
Kitten and cat vaccinations
Cats and kittens in the UK need to be vaccinated against feline enteritis, cat flu and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV).
Vaccinations are an important part of keeping your cat safe and healthy. Find out what diseases they protect your cat against and when your cat may need their first vaccination.
Why does my cat need vaccinations?
There are some diseases that pose a major risk to cats and kittens. They can make your cat very unwell and can sometimes sadly be fatal. Vaccinations can reduce this risk and help to keep your cat safe and healthy.
Vaccinations also help to keep other cats safe, by preventing the spread of these serious diseases.
Note
If you are planning to board your cat in a cattery, it is likely that the cattery will require your cat to be vaccinated before they are allowed to stay there.
What vaccines does my cat need?
In the UK, cats and kittens should be protected against the following diseases:
- feline enteritis
- cat flu
- feline leukaemia (FeLV) – if they go outside, or if they stay inside but live with other cats who do go outside
Feline enteritis
Feline enteritis (otherwise known as feline parvovirus or feline panleukopaenia virus) is a virus that can attack your cat's intestine. Not all infected cats show symptoms, but those who do, show signs such as vomiting, watery diarrhoea and being unable to eat or drink.
It spreads easily from cat to cat, especially in places where hygiene is poor. Unvaccinated kittens are most at risk of feline enteritis and sadly it is often fatal.
Cat flu (feline influenza)
Cat flu is a virus much like human flu – it can leave your cat with a runny nose, weeping eyes, sneezing and a fever.
It is not usually serious in adult cats, but it can cause them to be quite unwell. It is serious and can even be fatal in kittens and adult cats with other serious underlying illnesses.
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)
FeLV is an infection that can affect cats in many ways. It can cause cats to develop problems with their blood such as anaemia, develop cancers, and can damage their immune system so it cannot fight infections. This can be fatal in many cases.
FeLV is spread between cats, so it’s important to protect your cat if they go outside, or if they stay indoors themselves, but live with cats who do go outside.
When should my cat have their first vaccination?
Cats usually have their first or primary vaccinations while they are kittens. Adult cats will then need a booster vaccination to keep them protected. Most cats will need a booster every year.
Adult cats that have not been vaccinated before can usually have their vaccines at any time. If you are not sure whether your adult cat has been vaccinated, speak to your vet for advice.
Vaccinating my kitten
It is important that you vaccinate your kitten as soon as your vet says they are ready, so you can protect them from picking up any of the viruses when they are young.
Your kitten will need a course of two vaccinations. This is to protect them against feline enteritis and cat flu. Your vet will discuss whether vaccination for FeLV is also advisable for your cat.
- The first injection should be given from eight weeks of age
- The second injection will be given between three or four weeks after the first injection
Important
All kittens should stay indoors and kept away from other cats for seven days after the second injection, to make sure that they are protected.
How much do cat vaccinations cost?
Cat vaccinations are priced differently between vet practices. To find out how much your cat's vaccinations are going cost, contact your local vet practice for advice.
Will the vaccinations make my cat unwell?
Cat vaccinations are designed to protect your cat and will not give them any of the diseases contained in the vaccine. There can be some mild side effects, and you may notice your cat become quieter or sleepier than usual after their injection. Occasionally, they can also develop a fever.
These side effects are mild and usually last for around 24 hours after their vaccination.
Some cats can also develop a swelling in the skin where the vaccine was injected – this should go down within three to four weeks.
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Reviewed
• 14 February 2025
Next review
• 14 February 2028