The rabies vaccine is given every year or every three years, depending on state laws and the brand of vaccine used. Kittens should start getting vaccinated when they are 6 to 8 weeks old, until they are around 16 weeks old. Then they have to be reinforced a year later. Vaccines are given serially every 3 to 4 weeks.
Adult cats need to be vaccinated less frequently, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long the vaccine is designed to last. Vaccines are given to cats one year after the end of the kitten series. The combined feline distemper vaccine (FVRCP) and the FeLV vaccine for felines at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus (cats that are outdoors without supervision) and rabies every year, as required by law. Cats that live indoors can also get bacteria and viruses when they stay in a kennel and if you bring a new cat home.
As with any other immunization protocol, a vaccination schedule for cats should be followed with little or no inconsistency, to ensure that the cat stays healthy and well throughout its life. Vaccines for cats boost your kitten or cat's immune system in order to protect it against specific infectious diseases. The reason most vets recommend getting cats vaccinated annually is because it's an easy and safe way to keep your cat protected. FeLV, which is transmitted through body fluids, such as saliva, urine and faeces, is spread when an infected cat comes into close contact with another cat that it grooms or with which it shares feeders.
While other vaccines for cats and kittens are not legally required by law, they are important to protect your cat from serious illnesses. Remember that the recommendations vary depending on the age, breed and health status of the cat, the possibility of the cat being exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, whether the cat is used for breeding, and the geographical area where it lives or can visit.
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