Cat Vaccinations

Lifelong Protection for Your Cat

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect your cat from serious infectious diseases. Whether your cat lives strictly indoors or enjoys the outdoors, vaccination plays an important role in keeping them healthy throughout their life.

At Bohle Veterinary Surgery, we tailor every vaccination program to your cat's age, lifestyle and individual risk factors. Our recommendations follow current Australian vaccination guidelines while considering the disease risks seen in Townsville and North Queensland.

Why Vaccinate?

Vaccines help your cat's immune system recognise and fight infectious diseases before they can cause illness.

Vaccination helps:

  • Protect against life-threatening diseases
  • Reduce the spread of disease within the cat population
  • Protect vulnerable kittens
  • Reduce expensive emergency treatment
  • Support a longer, healthier life

Every vaccination appointment also includes a comprehensive health examination to ensure your cat is in the best possible health.

Every Vaccination Includes a Health Check

Your cat's annual vaccination appointment is much more than an injection.

During each visit we assess:

  • Weight and body condition
  • Heart and lungs
  • Eyes and ears
  • Teeth and gums
  • Skin and coat
  • Mobility
  • Nutrition
  • Behaviour
  • Parasite prevention
  • Early signs of illness

Routine health checks allow us to identify problems early, often before they become serious.

Please give us a call to discuss a suitable vaccination program for your pet.

Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Kittens receive temporary immunity from their mother, but this gradually disappears during the first few months of life.

To ensure lasting protection, kittens require a series of vaccinations.


Kittens are considered fully protected approximately 7–14 days after their final vaccination.

Adult Cat Vaccinations

Following the kitten course, your cat will require regular health checks and ongoing vaccinations.

The frequency of booster vaccinations depends on:

  • Age
  • Lifestyle
  • Indoor or outdoor access
  • Boarding requirements
  • Disease risk
  • Previous vaccination history

Some core vaccines provide long-lasting immunity, while cats at higher risk of respiratory disease may benefit from more frequent vaccination. We'll recommend the most appropriate schedule for your individual cat.

The F3 vaccination is recommended for all cats and protects against three serious viral diseases.

Are Vaccinations Safe?

Modern vaccines are very safe and are rigorously tested before use.

Most cats experience no side effects, although some may have:

  • Mild tiredness
  • Reduced appetite for a day
  • Temporary tenderness at the injection site

Serious reactions are uncommon. If your cat develops facial swelling, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting or collapse after vaccination, contact us immediately.

Infectious diseases in cats that we can vaccinate against:

Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Enteritis)

Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious virus that attacks the immune system and intestinal tract.

Signs include:

  • Severe vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dehydration
  • Sudden death in young kittens

The virus can survive in the environment for many months, making vaccination essential.

Feline Herpesvirus (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis)

This common virus causes upper respiratory disease and is one of the main causes of "cat flu."

Signs may include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny eyes
  • Nasal discharge
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Eye ulcers

Once infected, many cats become lifelong carriers and may experience flare-ups during times of stress.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

FIV weakens the immune system, making cats more susceptible to infections.

It is most commonly spread through deep bite wounds, making outdoor and roaming cats at greatest risk.

Vaccination may be recommended for:

  • Cats with outdoor access
  • Cats living with FIV-positive cats in some situations
  • Cats at high risk of fighting

At Bohle Veterinary Surgery, we commonly recommend FIV vaccination for cats that spend time outdoors in the Townsville region after discussing the benefits and limitations with their owners.

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)

FeLV is a viral disease that suppresses the immune system and can lead to:

  • Persistent infections
  • Anaemia
  • Cancer (particularly lymphoma)
  • Reduced life expectancy

The virus spreads through close contact between cats, including grooming, sharing food bowls and prolonged social contact.

FeLV vaccination may be recommended for:

  • Kittens
  • Outdoor cats
  • Cats living with cats that go outdoors
  • Cats entering multi-cat households or boarding facilities

We'll discuss whether FeLV vaccination is appropriate for your cat based on their individual risk.

Feline Calicivirus

Calicivirus is another important cause of cat flu.

It commonly causes:

  • Sneezing
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Eye discharge
  • Fever
  • Lameness in some cats

Vaccination greatly reduces the severity of illness and helps limit the spread of infection.

Chlamydia felis

Chlamydia felis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the eyes and upper respiratory tract. It is one of the organisms involved in feline upper respiratory disease ("cat flu") and is most commonly seen where cats live in close contact.

Signs may include:

  • Persistent conjunctivitis (red, inflamed eyes)
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Watery or thick eye discharge
  • Squinting
  • Sneezing
  • Mild nasal discharge

The infection spreads through close contact with infected cats and is more common in:

  • Breeding catteries
  • Animal shelters
  • Rescue organisations
  • Multi-cat households
  • Cats that regularly mix with unfamiliar cats

Vaccination is not routinely recommended for every cat, but may be advised for cats at increased risk of exposure. While vaccination helps reduce the severity of disease and the amount of bacteria shed, it does not always prevent infection completely.

We'll discuss whether the Chlamydia felis vaccine is appropriate based on your cat's lifestyle and risk factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

My cat lives indoors. Do they still need vaccinations?

Yes. Even indoor cats can be exposed to viruses carried into the home on clothing, shoes, carriers or by visiting animals. Vaccination also provides protection should your cat ever escape or require boarding.

My cat is getting older. Should they still be vaccinated?

Yes. Senior cats still benefit from vaccination and regular health checks. We'll tailor their vaccination schedule based on their health and lifestyle.

What if my cat has missed a vaccination?

Don't worry. Contact our team and we'll advise whether a booster or a new vaccination course is recommended.

Protecting Your Cat for Life

Regular vaccinations are just one part of your cat's preventative healthcare.

During your annual visit, we can also discuss:

  • Parasite prevention
  • Dental health
  • Weight management
  • Nutrition
  • Arthritis
  • Behaviour
  • Senior cat care
  • Microchipping and identification

We're Here to Help

Whether you've welcomed a new kitten or your adult cat is due for their annual health check, we're here to help keep them healthy at every stage of life.

At Bohle Veterinary Surgery, we'll develop a personalised vaccination program based on your cat's lifestyle, ensuring they receive the protection they need without unnecessary treatments.

Book your cat's vaccination and annual health check today to give them the best protection against preventable disease.