Cat vaccination in Australia
AnimaPulse's reference scheme for Australia: the age of the primary course and the booster rhythm, vaccine by vaccine, with what the Australian government says about rabies. For guidance only.
Australia protocolIndicativePublished on Updated on
These schedules are indicative. A pet's protocol depends on its age, lifestyle, region and health: your vet always has the final say. Overview: Cat vaccination schedule · See also: Dog vaccination in Australia
What vaccinations does a cat need in Australia?
| Vaccine | Primary course | First booster | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| F3the core cat combo (F3): feline enteritis, herpesvirus and calicivirus — booster at 1 year, then every 3 years | 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks | 1 year after the primary course | every 3 years |
| FeLVfeline leukaemia — depends on the cat's lifestyle, ask your vet; yearly booster | 8 weeks, 12 weeks | 1 year after the primary course | every year |
In AnimaPulse's Australian scheme the combined shot is "the core cat combo (F3): feline enteritis, herpesvirus and calicivirus — booster at 1 year, then every 3 years", and the leukaemia vaccine: "feline leukaemia — depends on the cat's lifestyle, ask your vet; yearly booster".
Does a cat in Australia need the feline leukaemia vaccine?
The AVA policy (ratified in 2018) reproduces the WSAVA vaccination groupings of 2015 for vaccines available in Australia. For cats, the core vaccines are against feline parvovirus, feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus-1; feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), Chlamydia felis and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are listed as non-core.
The WSAVA 2024 summary is more specific about leukaemia. In places where FeLV-related diseases are endemic, it says, the vaccines should be considered core for young cats and for adult cats with outdoor access or that live with other cats that have outdoor access. It describes non-core vaccines as highly recommended for animals whose geographical location or lifestyle (it gives indoor-outdoor access and a multi-pet household as examples) places them at risk.
Can the F3 be repeated more often than its usual rhythm?
The AVA policy (2018) says vaccines with an extended duration of immunity may be used for core vaccination in adult cats and dogs where the risk of disease does not call for more frequent revaccination. It adds that local animal and environmental factors, including increased risk of infection (for example more cases in the population, or upcoming boarding) and the lack of sterile immunity with some core vaccines (it names feline herpesvirus 1 and feline calicivirus), may in some situations call for a more traditional core vaccination schedule. AnimaPulse's Australian table gives the F3 booster rhythm as: every 3 years. Whether your cat's situation calls for more is your vet's decision.
What should a cat's vaccination record show?
The AVA policy lists what should be written in the animal's permanent medical record at the time of vaccination: the date of vaccination, the identity of the person administering the vaccine, the vaccine brand, batch number and expiry date, and the site and route of administration. It also says informed owner consent is important when a protocol is used "off label".
On side effects, the same policy says most adverse reactions are transient and self-limiting, and that the most severe forms, such as injection-site sarcoma in cats, are very rare. Any adverse event should be reported, identifying the product, batch, animal and reaction, to the manufacturer or to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
Does a cat in Australia need a rabies vaccination?
DAFF describes Australia as one of the few countries in the world that remains free of rabies. Its page is about keeping rabies out; it sets no vaccination rule for pet cats. AnimaPulse's Australian table has no rabies line for cats.
DAFF says Australia implemented revised import conditions for dogs and cats on 1 March 2023, because of the increased rabies biosecurity risks that come with more imports and with the commercialisation of the trade. It points to BICON for the import conditions for live animals, and asks anyone who suspects a case of rabies to report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
How will I remember my cat's booster dates?
Enter the vaccine in AnimaPulse and the app works out the next due date from the date you entered, then reminds you seven days before and again the day before. The calendar it proposes follows the country where your cat lives, not the language of your phone.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can a kitten have its first vaccination in Australia?
In AnimaPulse's reference scheme for Australia the F3 vaccine is given at 6, 12 and 16 weeks. Your vet decides the timing for your animal.
How often does a cat need boosters in Australia?
In the scheme for Australia, F3 has a first booster 1 year after the primary course, then boosters every 3 years. FeLV: first booster 1 year after the primary course, then every year. Your vet adapts the rhythm to your animal.
Does a cat in Australia need a rabies vaccination?
DAFF describes Australia as one of the few countries in the world that remains free of rabies. Its page sets no vaccination rule for pet cats, and AnimaPulse's Australian table has no rabies line for cats.
Does a cat in Australia need the feline leukaemia vaccine?
AnimaPulse's reference scheme for Australia says: "feline leukaemia — depends on the cat's lifestyle, ask your vet; yearly booster". The AVA lists it as non-core, which means it is chosen for the individual cat after a conversation with the vet.
What should be recorded when a cat is vaccinated in Australia?
According to the AVA policy (2018): the date of vaccination, who administered the vaccine, the vaccine brand, batch number and expiry date, and the site and route of administration.
Sources — Australia
- WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines 2024 (core/non-core backbone) (WSAVA — Vaccination Guidelines, WSAVA — 2024 Guidelines, executive summary (PDF))
- Australian Veterinary Association — Vaccination of dogs and cats (policy) (AVA — Vaccination of dogs and cats (policy, 2018))
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Australia’s rabies-free status (DAFF — Protecting Australia from rabies)
AnimaPulse is available
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Read next
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Page updated on 11 November 2026.