Pocket VetAdult cat vaccine & wellness schedule
Adult cats need fewer shots than kittens, but the yearly exam matters more — cats hide illness, and the common senior diseases (kidney, thyroid) are silent early.
The schedule
Every year
- ✓Wellness exam (weight, teeth, heart, kidneys)
- ✓FeLV booster for outdoor/at-risk cats
- ✓Parasite prevention review (fleas, worms, regional heartworm)
Every 1–3 years
- ✓FVRCP booster (interval per product/vet)
- ✓Rabies booster (per product and local law)
From age ~10 (senior)
- ✓Twice-yearly exams recommended
- ✓Annual bloodwork + urinalysis (kidney, thyroid, diabetes)
- ✓Blood-pressure check
Good to know
- ●Weight loss in an older cat is a finding, not a feature — it's the most common early sign of kidney or thyroid disease.
- ●Indoor-only adult cats may need fewer lifestyle vaccines but still need core boosters and exams.
- ●Dental disease is near-universal in older cats; ask for a dental check at every visit.
Something off with your cat after a shot — or anytime?
Describe the symptoms and get an instant, calm triage — home care, vet soon, or emergency.
Check my cat nowFrequently asked
My cat never goes outside — does she still need boosters?
Core boosters (FVRCP, rabies where required) yes, on the 1–3 year schedule. FeLV can usually be dropped for strictly indoor adults. The annual exam stays essential — cats hide disease.
Why does my older cat need bloodwork every year?
Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes are common in senior cats and silent at first. Annual bloodwork catches them while they're cheap and easy to manage.
More schedules
Pocket Vet editorial team
Written and maintained by the Pocket Vet editorial team using authoritative veterinary sources. Reviewed June 10, 2026. This guide is informational only and not a substitute for professional veterinary care — see our editorial & safety policy. When in doubt, contact your vet; in a true emergency, go to an emergency clinic immediately.
Sources