Vaccines are an important part of preventive health care for cats. They help protect cats from infectious diseases that can be serious or even life-threatening. The vaccines a cat needs and how often they should receive them depend on various factors, including their lifestyle, environment, age, and health status.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends that all cats receive the core vaccines, which protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, and have a high risk of severe illness or death. These include:

1. Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) – This vaccine protects against a viral disease that affects a cat’s bone marrow, intestinal tract, and immune system. Kittens should receive a series of three to four vaccinations, starting at 6-8 weeks of age and given every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Adult cats should receive a booster every 1-3 years.
2. Feline Calicivirus (FCV) – This vaccine protects against a respiratory disease that can cause fever, runny nose, mouth ulcers, and pneumonia. Kittens should receive a series of three to four vaccinations, starting at 6-8 weeks of age and given every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Adult cats should receive a booster every 1-3 years.
3. Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) – This vaccine protects against a respiratory disease that can cause sneezing, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and ulcers on the cornea. Kittens should receive a series of three to four vaccinations, starting at 6-8 weeks of age and given every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Adult cats should receive a booster every 1-3 years.
4. Rabies – This vaccine protects against a viral disease that affects the nervous system and can be transmitted to humans. Depending on the vaccine, kittens can be vaccinated as early as 8-12 weeks of age and should receive a booster in 1 year. Adult cats should receive a booster every 1-3 years.

Non-core vaccines may be recommended for cats with specific lifestyles or risks, such as outdoor cats, cats in multiple cat households, or cats that travel. These include:

1. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) – This vaccine protects against a viral disease that can cause immune suppression, anemia, and cancer. Kittens should receive a series of two vaccinations, starting at 8-12 weeks of age and given 3-4 weeks apart. Adult cats should be tested for FeLV before vaccination and should receive a booster every 1-3 years if at risk.
2. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) – This vaccine protects against a viral disease that affects a cat’s immune system. It is recommended for cats at high risk, such as outdoor cats that may be exposed to other cats. Kittens should receive a series of two vaccinations, starting at 8-12 weeks of age and given 3-4 weeks apart. Adult cats should be tested for FIV before vaccination and should receive a booster every 1-3 years if at risk.

In general, it is recommended that cats receive a comprehensive physical examination and vaccine evaluation at least once a year to ensure they are up to date on their vaccines and to detect any health problems early. However, the frequency of vaccinations may vary depending on the cat’s individual needs and risk factors, and should be determined by a veterinarian.