Advice · cats
Cat vaccination advice
Cat vaccination advice on this page covers the full kitten-to-adult schedule, what each cat vaccine actually protects against, annual cat booster shots, and the rabies vaccine question that only matters if you're travelling. Each section links on to a deeper guide, real UK price ranges, and our local vet finder.
What cat vaccines protect against
Core cat vaccinations cover feline herpesvirus and calicivirus — together known as cat flu — plus feline panleukopenia, a severe gut infection. Feline leukaemia (FeLV) is usually added for cats with outdoor access, since it spreads through close contact between cats. See the full cat vaccination schedule for exactly when each jab is due.
Indoor vs outdoor cats: does it change the schedule?
Core vaccines are recommended for indoor cats too, since cat flu viruses travel indoors on shoes and clothing. Where the schedule genuinely flexes is FeLV — a strictly indoor cat with no contact with other cats is at low risk, and your vet may suggest leaving it out. Always confirm with your own vet rather than assuming.
Cat booster vaccinations
Most cats need an annual booster to keep the kitten course's protection topped up, typically £40–£60 including a full health check — often the more valuable half of the visit, since cats hide illness well. Our cat booster shots guide covers timing in full, including what happens if boosters lapse.
Rabies vaccine for cats
The UK is rabies-free, so this isn't part of the routine schedule — it only matters if you're travelling abroad with your cat under the pet travel scheme. See our rabies vaccine cost guide for current prices and how long protection lasts.
Cat vaccination guides
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Cat vaccination schedule: kitten jabs to boosters
The full UK timeline, what's covered, and indoor-cat questions.
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Cat booster shots: how often, cost & lapsed boosters
Annual top-ups, why the health check matters, and what a lapse means.
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Rabies vaccine cost for cats
Only needed for travel abroad — costs and duration.
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Find a vet for cat vaccinations
Compare local practices, prices and ratings.
Cat vaccination FAQs
What is the cat vaccination schedule in the UK?
Kittens have their first vaccination at around 9 weeks and a second at 12 weeks, then annual boosters — see our full cat vaccination schedule guide for each stage.
Do indoor cats need vaccinations?
Core vaccines are still recommended for indoor cats, since cat flu viruses travel indoors on shoes and clothing. The feline leukaemia vaccine matters most for cats with outdoor access.
How much is a cat booster shot?
Cat booster shots typically cost £40–£60 including the annual health check, which often catches hidden issues like dental disease early.
Does my cat need a rabies vaccine?
Only for travel abroad under the pet travel scheme — the UK is rabies-free, so it's not part of the routine cat vaccinations UK schedule.