not need a booster for this vaccination. Depending on where you live, the Rabies and FVRCP vaccines will eventually be converted to every three years once he has had the appropriate number of one year vaccines. Some state laws however require the vaccine to be given every year. Your local veterinarian will know best. Lastly, discuss getting him neutered and microchipped. He is old enough now to start going through puberty. Intact male cats tend to start spraying urine in the house. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional!

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