Cats are vulnerable to highly contagious diseases including cat flu and feline parvovirus, which can spread rapidly and cause severe illness or death. Vaccination stimulates your cat’s immune system to produce protective antibodies, providing defence against these diseases throughout their life.
Core Feline Vaccines (F3)
The F3 vaccine protects against three serious diseases that are prevalent in Australia. This core vaccination is recommended for all cats, regardless of whether they live indoors or outdoors.
Feline Parvovirus (Feline Panleukopaenia)
Feline parvovirus is a severe and highly contagious disease that is often fatal, especially in kittens. The virus attacks the intestines and bone marrow, causing vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain, and depression. The virus is extremely resilient and can survive in the environment for months.
Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus (Cat Flu)
These two viruses are responsible for approximately 90% of cat flu cases. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, eye and nasal discharge, fever, and painful ulcers on the tongue. While vaccination significantly reduces the severity of illness, it may not prevent infection entirely. Recovered cats can become lifelong carriers and may show symptoms again when stressed.
Non-Core Feline Vaccines
These vaccines are recommended based on your cat’s lifestyle and risk of exposure, particularly for cats that spend time outdoors or live with multiple cats.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Often called Feline AIDS, FIV attacks the immune system and leaves cats vulnerable to secondary infections. The virus is spread primarily through deep bite wounds during fights, making the vaccine highly recommended for any cat with outdoor access. FIV is not transmissible to humans.
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)
FeLV attacks the immune system and can lead to fatal infections and cancer. Unlike FIV, it spreads through friendly contact such as mutual grooming and sharing food bowls. The vaccine is recommended for cats in multi-cat households or those with outdoor access in areas where FeLV is common.
Chlamydia felis
A bacterial infection that causes severe and persistent conjunctivitis (eye inflammation). Vaccination may be recommended for kittens and cats in multi-cat environments such as catteries or breeding facilities.
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Kittens receive some temporary immunity from their mother’s milk, but this protection fades from around 6 to 8 weeks of age. A series of vaccinations is needed to build your kitten’s own immune protection.
- 6–8 weeks: First F3 vaccination
- 10–12 weeks: Second F3 vaccination. FIV course begins for kittens that will have outdoor access.
- 14–16 weeks: Third F3 vaccination. Second FIV vaccination if required.
- 2–4 weeks later: Third FIV vaccination to complete the course (if required)
Your kitten should stay indoors and avoid contact with unvaccinated cats until 10 to 14 days after completing their vaccination course.
Adult Cat Vaccination Schedule
After completing their kitten vaccinations, cats require regular boosters to maintain lifelong immunity.
- 15 months (first annual booster): All cats require a booster 12 months after their final kitten vaccination to reinforce immunity.
- F3 vaccination: Annual boosters are recommended to maintain protection against cat flu and parvovirus.
- FIV vaccination: Annual boosters are required for cats with outdoor access.
Our team will send reminders when your cat is due for their next vaccination.
Vaccination with Best Mates Wellness Plan
Best Mates is a comprehensive pet wellness plan built for Australian pets, available across our national network of Apiam veterinary clinics. Annual vaccinations are included for all Best Mates members as part of your membership benefits.
In addition to vaccinations, Best Mates members choose one of three packages:
- Desexing — standard surgical desexing, with the option for chemical castration
- Dental Scale & Polish — comprehensive dental care including x-rays and dental charting
- Flea, Tick & Worm Prevention — complete parasite protection covering heartworm, fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms
All Best Mates members also receive unlimited consultations at any participating Apiam clinic across Australia. Whether you’re at home in Maffra or travelling interstate, your cat receives the same high standard of care at any network hospital.
Learn more about Best Mates or ask our team at Gippsland Veterinary Hospital if the wellness plan is right for your cat.
When is Vaccination Required?
Many pet services require proof of current vaccination to protect all animals in their care.
- Boarding catteries: Require proof of current F3 vaccination, administered at least 10 to 14 days before boarding.
- Grooming and pet-sitting services: Many require proof of vaccination to protect their staff and other animals.
- Rental properties: Some landlords and body corporates require up-to-date vaccinations as a condition of keeping a pet.
Indoor Cats and Vaccination
Even indoor-only cats should receive the core F3 vaccination. Viruses can be brought into the home on clothing, shoes, or other objects. Indoor cats do not require the FIV vaccine unless there is a risk of escape or contact with outdoor cats.
