Vaccinating your cat isn't 'paperwork for a passport'.
It's real protection against diseases that are often fatal and have no cure. Even an indoor cat that never goes outside can be infected: viruses come in on shoes, clothes and hands.
a complete guide: vaccination schedule, preparation and answers to common questions
Cat vaccinations:
Vaccinating your cat isn't 'paperwork for a passport'.
It's real protection against diseases that are often fatal and have no cure. Even an indoor cat that never goes outside can be infected: viruses come in on shoes, clothes and hands.
a complete guide: vaccination schedule, preparation and answers to common questions
Cat vaccinations:
Vaccination
is the foundation of a long, healthy life for your cat.
is the foundation of a long, healthy life for your cat.
We explain which vaccines a cat needs, what the schedule looks like for kittens and adult cats, how to prepare for a vaccination and what to do afterwards.
Vaccination
is the foundation of a long, healthy life for your cat.
is the foundation of a long, healthy life for your cat.
We explain which vaccines a cat needs, what the schedule looks like for kittens and adult cats, how to prepare for a vaccination and what to do afterwards.
What does vaccination protect against?
Core vaccines:
Calicivirus (cat flu)
Herpesvirus (cat flu)
Rabies
causes sneezing, a runny nose and eye inflammation, and spreads quickly to every cat in the home.
damages the airways and mouth, often with ulcers, and can make a cat very ill.
life-threatening for cats and people. The UK and Ireland are free of classical rabies (only bats carry related viruses); the vaccine is required for travel abroad.
life-threatening for kittens: vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration.
Feline enteritis (panleukopenia)
What does vaccination protect against?
Core vaccines:
Calicivirus (cat flu)
damages the airways and mouth, often with ulcers, and can make a cat very ill.
Rabies
life-threatening for cats and people. The UK and Ireland are free of classical rabies (only bats carry related viruses); the vaccine is required for travel abroad.
Herpesvirus (cat flu)
causes sneezing, a runny nose and eye inflammation, and spreads quickly to every cat in the home.
Feline enteritis
(panleukopenia)
(panleukopenia)
life-threatening for kittens: vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration.
As needed:
Feline coronavirus (FIP)
Chlamydia
WSAVA doesn't recommend the vaccine, and it isn't used in the UK.
causes persistent eye inflammation; the vaccine is used in breeding catteries where the problem occurs.
weakens immunity and is most dangerous for young cats. Vets in the UK and Ireland usually recommend it for cats that go outdoors or live with other cats.
Feline leukaemia (FeLV)
As needed:
Feline coronavirus (FIP)
Chlamydia
WSAVA doesn't recommend the vaccine, and it isn't used in the UK.
causes persistent eye inflammation; the vaccine is used in breeding catteries where the problem occurs.
weakens immunity and is most dangerous for young cats. Vets in the UK and Ireland usually recommend it for cats that go outdoors or live with other cats.
Feline leukaemia (FeLV)
Kitten vaccination schedule
Note
Depending on risk (non-core)
Core vaccines
6–12 months
16 weeks
12 weeks
8–9 weeks
After that your cat moves
on to the adult vaccination schedule.
on to the adult vaccination schedule.
Protection develops.
Worming as per the kitten schedule.
Only healthy kittens are vaccinated.
Doses 2–4 weeks apart.
FeLV booster if the risk continues
FeLV, second dose 3–4 weeks after the first.
FeLV, first dose for cats that will go outdoors or live with other cats.
Chlamydia in breeding catteries and multi-cat homes where the problem occurs.
—
Booster at 26 weeks or 1 year of age.
Last dose of the primary course, no earlier than 16 weeks of age (WSAVA 2024).
2nd dose of the combined vaccine. Rabies for travel or on your vet's advice.
1st dose: feline enteritis + cat flu (herpesvirus and calicivirus).
Health check and worming. A first vaccination
this early only if the risk of infection is high (rescue centre, stray kitten).
this early only if the risk of infection is high (rescue centre, stray kitten).
6–7 weeks
Age
At first a kitten is protected by its mother's antibodies. These fade over the first months and can stop early doses from working, which is why several doses are needed.
Kitten vaccination schedule
At first a kitten is protected by its mother's antibodies. These fade over the first months and can stop early doses from working, which is why several doses are needed.
Age
6–7 weeks
Core vaccines
Health check and worming. A first vaccination this early only if the risk of infection is high (rescue centre, stray kitten).
Depending on risk (non-core)
—
Note
Doses 2–4 weeks
apart.
apart.
Age
8–9 weeks
Core vaccines
1st dose: feline enteritis + cat flu (herpesvirus and calicivirus).
Depending on risk (non-core)
Chlamydia in breeding catteries and multi-cat homes where the problem occurs.
Note
Only healthy kittens are vaccinated.
Age
12 weeks
Core vaccines
2nd dose of the combined vaccine. Rabies for travel or on your vet's advice.
