Complete guide to cat vaccines in the UK — what each protects against, kitten primary course timing and adult booster schedules.
Advertisement
● CORE — all cats● NON-CORE — lifestyle dependent
🐱 Kitten Primary Course
Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) + Calicivirus (FCV)
Together these cause "cat flu" — highly contagious upper respiratory infection. FHV-1 causes lifelong latent infection; stress can trigger recurrence. Vaccinated cats have milder disease even if infected.
9 weeks, then 12 weeks
CORE
Feline Panleukopaenia (FPV)
Often called feline parvovirus — highly contagious and frequently fatal, especially in kittens. Kills rapidly via gastrointestinal destruction and bone marrow suppression. Vaccine is highly effective.
9 weeks, then 12 weeks
CORE
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)
Retrovirus that causes cancer and immune suppression. Spread via close contact — saliva, grooming, shared bowls. Critical for cats that go outdoors or live with FeLV-positive cats.
9 weeks, then 12 weeks
NON-CORE
🔄 Adult Boosters
FHV-1 + FCV (Cat Flu) booster
Annual boosters recommended — immunity wanes and there are multiple strains of calicivirus. Particularly important for cats in multi-cat households or that have outdoor access.
Every 12 months
CORE
FPV (Feline Panleukopaenia) booster
Strong and long-lasting immunity. WSAVA guidelines suggest triennial boosters after the primary course and 1-year booster. Titre testing can confirm ongoing immunity.
Every 3 years (or titre test)
CORE
FeLV booster
Annual boosters recommended for at-risk cats (outdoor, multi-cat households, unknown status cats). Indoor-only cats with no FeLV exposure risk may not need continued boosters.
Every 12 months (if at risk)
NON-CORE
🌍 Additional Vaccines
Rabies
Not required in the UK (rabies-free), but mandatory for travel under the Pet Travel Scheme. Must be administered at least 21 days before travel. Requires a microchip to be inserted first.
Before international travel
NON-CORE
Chlamydophila felis
Causes chronic conjunctivitis. Considered where endemic in a cattery or multi-cat environment with persistent eye problems despite treatment.
At-risk cats only
NON-CORE
Track your cat's health history. A dedicated pet record book makes vaccination dates, vet visits and health notes easy to track across your cat's lifetime.
Yes — though the schedule may differ. Core vaccines (FHV, FCV, FPV) are recommended for all cats regardless of lifestyle. Even purely indoor cats can be exposed to pathogens via humans, other animals, or if they ever escape outdoors. FeLV is generally not required for indoor-only cats with no exposure risk, but your vet will advise based on your specific situation.
Cats in multi-cat households, catteries, or with outdoor access are at much higher risk and should receive all core and most non-core vaccines. Regular annual health checks are recommended even for vaccinated cats — they're an opportunity for your vet to detect early signs of illness, dental disease, and age-related changes.
If the gap between first and second vaccination was less than 3–4 weeks, your vet will likely just give the second dose. If the gap was longer, the primary course may need to be repeated. A lapsed primary course means the kitten does not have reliable immunity — speak with your vet as soon as possible. Don't delay: parvovirus in particular is highly dangerous for unprotected kittens.
Most cats experience no significant side effects. Mild lethargy, reduced appetite or a small lump at the injection site for 1–3 days are normal. Rare serious reactions (anaphylaxis, injection-site sarcoma) are very uncommon. Keep your cat calm and indoors for 24 hours after vaccination. Contact your vet if lethargy lasts more than 48 hours or if there's significant swelling, facial swelling, difficulty breathing or vomiting.