Vaccination

When to vaccinate

We advise kittens have their first vaccine at nine weeks old. Vaccinating before this age is unreliable because antibodies received from the mother's colostrum may prevent the vaccine from working.

A second dose at twelve weeks old is needed to ensure full protection. A kitten should not be let out of the house until a few days after the second vaccine to allow the immunity time to develop.

Booster vaccinations are needed on an annual basis. The protection from the primary course is not life-long. We send reminders through the post to help you remember when your cat's vaccine is due.

What to vaccinate against

Cat Flu

Caused by: The Feline Herpes Virus and the Feline Calici Virus.
Features: These viruses cause a disease of the upper respiratory tract (sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, mouth and eye ulcers) plus a loss of appetite, fever and depression. Very young and very old cats and those with poor immune systems can become severely ill and may die, often of secondary infections, lack of nutrition and dehydration.
Notes: The Cat Flu viruses are very common, especially in young cats, but vaccination does not offer complete protection because the vaccines currently available are not effective against some strains of Calici Virus. However, severe disease will not develop in a vaccinated cat, and in most cases Cat Flu will be completely prevented.
Recommendation: All cats should be vaccinated against these two Cat Flu Viruses. A cat which has not been vaccinated is not allowed into boarding catteries or cat shows.

Feline Infectious Enteritis (FIE)

Caused by: The Feline Panleucopenia Virus.
Features: It causes a severe and often fatal form of enteritis.
Notes: Very common virus. The Panleucopenia Virus is widespread in the environment and vaccination is highly successful.
Recommendation: All cats should be vaccinated against this virus. A cat which has not been vaccinated is not allowed into boarding catteries or cat shows.

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)

Features: This affects the immune system of the cat and may cause anaemia or cancer to develop. Most infected cats die or are euthanased, and there is no cure. It is transmitted by saliva, biting, urine, faeces, in the womb or from an infected mother’s milk.
Recommendation: A cat should be vaccinated against Feline Leukaemia if it will be allowed outside the house (even if only occasionally) or in contact with any other cats that have not been tested for the virus. As there is no cure it is advisable to vaccinate unless your cat will never be able to go outdoors, never be used for breeding, and will not be joined by another cat in the household at a later date. If a kitten’s mother is not vaccinated and has not been tested for FeLV then a kitten can be tested to see if he is already infected.