Depending on risk (non-core)
FeLV, first dose for cats that will go outdoors or live with other cats.
Note
Worming as per the kitten schedule.
Age
16 weeks
Core vaccines
Last dose of the primary course, no earlier than 16 weeks of age (WSAVA 2024).
Depending on risk (non-core)
FeLV, second dose 3–4 weeks after the first.
Note
Protection develops.
Age
6–12 months
Core vaccines
Booster at 26 weeks or 1 year of age.
Depending on risk (non-core)
FeLV booster if the risk continues
Note
After that your cat moves on to the adult vaccination schedule.
As needed:
Vaccinations for adult cats
After the primary course, your cat receives:
Chlamydia
FeLV
Rabies
as needed (several cats, cat that goes outdoors, breeding cattery, rescue centre).
for travel abroad.
According to WSAVA 2024, the feline enteritis vaccine usually protects for three years, so it doesn't need to be given every year.
for travel abroad, according to the product information; for a cat that goes outdoors, at your vet's discretion.
(feline enteritis every three years, cat flu every 1–3 years depending on risk).
Combined vaccine
As needed:
Vaccinations for adult cats
After the primary course, your cat receives:
Chlamydia
FeLV
Rabies
as needed (several cats, cat that goes outdoors, breeding cattery, rescue centre).
for travel abroad.
According to WSAVA 2024, the feline enteritis vaccine usually protects for three years, so it doesn't need to be given every year.
for travel abroad, according to the product information; for a cat that goes outdoors, at your vet's discretion.
(feline enteritis every three years, cat flu every 1–3 years depending on risk).
Combined vaccine
Checklist for you:
Before vaccination
Fleas and ticks
protection is kept up as planned, not specially before the vaccination;
protection is kept up as planned, not specially before the vaccination;
pregnant and nursing cats are vaccinated only if absolutely necessary.
a sick cat or one that has just had surgery isn't vaccinated;
your cat should be lively, with no diarrhoea, runny nose or vomiting;
Worming – kittens every two weeks from 3 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months; adults based on a faecal test or your vet's plan;
Checklist for you:
Before vaccination
Fleas and ticks
protection is kept up as planned, not specially before the vaccination;
protection is kept up as planned, not specially before the vaccination;
your cat should be lively, with no diarrhoea, runny nose or vomiting;
a sick cat or one that has just had surgery isn't vaccinated;
pregnant and nursing cats are vaccinated only if absolutely necessary.
Worming – kittens every two weeks from 3 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months; adults based on a faecal test or your vet's plan;
After vaccination
- mild tiredness for 1–2 days,
- slight swelling at the injection site,
- a reduced appetite for a while.
After vaccination
- no going outside,
- avoid cold and draughts,
- no bathing,
- no shows and no cattery.
After vaccination
- vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing,
- swelling of the face or paws,
- seizures or a high temperature.
After vaccination
Normal
- mild tiredness for 1–2 days,
- slight swelling at the injection site,
- a reduced appetite for a while.
Kittens: 10–14 days
- no going outside,
- avoid cold and draughts,
- no bathing,
- no shows and no cattery.
See a vet
straight away
straight away
- vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing,
- swelling of the face or paws,
- seizures or a high temperature.
Special cases
Travel abroad.
An unvaccinated adult cat.
An indoor cat that never goes outside.
A microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before departure and an animal health certificate (from Great Britain) or an EU pet passport (from Ireland). Some countries have extra requirements.
Core vaccines are still recommended (feline enteritis and cat flu): viruses come into the home.
Two doses of the combined vaccine 2–4 weeks apart; rabies for travel.
From 6–8 weeks of age, 2–4 weeks apart, with the last dose no earlier than 16 weeks. Test for FeLV and FIV.
A kitten from a rescue centre or found outside.
Special cases
Travel abroad.
An unvaccinated adult cat.
An indoor cat that never goes outside.
A microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before departure and an animal health certificate (from Great Britain) or an EU pet passport (from Ireland). Some countries have extra requirements.
Core vaccines are still recommended (feline enteritis and cat flu): viruses come into the home.
Two doses of the combined vaccine 2–4 weeks apart; rabies for travel.
From 6–8 weeks of age, 2–4 weeks apart, with the last dose no earlier than 16 weeks. Test for FeLV and FIV.
A kitten from a rescue centre or found outside.
In the UK and Ireland your cat is vaccinated at the vet's: vaccines are prescription-only medicines, and the practice chooses the product.
Common cat vaccine ranges include Nobivac (MSD), Purevax (Boehringer Ingelheim) and Leucofeligen (Virbac).
The brand matters less than your cat getting the right vaccine at the right time. The vaccines used are authorised by the VMD in the UK or the HPRA in Ireland, and your vet chooses them according to your cat's age, health and lifestyle.
The brand matters less than your cat getting the right vaccine at the right time. The vaccines used are authorised by the VMD in the UK or the HPRA in Ireland, and your vet chooses them according to your cat's age, health and lifestyle.
