Updated: 21/08/2024
It’s important to vaccinate cats against diseases that can make them unwell or prove life-threatening.
Cats usually start their vaccinations at around eight to nine weeks old, and often have a primary course of two injections, given three to four weeks apart.
To stay protected, cats need regular booster injections each year, and they will need a rabies vaccination if they will be travelling abroad with you.
This can’t be given until they are at least 12 weeks old, and they can’t be given the documents they need to travel until the vaccination is valid 21 days later for travel within the EU.
If you have any questions about vaccination or are unsure if your cat has been vaccinated, then speak to your vet.
Why do cats need vaccinations?
Vaccination creates immunity (the natural ability to fight infection) by exposing the body to a small dose of the diseases we want to protect against, that have been altered so they can’t cause a full infection.
Kittens are protected in the first few weeks of life due to immunity passed through their mum’s milk. However, this quickly fades.
Starting your cat’s vaccinations at around eight to nine weeks of age helps to ensure they are kept safe and protected against dangerous diseases.
What do cat vaccinations protect against?
Routine vaccinations protect against four contagious and potentially life-threatening diseases:
Feline herpes virus
A common virus that causes cat flu and can be very serious. Cats who survive can carry this disease and may have flare-ups at times of stress.
The virus can cause painful eye ulcers and recurrent airway infections.
Feline calicivirus
Another virus which causes cat flu. This produces a range of signs, including fever and decreased appetite.
Many cats will sneeze and have a runny nose and eyes. Some cats will develop painful ulcers of the nose and mouth.
Feline infectious enteritis (also known as feline parvovirus or panleukopenia)
This virus causes vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and dehydration. This is a serious disease which can be life-threatening.
Feline leukaemia virus
Virus which attacks the immune system and makes it difficult for cats to fight off infections and other diseases.
Sadly, cats who become permanently infected are likely to have a shortened lifespan.
To stay protected against these diseases, kittens will need a primary course of vaccinations and then regular boosters throughout their adult life.
Veterinary Nurse Hollie Morgan (RVN ISFMCertFN) says:
“Vaccinating your cat helps protect them from many significant and/or life-threatening diseases. Vaccinations are a very important part of preventative health care for your cat. Please discuss what vaccinations are important for your cat with your vet to help keep your cat protected.”
How old does a kitten need to be for their first vaccination?
Generally, kittens will start their vaccinations at around eight to nine weeks old.
The primary vaccination course
The primary vaccination course often consists of two injections, given three to four weeks apart.
The first injection is usually given at around eight to nine weeks of age. Maximum protection will then be reached two to four weeks after the second vaccination.
Booster vaccinations
Yearly booster vaccinations are necessary to maintain your cat’s immunity.
Vaccinations are given against Feline Leukaemia and Feline Panleukopenia every three years, and against Feline Herpes Virus and Feline Calicivirus every year.
Rabies vaccinations
Rabies is a life-threatening and often fatal infection of the brain and nerves.
This disease is not normally found in the UK, but rabies vaccinations are essential if you are planning to take your cat or kitten abroad.
Cats must be at least 12 weeks of age to receive this vaccine, and they can’t be given the documents they need to travel until the vaccination is valid 21 days later.
If this is something you are interested in, please contact your vet for further information about travelling abroad.
What happens at a vaccination appointment?
When your cat attends a vaccination appointment, the vet will give them a full health check and record their weight.
They will discuss any concerns with you and, providing your cat is well, they will receive a small injection, which is often given under the skin on the back of the neck.
Your vet will then fill in your cat’s vaccination card and advise you on when the next injection is required to achieve continued protection.
Will my cat feel poorly after their vaccinations?
Most cats and kittens show no symptoms of feeling poorly after their vaccinations.
Mild signs, such as being a little quiet or less interested in food are sometimes seen.
On occasion, a small swelling can be felt at the scruff of the neck where the vaccine was given and will usually go down within a few weeks.
Depending on the site of vaccination and the type of vaccine given, limping is sometimes reported. Always contact your vet if you are concerned.
Serious vaccine reactions are very rare, and the risks are far outweighed by the protection vaccines offer.
Any vaccine reactions can be reported online by vets and owners to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
If your cat or kitten ever seems poorly after a vaccine or you are worried about them having a vaccine, please reach out to your vet for further advice and support.
Vaccine record cards
When your cat is vaccinated, your vet will provide you with a vaccination record card.
Please keep this safe as you will need it:
- When your cat starts at a cattery
- When your cat has further vaccinations
Help! I’m not sure if my cat or kitten has been vaccinated?
If you are concerned that your cat has not been vaccinated or may not have completed their primary vaccination course, then speak to your vet.
If there is no evidence to suggest your cat has been vaccinated, it is often safest and most sensible to start the primary vaccination course from scratch to ensure your cat is fully protected going forwards.
Does my indoor cat need vaccinating?
You should always discuss your cat’s individual level of risk with your vet, as many different health and lifestyle factors will need to be considered.
Cats who do not go outside at all and do not live with other pets will be at a greatly reduced risk of catching infectious diseases, however it is often impossible to remove the risk of disease completely.
For example, the virus that causes feline infectious enteritis is very hardy and can live in the environment for months.
It is therefore possible, in unlucky circumstances, that it could be carried into the home on clothes or shoes and infect an unvaccinated house cat.
If a cat is going to a cattery, they will also need to be vaccinated. Although this is usually planned to coincide with a holiday, this can be necessary in an emergency situation, such as when their owner is admitted to hospital.
Does a course of kitten vaccines provide lifetime immunity?
Although in humans some childhood vaccines offer a lifetime of protection, this is not the case for our pets.
It is a common misconception that kitten vaccinations will protect a cat throughout their lifetime.
In reality, the protection offered by your cat’s vaccinations fades over time.
Therefore, the best way to keep them safe is by keeping them up to date with their vaccinations each year to ensure their level of protection is maintained.
Do elderly pets still need to be vaccinated?
We are often asked if elderly pets still need to be vaccinated.
Generally, as pets get older, they can become more vulnerable to infections and may find it harder to fight off diseases if they become unwell.
For this reason, it is still sensible to ensure elderly pets keep up to date with their vaccinations unless otherwise advised by your vet.
If you have any questions about vaccination reach out to your vet for further advice
Useful links:
- International Cat Care – Vaccinating your cat
- Cats Protection – Vaccinations