What Vaccinations Does My Cat Need?

Vaccinations are one of the simplest and most effective ways to help protect your cat from serious infectious diseases. Whether you have a new kitten, an adult rescue cat, or a senior feline companion, keeping up with the right vaccinations can play an important part in their long-term health.

In this guide, we explain which cat vaccinations are commonly recommended in the UK, when kittens usually start their vaccines, how boosters work, and how vaccination fits into a wider preventative healthcare plan.

This article is intended for general guidance only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or showing concerning symptoms, please contact your veterinary surgeon.

Why are cat vaccinations important?

Vaccines help your cat’s immune system recognise and fight certain infections before they can cause serious illness. Some of the diseases vaccinated against in cats can spread easily, especially where cats mix with others in households, catteries, rescue centres, or outdoors.

Even cats that spend most of their time indoors may still benefit from vaccination. Infection can sometimes be brought into the home on clothing, shoes, or objects, and some indoor cats may escape or come into contact with visiting animals.

Vaccination is not just about preventing illness in your own cat. It also helps reduce the spread of infectious disease more widely within the cat population.

The core cat vaccinations in the UK

In the UK, the main “core” vaccines for cats usually protect against the following diseases:

• Feline panleukopenia
• Feline herpesvirus
• Feline calicivirus

These are often given together as part of a routine cat vaccination course.

Feline panleukopenia

Feline panleukopenia is a serious and highly contagious viral disease, sometimes referred to as feline parvovirus. It can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, fever, and a dangerous drop in white blood cells, which weakens the immune system.

Kittens are particularly vulnerable, and the illness can be life-threatening. Vaccination offers important protection.

Feline herpesvirus

Feline herpesvirus is one of the common causes of cat flu. It can lead to sneezing, eye discharge, nasal discharge, fever, tiredness, and loss of appetite. In some cats, infection can also cause ongoing eye problems.

Once infected, some cats can carry the virus long term, with signs returning during periods of stress or illness. Vaccination helps reduce the risk and severity of disease.

Feline calicivirus

Feline calicivirus is another major cause of cat flu. Symptoms can include sneezing, nasal discharge, eye discharge, mouth ulcers, drooling, fever, and reduced appetite. Some strains can be more severe than others.

Vaccination does not always prevent infection completely, but it can greatly reduce the seriousness of illness.

Non-core vaccines your vet may recommend

Some vaccines are considered “non-core”, meaning they are recommended based on your cat’s lifestyle, age, health status, and risk of exposure.

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)

FeLV is an important vaccine for many cats in the UK, particularly those that go outdoors or live with other cats of unknown FeLV status. The virus is spread mainly through close contact, such as grooming, shared food bowls, bites, and prolonged social contact.

FeLV can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of other illnesses, and may lead to serious long-term health problems.

Your veterinary surgeon may strongly recommend FeLV vaccination for:

• Outdoor cats
• Kittens likely to have outdoor access later
• Cats living with FeLV-positive cats or cats of unknown status
• Cats in multi-cat households with changing members

Rabies vaccination

Rabies vaccination is not routinely given to pet cats in the UK unless it is needed for travel under the pet travel rules or for entry requirements to another country.

If you plan to travel abroad with your cat, speak to your veterinary practice well in advance, as timing matters.

When do kittens need their first vaccinations?

Kittens usually start their primary vaccination course at around 8 to 9 weeks of age, with a second injection given 3 to 4 weeks later. The exact timing may vary slightly depending on the vaccine used and your vet’s recommendation.

This early course is important because maternal antibodies from the queen can interfere with vaccination when kittens are very young. The two-stage course helps improve reliable protection as those maternal antibodies fall.

A typical kitten vaccination schedule may look like this:

• First vaccine at 8 to 9 weeks
• Second vaccine at 12 weeks, or sometimes slightly later depending on product guidance
• Follow-up booster at around 12 months of age

Your kitten should also receive regular preventative care alongside vaccination, including flea and worm treatment where appropriate. If you are reviewing everyday healthcare products, you can browse our cat collection or see our cat flea, tick and worming products for general preventative care support.

Does my indoor cat still need vaccinations?

