What Vaccines Do Cats Need? A Practical Cat Vaccination Checklist

The clinic asks when your cat last had a vaccine. You remember the appointment. You remember taking a photo of the paperwork. But the only photo you can find is your cat glaring through the carrier door.

Your cat's paperwork may list FVRCP, rabies or FeLV. These vaccines cover different diseases, and the plan depends on your cat's age, previous doses, location and contact with other cats. Send the clinic any records you have when booking so your vet can check what is due. WSAVA vaccination guidelines

Cat vaccination checklist: FVRCP, rabies and FeLV

Look for the vaccine name on the record, rather than relying on a note that says "second shot."

Vaccine	What it covers	What to ask your vet
FVRCP	Feline herpesvirus-1, calicivirus and panleukopenia virus	Which product was used, and what follow-up does this cat need?
Rabies	Rabies	What local or travel requirements apply, and when is the next dose due?
FeLV	Feline leukemia virus	Does local prevalence, age or exposure make this appropriate? What testing is needed first?

WSAVA identifies the FVRCP components as core protection worldwide. Rabies and FeLV recommendations also depend on regional and individual circumstances. This is a discussion checklist, not an instruction to give every listed vaccine to every cat. WSAVA 2024 guidelines

A combination vaccine's name does not tell you how many appointments complete the course. Age, previous doses and the vaccine product matter. AAHA/AAFP core vaccines for pet cats

What to prepare before the appointment

Put these details in one note before you leave:

• Age and background: a birth date or estimated age, plus information from the previous owner or adoption organization.
• Previous records: the vaccination booklet, clinic records and clear photos of vaccine labels.
• Recent health information: changes in appetite, energy or stools; current medications; and any previous vaccine reaction.
• Lifestyle and plans: outdoor access, contact with other cats, boarding or an upcoming move.

If something is unknown, say so. These details support an individualized assessment rather than a schedule copied from another cat. AAHA/AAFP vaccination principles

What to record after your cat's vaccination

Before leaving, check what was given and what happens next. "Vaccines done" is easy to write and surprisingly unhelpful months later.

Field	What to write
Cat's name	Keep a separate history for each cat
Date given	Use the full date, including the year
Vaccine and product	Copy the clinic's wording
Clinic	Save its name and contact details
Original document location	Note where the booklet and any digital copies are stored
Next step	Record the date or review plan confirmed by your vet; otherwise mark it "to confirm"
Observations afterward	Record any changes, when they happened, and instructions received from the clinic

This is an owner's summary. The clinic's medical record includes additional details such as vaccine batch information and administration site. Keep the original documentation too. AAHA/AAFP vaccination record guidance

Find vaccination guidance and your cat's history in PetQiu

Once the booklet goes back in the drawer, the useful questions are usually simple: What happened last time? What date did the vet give us next?

PetQiu's health archive includes a vaccination section with age-based reference guidance, reminders and health history. You can consult the reference material before an appointment, then organize what actually happened and the follow-up your vet confirmed.

Before your next visit, look back at the previous vaccination date. Afterward, add the new record and set a reminder around the agreed plan. That leaves a history you can return to without searching through unrelated photos.

Product introduction image supplied by the product team. It contains demonstration data and reference ages, not an individual vaccination prescription; confirm your cat's schedule with your vet.

Explore PetQiu's health record features →

Frequently asked questions

Save this checklist for your next appointment. The tables above explain what to record.

1. Do indoor cats need vaccines?

Yes—being indoors does not remove the need for a vaccination plan. WSAVA's core vaccine recommendations include indoor cats. Your vet should assess the appropriate vaccines and follow-up for your cat's location, age, health and history. WSAVA vaccination guidelines

2. If I lose my cat's vaccination records, should we start again?

First ask the previous clinic or adoption organization for a copy. Your vet can use the available history, your cat's age and the vaccine type to decide what is needed. Do not assume every dose must be repeated. AAHA/AAFP core vaccines for pet cats

Add recovered dates to your records. Leave unconfirmed details marked "unknown" rather than guessing a date to fill an empty box.