What Are Non-Core Cat Vaccines?
Non-core vaccines for cats are optional vaccinations recommended based on your cat’s individual lifestyle, environment, and risk factors. Unlike core vaccines that every cat needs, non-core vaccines are tailored to specific cats with specific exposure risks.
The 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines define non-core vaccines as those recommended based on an individualized risk-benefit assessment. These factors include lifestyle (indoors versus outdoors), geographic location, and exposure to other animals.
For cats, the primary non-core vaccines include:
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) — for adult cats over 1 year old
- Chlamydia felis
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
The decision to use non-core vaccines should be made in consultation with your veterinarian, weighing potential benefits and risks.
Core Vaccines for Cats | what vaccines do cats need
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Vaccine
The FeLV vaccine is a core vaccine for kittens under 1 year old, then becomes a non-core vaccine for adult cats based on lifestyle risk. This distinction is critical for cat owners to understand.
What Is FeLV?
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) causes viremia, bone marrow infection, and is associated with cancer. It is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats worldwide.
The virus is primarily spread through close contact between cats, including mutual grooming, sharing food and water bowls, and bite wounds. Unlike some viruses, FeLV does not survive long in the environment.
When Is the FeLV Vaccine Recommended?
| Life Stage | FeLV Status | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Kittens (under 1 year) | Core vaccine | All kittens should receive FeLV vaccination |
| Adult cats (over 1 year) | Non-core vaccine | Recommended based on lifestyle and exposure risk |
For adult cats, the FeLV vaccine is recommended for:
- Cats with outdoor access
- Cats living with FeLV-positive cats
- Cats in multi-cat households with unknown FeLV status
- Cats that fight or have close contact with other cats
Low-risk adult cats that live strictly indoors and have no exposure to other cats may not need FeLV vaccination.
FeLV Vaccine Schedule
| Age | Doses | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | First dose | Start FeLV series |
| 11-12 weeks | Second dose | 3-4 weeks after first dose |
| 1 year | Booster | After kitten series |
| Annually (if at risk) | Booster | For cats with ongoing exposure risk |
Major FeLV Vaccine Brands in the U.S.
| Brand | Manufacturer | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Nobivac® NXT FeLV | Merck Animal Health | The only non-adjuvanted FeLV vaccine with a 2-year duration of immunity; uses RNA particle technology |
| PureVax® FeLV | Boehringer Ingelheim | Recombinant canarypox vector vaccine; non-adjuvanted |
| Fel-O-Vax® FeLV | Elanco | Inactivated whole-virus vaccine |
Merck Animal Health launched Nobivac® NXT FeLV in 2024, representing the first FeLV vaccine to use RNA particle technology for a comprehensive immune response.
FeLV Vaccine Cost
| Clinic Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Low-cost clinic | $20–$35 per dose |
| Full-service vet | $30–$60 per dose |
| Vaccine + exam | $70–$160 (bundled) |
The FeLV vaccine itself commonly runs about $25 to $60 per dose in the U.S.. Some low-cost clinics offer FeLV vaccination for as low as $22.
Chlamydia felis Vaccine
The Chlamydia felis vaccine is a non-core vaccine suggested for multi-cat households with a history of chlamydial disease. It may be associated with a higher risk of adverse effects, so it is reserved for specific high-risk situations.
What Is Chlamydia felis?
Chlamydia felis (formerly Chlamydophila felis) is a bacteria that causes conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye) and upper respiratory symptoms in cats. It is a primary pathogen in feline upper respiratory disease complexes.
How cats get it: The bacteria spreads through direct contact with infected cats, their ocular and nasal secretions, and contaminated objects.
Signs and symptoms: Clinical signs include conjunctivitis with redness and swelling of the eyes, ocular discharge, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
When Is the Chlamydia Vaccine Recommended?
The Chlamydia felis vaccine is considered for:
- Multi-cat households with confirmed chlamydial disease
- Catteries with a history of chlamydiosis
- Cats in high-density living environments
It is generally not recommended for cats in low-risk, single-cat households. The AAHA/AAFP guidelines note that this vaccine may be associated with a higher risk of adverse effects, making risk-benefit assessment essential.
Chlamydia Vaccine Cost
| Clinic Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Average per dose | $25–$60 |
| Low-cost clinic | $20–$40 |
The feline chlamydia vaccine averages $25 to $60 per dose in 2026.
Bordetella bronchiseptica Vaccine
The Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine is a non-core vaccine administered to cats in high-density living environments like shelters or catteries. It is also known as “kennel cough” and is particularly relevant for cats that will be boarded or housed with other cats.
What Is Bordetella bronchiseptica?
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacteria that causes respiratory disease in cats, similar to kennel cough in dogs. It is a primary pathogen in feline upper respiratory infections.
How cats get it: The bacteria spreads through airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing, as well as direct contact with infected cats.
Signs and symptoms: Clinical signs include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, and lethargy. In severe cases, pneumonia can develop.
When Is the Bordetella Vaccine Recommended?
The Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine is recommended for:
- Cats entering boarding facilities
- Cats in shelters or catteries
- Cats in multi-cat households with a history of respiratory disease
- Cats with high-density living exposure
The ABCD recommends that B. bronchiseptica vaccination be avoided in immunosuppressed cats.
