Cat vaccinations and deworming: the complete schedule
Which vaccines your kitten and adult cat need, what changes for indoor-only cats, and how to handle internal and external deworming correctly.
Gatsou Team
· 6 min read
Even a cat that never leaves the house needs its core vaccines and regular deworming. In this guide you'll find the kitten vaccination schedule, adult boosters, and what to watch for with antiparasitics — including one critical warning many guardians don't know.
Which are the core vaccines for cats?
The core cat vaccine is the "triple" (or quadruple) shot: it protects against panleukopenia, herpesvirus and calicivirus — and in the quadruple version, chlamydia as well. On top of that come the rabies vaccine, and the leukemia (FeLV) vaccine for cats with outdoor access or contact with other cats.
Kitten vaccination schedule
8-9 weeks
First triple vaccine
12 weeks
Second triple (+ leukemia if needed)
16 weeks
Rabies vaccine
12 months
Booster doses
As with puppies, your vet sets the exact schedule. If you've adopted a kitten of unknown age or history — very common with strays in Greece — the vet will estimate the age and build the schedule from scratch.
Does an indoor-only cat need vaccines?
Yes. Viruses don't need your cat to go outside — they travel on our shoes, clothes and hands, or via an accidental "escape" into the stairwell. Core vaccines apply to every cat. What changes for indoor cats is the optional ones, like leukemia — there your vet will judge whether it's needed.
Internal deworming
Kittens are dewormed from their first weeks of life, with repeats set by the vet until adulthood. For adult cats the usual recommendation is every three months — more often if your cat goes outside or hunts, since prey is a major source of parasites.
External parasite protection
Fleas and ticks bother indoor cats too — fleas climb from floor to floor and get in from everywhere. Use products made exclusively for cats, at the right dose for your cat's weight, and prefer a spot-on pipette or collar recommended by your vet.
NEVER use a dog antiparasitic on a cat. Many dog products contain permethrin, which is extremely toxic — often fatal — to cats. Always read the label.
Side effects — when should I worry?
A little drowsiness or reduced appetite for 24 hours after a vaccine is normal. Call your vet if you see facial swelling, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or if the injection site stays swollen for weeks. For antiparasitics: heavy drooling or trembling after application needs an immediate call to the vet.
With reminders in your cat's Gatsou health book, boosters and deworming doses will never be forgotten.
Frequently asked
When does a kitten get its first vaccines?
The first triple vaccine is usually given at 8-9 weeks, with a second dose at 12 weeks and rabies around 16. Your vet adapts the schedule to the kitten's age and history.
Does an indoor cat need vaccines?
Yes — core vaccines apply to every cat, because viruses also travel on our clothes and shoes. Optional vaccines like leukemia depend on lifestyle and are your vet's call.
What is the leukemia vaccine and which cats need it?
Feline leukemia (FeLV) spreads from cat to cat through close contact. The vaccine is recommended mainly for cats with outdoor access or those living with cats of unknown history — ask your vet.
How often should I deworm my cat?
For internal parasites, usually every three months for adult cats — more often if they go outside or hunt. For fleas and ticks, regular coverage with a cat-specific product, as directed by your vet.
Can I use a dog antiparasitic on my cat?
No, never. Many dog antiparasitics contain permethrin, which is toxic and often fatal to cats. Only use products explicitly labeled for cats.
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