Kitten Vaccinations
Protecting your kitten from the very start.
Vaccinations are one of the most important steps in keeping your kitten healthy. They protect against serious infectious diseases that are still common in the UK and help your kitten grow into a strong, confident and resilient adult cat. We make the process calm, gentle and straightforward for both you and your kitten.
Our vets and nurses are always delighted to welcome new kittens into the practice, and to help get them the best start in life.
Why kitten vaccinations matters
Kittens are naturally curious and tend to explore everything, whether at home or outdoors later in life. Vaccinations provide essential protection against viruses that can cause lifelong illness, severe complications or even be fatal. Early protection gives your kitten the best start and peace of mind for you.
These appointments are also a perfect moment to talk about feeding, behaviour, litter training and parasite control. We are here to support you at every stage.
More about kitten vaccinations
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Kittens are vaccinated for:
“Cat flu” (feline herpesvirus and calicivirus)
Both of these diseases cause upper respiratory symptoms in cats, and can make kittens and elderly cats especially unwell.
Even once the active infection has passed, these diseases can lead to chronic health issues for the rest of the cat’s life.
Infectious enteritis (feline panleukopenia)
This is a highly contagious, very dangerous virus, which can survive for years in the environment, or on objects an infected cat has touched.
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)
Cats infected with this virus will have it for life. It can cause immunosuppression, and increases the cat’s risk of developing leukaemia.
These diseases remain present in the UK and unvaccinated cats are at significant risk, especially if they go outdoors.
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Most kittens follow this simple schedule:
First vaccination: around 9 weeks
Second vaccination: 3 to 4 weeks later
Full immunity: around 2 weeks after the second vaccine
Annual boosters: required every year to maintain protection
If your kitten has missed a vaccine, or started their course late, we can design a safe catch-up plan.
Rabies vaccination is available if you plan to travel outside the UK with your cat.
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Kitten vaccination appointments are gentle and relaxed, and we use the time to give your kitten a full health check including their heart, lungs, eyes, ears, skin and overall wellbeing, while also monitoring their weight and growth. We will discuss feeding, litter trays, behaviour, and home routines, give any due vaccines, provide parasite protection if needed and answer all your questions, big or small.
Kittens on our PetPeople Health Plan have all vaccinations, parasite treatments and unlimited consultations included.
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Even if your cat is likely to live indoors, vaccination is still recommended. Some viruses can be carried on clothing, shoes or other pets, and indoor cats may still come into contact with infection.
They may even become unwell and need to spend some time in the hospital with other cats. If your cat later becomes an outdoor explorer, by starting and maintaining their vaccine status, they will already be protected.
Frequently asked questions about kitten vaccinations
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Some kittens are a little tired for the rest of the day. This is normal and settles quickly.
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It is a good idea, especially for cats that go outdoors. FeLV can cause serious long-term illness.
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If your kitten has a fever or is significantly poorly, we may delay vaccination until they recover.
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Yes. All routine vaccinations, parasite treatments and consultations are included.
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Usually a few weeks after their second vaccination, as long as they are also microchipped and neutered. We will guide you on the safest timing.
If your kitten is ready for their vaccinations, or if you would like to book their first visit, our team would be delighted to help. We are open seven days a week and are always excited to meet a new kitten at PetPeople Vets.