Kitten vaccines – everything you need to know

When it comes to the health and happiness of our feline friends, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of purrs.

And what's on the front line? Kitten vaccines.

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent disease in cats and minimise the chance that they'll contract a painful or life-threatening illness.

Let’s unravel the mystery behind those all-important jabs, how they work, common costs, and even a purr-tential kitten vaccination schedule.

Why are kitten vaccines important?

Vaccines are a critical line of defence for cats and a key part of preventative care. They work by preparing a cat's immune system to recognise and fight off specific viruses and bacteria.

They don't provide 100% protection, but even if your cat does contract an illness they've been vaccinated against, their bodies should be able to fight it more effectively.

For outdoor felines or those in multi-cat households, vaccinations are particularly crucial as they are more frequently exposed to potential pathogens. But even indoor cats need vaccines, as some viruses can be brought into the home through shoes or clothing.

Oh, and is that a halo we see on your head? Well, there should be. Getting your cat vaccinated helps minimise diseases for other cats in the community, which is just plain neighbourly pet parenting.

After the puppy or kitten booster series, vaccines are given every one or three years, depending on the type, your pet’s lifestyle, the product used, and local regulations.

Kitten vaccine schedule: when and what to expect

Kittens typically start their vaccine series at around six to eight weeks, with the second part of the primary course being given typically three to four weeks later. 

Why not earlier? A fascinating fact from the folks at Cornell: earlier vaccinations for kittens aren't effective because the antibodies kittens get from mother's milk interfere with their vaccine response.

Adult cats will need regular boosters too, about every one to three years, depending on the vaccine and their current vaccination status. Most adult cats in the UK need to be vaccinated every year, but your vet will always advise you on when the next booster is due. If you just adopted an adult cat with an unknown vaccination history, your vet will likely treat them as they would an unvaccinated cat, just to be safe.

How much are kitten vaccinations

The cost of kitten vaccinations are impacted by:

• Clinic type

• Location

• Number of vaccines

• Vaccine manufacturer

We have a full breakdown of costs in our cat and dog vaccination cost article.

What vaccines do kittens need? (core vs. non-core vaccines)

Some vaccines for pets are technically considered more important than others. Vets call these "core vaccines."

Non-core vaccines might still be important for your cat to get based on their unique makeup or living situation. Always refer to your vet.

Core vaccines for kittens

FeLV (feline leukemia) vaccine

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a disease that impairs the cat's immune system and can lead to certain cancers. The FeLV vaccine is always recommended for cats at risk of exposure, which is any cat that spends time outdoors or with other cats. , but iIt's not considered a "core" vaccine for indoor cats as their risk is very low. Check with your vet to see if your cat should get it.

Sometimes, indoor cats won’t need it, but owners of these cats normally still choose to get it. 

FVRCP vaccine

This combo vaccine is essential for cats as it covers several serious diseases in one go. FVRCP stands for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpes), Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. Here are some more details about each of the illnesses this vaccine helps prevent:

• Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) is a major culprit behind upper respiratory infections in cats. This virus can manifest with a range of symptoms, from sneezing, nasal congestion, and discharge to more severe outcomes like conjunctivitis, oral ulceration, and even pneumonia.

• Feline calicivirus (FCV) is another highly contagious pathogen responsible for respiratory infections and oral diseases in cats. It's especially prevalent in environments such as shelters and breeding colonies, where it's estimated that up to 40% of the population may carry the virus. The virus is notorious for its mutation capability, which means new strains often emerge, making complete prevention a challenge (something we humans are pretty familiar with). Despite this, vaccination is essential as it provides a level of protection against the majority of circulating strains, which generally cause only mild disease.

• Panleukopenia (feline distemper) is a highly contagious and often lethal disease. While this has the same name and virus family as parvo in dogs, typically in cats, this form of the virus is associated with respiratory symptoms. Keeping distemper at bay is a vital part of your cat’s healthcare routine, and kittens are particularly susceptible.

Non-core vaccines for kittens

Feline chlamydia felis vaccine*

Chlamydiosis in cats, caused by the bacteria Chlamydophila felis, often presents as conjunctivitis and a respiratory infection. While not life-threatening, vaccination against it is often a good call for outdoor cats or those frequently around other cats. The vaccine diminishes the severity of symptoms but doesn't prevent infection or shedding. Initial dosing starts as early as nine weeks of age, followed by a booster and annual boosters for cats at continued risk.

Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine*

The Bordetella vaccine is used to prevent Bordetella bronchiseptica, a highly contagious respiratory disease in cats with symptoms like coughing and fever. It's administered via a live intranasal vaccine, recommended for kittens older than 16 weeks and especially for those in multi-cat environments. Bordetella is quite rare in cats, but cats in multi-cat households or environments may be at higher risk.

Feline coronavirus vaccine*

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a common virus in cats that usually causes mild gastrointestinal symptoms. However, mutations can transform it into the feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus, leading to a potentially deadly systemic disease.

Kitten vaccine side effects

Most cats handle vaccinations like champs, but some may experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, fever, or lethargy.

These usually resolve within 24-48 hours without intervention, but it’s good to be aware and monitor your cat post-vaccination.

More serious vaccine side effects are extremely rare, but might include:

• Allergic reactions, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling

• Respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing or severe cough

• Gastrointestinal upsets such as vomiting and diarrhoea

If you notice any of these or other more serious symptoms, call your vet immediately.

Kitten vaccine aftercare

Caring for your cat after vaccinations is key to a smooth recovery. Here are some tips:

• Always follow your vet's post-vaccine-care instructions, and reach out if anything seems off.

• Create a calm sanctuary for them to rest, away from the hustle and bustle. Soft music or a steady clock can be soothing.

• Ensure fresh water is always within a paw's reach.

• Tempt them with their favorite healthy snack if they're not interested in eating.

• Offer gentle pets or brush your cat (unless physical touch is at the bottom of their love language list, of course)

Ideally, you or someone you trust would be able to watch your cat for the next 24-48 hours after a vaccine for anything unusual, but that's not always possible. Do your best, and try to schedule their vaccines on a day when you don't have much going on.

The bottom line: Why vaccines matter

Remember, vaccinating your cat is a responsibility that comes with the joy of having a pet. It's an act of love, ensuring your furry family member stays healthy and keeping other furry friends safe. It’s a vital part of being a responsible pet parent. Keep your cat up-to-date on their vaccines, and they’ll be thanking you with head bunts and contented meows for years to come!

Oh, and you must vaccinate your pet if you want kitten insurance - it's a requirement to get cover.

*These vaccines may be recommended based on risk factors, but they are generally rarely given. Ask your vet for more information.

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