Cat vaccination schedule in India
PetPort EditorialLast reviewed
What vaccinations does my cat need in India?
The core feline vaccine protects against panleukopenia, herpesvirus and calicivirus, usually given as a combined shot. Kittens need a course starting at 6–8 weeks with boosters three to four weeks apart until about 16 weeks, then adult boosters. Rabies is given separately from 12 weeks and is a legal duty in India.
General guidance for pet parents, not a diagnosis. Every animal is different — confirm anything that concerns you with your veterinarian.
Quick reference
| Core feline vaccine | Panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus (combined) |
|---|---|
| First kitten dose | 6–8 weeks |
| Booster interval | Every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks |
| Rabies | From 12 weeks — a legal duty in India |
| Indoor cats | Still need core vaccination |
| Discuss separately | FeLV testing and vaccination if your cat goes outdoors |
What is happening
Core cat vaccines cover feline panleukopenia, herpesvirus and calicivirus, plus rabies. Panleukopenia in particular is severe, highly contagious and frequently fatal in unvaccinated kittens, and it is still common in India.
Signs to watch for
- Kitten course from 6–8 weeks, boosters every 3–4 weeks to about 16 weeks
- Rabies from 12 weeks, then as your vet advises
- Mild tiredness or a small tender lump for a day or two afterwards
What you can do
- Keep every certificate in your cat's health passport, verified by the clinic
- Vaccinate indoor cats too — infection travels in on shoes and clothing
- Set reminders before each dose is due rather than after
See a vet if
There is facial swelling, hives, repeated vomiting or laboured breathing after a vaccination, or a dose has been missed by more than a few weeks.
In India specifically
Panleukopenia remains common in Indian street and shelter cat populations, so a rescue kitten's first weeks are genuinely high-risk and the course should not be delayed. Vaccine brand availability varies between cities; if you move, ask the new clinic to record exactly which product was used, since that affects booster timing. Keep the certificates — boarding facilities and airlines will ask.
Common questions
Does an indoor cat need vaccinations?
Yes. Panleukopenia is extremely hardy and travels indoors on shoes, clothing and hands. Cats also escape, need boarding, or go to a clinic where other cats have been. Core vaccination is recommended for indoor cats everywhere, and rabies is a legal requirement in India regardless.
Is rabies vaccination required for cats in India?
Yes. Rabies vaccination applies to owned cats as well as dogs under Indian rules, and proof is commonly required for boarding, travel or registration. Cats are fully susceptible to rabies and can transmit it, so this is not a dog-only concern.
Can I vaccinate a pregnant cat?
Not with routine vaccines, in general — some are unsuitable during pregnancy. The right time is before mating, so the queen passes strong antibody protection to her kittens. If a pregnant cat is unvaccinated, discuss it with your vet rather than proceeding on a standard schedule.
My rescue kitten's history is unknown. Where do we start?
Assume unvaccinated and start the full course, which is safe even if some doses were given earlier. Ask your vet about testing for FeLV and FIV before introducing the kitten to resident cats, and about deworming, which almost every street-origin kitten needs.