In the UK and Ireland your cat is vaccinated at the vet's: vaccines are prescription-only medicines, and the practice chooses the product.
Common cat vaccine ranges include Nobivac (MSD), Purevax (Boehringer Ingelheim) and Leucofeligen (Virbac).
The brand matters less than your cat getting the right vaccine at the right time. The vaccines used are authorised by the VMD in the UK or the HPRA in Ireland, and your vet chooses them according to your cat's age, health and lifestyle.
The brand matters less than your cat getting the right vaccine at the right time. The vaccines used are authorised by the VMD in the UK or the HPRA in Ireland, and your vet chooses them according to your cat's age, health and lifestyle.
How to talk to your vet about vaccines
- a non-adjuvanted vaccine (such as Purevax) if your cat has reacted to a vaccine before;
- what the vaccination costs and whether a health check is included.
For example, ask about:
Ask about alternatives. If a particular brand isn't available, there are equally good vaccines with the same protection and the right interval.
Start with your vet. Your vet assesses your cat's vaccination status, age and risks (going outdoors, rescue centre, shows, catteries, travel) and draws up a vaccination schedule.
How to talk to your vet about vaccines
- a non-adjuvanted vaccine (such as Purevax) if your cat has reacted to a vaccine before;
- what the vaccination costs and whether a health check is included.
For example, ask about:
Ask about alternatives. If a particular brand isn't available, there are equally good vaccines with the same protection and the right interval.
Start with your vet. Your vet assesses your cat's vaccination status, age and risks (going outdoors, rescue centre, shows, catteries, travel) and draws up a vaccination schedule.
- A vaccination with a health check often costs about £50–80, and a kitten's primary course about £70–120; prices vary between practices, and many offer health plans that include boosters. If your cat is insured, check the policy: many require vaccinations to be up to date.
- The products available can change: your practice knows which vaccines are authorised and available in the UK and Ireland.
- Side effects are similar for all vaccines: short-lived swelling or tenderness, sometimes an allergic reaction; severe anaphylaxis is very rare. If possible, wait 15–30 minutes at the practice after the injection.
Good to know
the main thing is to
In short
Vaccination isn't a formality. It protects against dangerous infections that still occur.
follow the vaccination schedule and your vet's advice. Then your cat is protected and you can have peace of mind.
Adult cats are vaccinated against feline enteritis every three years and against cat flu depending on risk.
At 6 months to 1 year a booster is given.
Rabies is given for travel abroad or on your vet's advice.
Kittens are vaccinated from 6–8 weeks of age, 2–4 weeks apart, with the last dose no earlier than 16 weeks.
the main thing is to
In short
Vaccination isn't a formality. It protects against dangerous infections that still occur.
follow the vaccination schedule and your vet's advice. Then your cat is protected and you can have peace of mind.
Adult cats are vaccinated against feline enteritis every three years and against cat flu depending on risk.
At 6 months to 1 year a booster is given.
Rabies is given for travel abroad or on your vet's advice.
Kittens are vaccinated from 6–8 weeks of age, 2–4 weeks apart, with the last dose no earlier than 16 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Can my cat catch an infection at the clinic?
In theory yes, as anywhere animals meet. But clinics have isolation and disinfection procedures. Keep your kitten in its carrier and don't let it onto the floor.
Can my cat's protection be checked?
Yes, antibodies to feline enteritis can be measured (a titre test), and the result shows whether a booster is needed. For cat flu a titre tells you less. For travel, a valid rabies vaccination recorded on the certificate or passport is required.
Why are some cats tired after the injection and others aren't?
It depends on how the immune system reacts. Mild tiredness and a reduced appetite for 1–2 days are normal.
Should an elderly cat be vaccinated?
Usually yes. Immunity weakens with age. Your vet adapts the vaccination schedule to your cat's health and lifestyle.
What should I do if a vaccination has been missed?
Usually there's no need to start the whole course again: an adult cat whose primary vaccinations are complete gets a single dose. Your vet decides.
Frequently asked questions
Can my cat catch an infection at the clinic?
In theory yes, as anywhere animals meet. But clinics have isolation and disinfection procedures. Keep your kitten in its carrier and don't let it onto the floor.
Can my cat's protection be checked?
Yes, antibodies to feline enteritis can be measured (a titre test), and the result shows whether a booster is needed. For cat flu a titre tells you less. For travel, a valid rabies vaccination recorded on the certificate or passport is required.
Why are some cats tired after the injection and others aren't?
It depends on how the immune system reacts. Mild tiredness and a reduced appetite for 1–2 days are normal.
Should an elderly cat be vaccinated?
Usually yes. Immunity weakens with age. Your vet adapts the vaccination schedule to your cat's health and lifestyle.
What should I do if a vaccination has been missed?
Usually there's no need to start the whole course again: an adult cat whose primary vaccinations are complete gets a single dose. Your vet decides.