Bordetella Vaccine Cost
| Clinic Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Average per dose | $10–$30 |
| Intranasal vs Injectable | Varies by formulation |
The feline Bordetella vaccine costs $10 to $30 per dose on average in 2026. Some clinics charge $22 for the nasal form or $30 for the oral form.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Vaccine Status
No FIV vaccine is currently available in the United States or Canada. The vaccine was removed from the market in 2015 (and discontinued in the U.S. and Canada by 2017) due to concerns about testing ambiguity, not safety issues.
The FIV vaccine remains available in some other countries, including Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. However, the WSAVA guidelines classify FIV vaccination as non-core, and the absence of a vaccine in North America underscores the importance of testing and management strategies for FIV-positive cats.
Which Cats Need Non-Core Vaccines?
Not all cats need non-core vaccines — the decision depends entirely on your cat’s individual risk profile. Use this decision framework:
A risk assessment for exposure to disease should be done at least once a year during your cat’s annual wellness visit.
Cost of Non-Core Vaccines in the U.S. (2026)
| Vaccine | Low-Cost Clinic | Full-Service Vet |
|---|---|---|
| FeLV | $20–$35 | $30–$60 |
| Chlamydia felis | $20–$40 | $25–$60 |
| Bordetella | $10–$25 | $10–$30 |
Cat vaccination costs typically range from $75 to $500 depending on which vaccines are needed, the number of visits, and whether your veterinarian uses adjuvanted or non-adjuvanted formulations.
A full veterinary visit with exam and vaccines typically costs $70–$160 at a standard clinic, including exam fees of $50–$100 and individual vaccines at $25–$60 each.
Key Takeaways
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are non-core vaccines for cats? | Optional vaccines based on lifestyle and risk: FeLV, Chlamydia, Bordetella |
| When is FeLV a non-core vaccine? | For adult cats over 1 year old |
| What is the FeLV vaccine brand? | Nobivac® NXT FeLV, PureVax® FeLV, Fel-O-Vax® FeLV |
| Is the FIV vaccine available? | No — removed from U.S. and Canadian markets in 2015/2017 |
| When is Bordetella recommended? | Cats in shelters, catteries, boarding facilities |
| How much do non-core vaccines cost? | $10–$60 per dose depending on vaccine and clinic type |
FAQs About Non-Core Vaccines for Cats
1. What are non-core vaccines for cats?
Non-core vaccines are optional vaccinations recommended based on your cat’s individual risk factors, including FeLV (for adult cats), Chlamydia felis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica.
2. Does my indoor cat need non-core vaccines?
Most strictly indoor cats with no exposure to other cats do not need non-core vaccines. However, indoor cats that escape outdoors, visit boarding facilities, or live with outdoor cats may benefit from FeLV vaccination.
3. How much does the feline leukemia shot cost?
The feline leukemia shot costs about $20–$35 at low-cost clinics and $30–$60 at full-service veterinary hospitals.
4. What is the felv vaccine for cats?
The FeLV vaccine protects against feline leukemia virus, a serious disease that causes immune suppression and cancer. It is a core vaccine for kittens and a non-core vaccine for adult cats.
5. Is the Bordetella vaccine necessary for cats?
The Bordetella vaccine is recommended for cats in high-density environments like shelters, catteries, or boarding facilities. It is not necessary for low-risk indoor cats.
6. Can cats get the FIV vaccine?
No. The FIV vaccine is no longer available in the United States or Canada. It was removed from the market due to testing ambiguity concerns, not safety issues.
7. What is the Chlamydia vaccine for cats?
The Chlamydia felis vaccine protects against a bacteria that causes conjunctivitis and upper respiratory infections. It is recommended for multi-cat households with a history of chlamydial disease.
8. How often do cats need non-core vaccines?
FeLV boosters are given every 1–2 years for at-risk cats. Bordetella and Chlamydia vaccines are typically given annually for cats with ongoing exposure risk.
9. Are non-core vaccines safe for cats?
Non-core vaccines are generally safe when administered by a veterinarian. The Chlamydia vaccine may be associated with a higher risk of adverse effects, so risk-benefit assessment is essential.
10. What is the feline leukemia vaccine schedule?
Kittens receive their first FeLV vaccine at 8 weeks, with a second dose 3–4 weeks later. A booster is given at 1 year, then annually or every 2 years for at-risk cats.
11. Can adult cats get the FeLV vaccine?
Yes. While FeLV is a core vaccine for kittens, it is recommended for adult cats based on lifestyle risk — particularly outdoor cats or those living with FeLV-positive cats.
12. What is the best FeLV vaccine brand?
Nobivac® NXT FeLV is the only non-adjuvanted FeLV vaccine with a 2-year duration of immunity. PureVax® FeLV is another non-adjuvanted option.
Conclusion
Non-core vaccines for cats are not one-size-fits-all. They are tailored to your cat’s specific lifestyle, environment, and exposure risks. The FeLV vaccine, while essential for all kittens, becomes a non-core vaccine for adult cats based on risk assessment. Chlamydia felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccines are reserved for cats in high-density living situations.
Work with your veterinarian to assess your cat’s individual risk factors and determine which non-core vaccines are appropriate. Keep accurate vaccination records and review your cat’s risk assessment annually. The right non-core vaccines can provide targeted protection without unnecessary vaccination.