In many cases, yes. Indoor cats are often at lower risk than cats that roam outdoors, but they are not always risk-free. Some infectious diseases can spread indirectly, and indoor cats may still need protection if they:

• Live with other cats
• Go into a cattery
• Attend the vet regularly
• May escape outside
• Were previously outdoor cats

The best vaccination plan for an indoor cat depends on their individual circumstances. Your veterinary surgeon can advise which vaccines remain important and how often boosters should be given.

How often do cats need booster vaccinations?

After the initial kitten course and first annual booster, the timing of future boosters depends on the type of vaccine, the disease being covered, your cat’s age, and their lifestyle.

Some boosters are given yearly, while others may be given less often depending on current veterinary guidance and the vaccine used. Your vet will usually assess your cat’s risk and recommend a schedule that balances good protection with sensible, responsible use of vaccines.

Booster appointments also provide a useful opportunity for a general health check. Many problems in cats can be subtle, so regular check-ups can help spot concerns early.

What happens at a cat vaccination appointment?

Before giving a vaccine, your vet or veterinary nurse will usually carry out a general health check to make sure your cat is well enough for vaccination. This may include checking:

• Weight and body condition
• Eyes, ears, and mouth
• Heart and breathing
• Skin and coat condition
• Temperature if needed
• Any recent signs of illness

If your cat is unwell, has a fever, or is recovering from illness, vaccination may need to be postponed until they are fit and healthy again.

Are cat vaccinations safe?

Vaccinations used in the UK are subject to strict safety standards and are widely used in veterinary practice. Most cats tolerate vaccines very well.

Mild side effects can happen and may include:

• Sleepiness or being a little quiet for a day or two
• Mild tenderness at the injection site
• A temporary small lump where the injection was given
• Slightly reduced appetite for a short time

Serious reactions are uncommon, but you should contact your veterinary practice promptly if your cat develops facial swelling, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, severe lethargy, or any other concerning symptoms after vaccination.

Vaccinations and broader preventative healthcare

Vaccination is only one part of keeping your cat well. A good preventative healthcare plan may also include:

• Routine flea and worm control
• Regular weight checks
• Dental care
• Neutering where appropriate
• Microchipping
• Monitoring appetite, thirst, toileting, and behaviour
• Age-appropriate health checks

At Vetscriptions, we help pet owners access a wide range of genuine pet healthcare products, including items for ongoing preventative support. You can also explore our cat supplements, cat dental products, and cat food & treats if you are building a broader wellbeing routine for your cat.

When should you contact your vet?

Speak to your veterinary surgeon if:

• Your kitten has not started vaccinations
• Your cat’s boosters are overdue
• You are unsure which vaccines your cat needs
• Your cat is unwell before a planned vaccine appointment
• You have recently adopted a cat with an unknown vaccination history
• Your cat had a previous vaccine reaction
• You plan to board your cat or travel abroad

If your cat is showing signs such as sneezing, discharge from the eyes or nose, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing changes, or marked lethargy, contact your vet for advice rather than assuming vaccination alone will solve the problem.

If your cat needs prescription treatment

Sometimes a vaccination visit may also lead to discussion of other treatments, especially if your vet identifies an underlying health issue. If your cat is prescribed medication, we can help you order it conveniently and responsibly online. You can learn more on our how to order a prescription medicine page, read our prescription FAQs, or browse our cat prescription products.

Final thoughts

Vaccinations are a key part of protecting your cat from several serious infectious diseases. For most cats in the UK, this starts with a kitten vaccination course followed by regular boosters tailored to their lifestyle and risk. Whether your cat is fully indoors, enjoys outdoor adventures, or falls somewhere in between, your veterinary surgeon can help you choose the most appropriate vaccination plan.

Keeping on top of vaccines, parasite control, check-ups, and general wellbeing can make a real difference to your cat’s health over time. If you are looking for everyday healthcare support, you can explore our cat range or contact us if you need help navigating our products and prescription ordering process.

At Vetscriptions, we are here to help you make informed, responsible choices for your pet’s health. If you are ever unsure about your cat’s vaccination needs, the best next step is to speak with your veterinary surgeon for personalised advice.