Kitten Vaccinations Complete Guide

Now you’ve vaccinated your kitten, you might be wondering when their outdoor adventures can begin. The ‘Golden Rule’ is that kittens should not go outside until 4 weeks after their second injection (and not freely until they’re neutered). Instead, use this in-between period to get your kitten accustomed to a harness, or ease their curiosities and let them watch the world go by from a secure window spot!  There is a myth that indoor cats don’t need to be vaccinated because they’re safe inside, which is incorrect. Like any other cat, indoor cats must be vaccinated, as even indoors they can be exposed to diseases which cling to human shoes and clothes from your time outdoors.

1. Cat Flu (Feline Herpesvirus & Calicivirus): This is a highly contagious disease which causes sneezing and eye sores.

2. Feline Parvovirus (Panleukopenia): A severe, often fatal disease attacking the immune

system.

3. Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV): Essential for any cat that might venture outside or interact with other cats.

Vaccinations can protect against more than one disease. At the Community Pet Clinic, we offer two types of vaccinations. Both vaccinations protect against Cat Flu and Feline Parvovirus, but one vaccination type includes FeLV and the other does not. Which you choose for your kitten is up to you, and it is evident during the booking process which vaccination you are choosing. Immunity onset occurs approximately 3 weeks after their first vaccination, and immunity onset from their second vaccination is 4 weeks. 

Prices of kitten vaccinations can vary depending on clinic and region, so it’s best to do your research! Jollyes Community Pet Clinics are located across the UK, with affordable kitten vaccination packages for just £55 to ensure cost doesn’t prevent caring for your cat safely.

Taking your kitten to the vet can be just as intimidating for your kitten as the vaccination itself! It’s important to create positive associations with the car ride, so here’s a couple of tips and tricks you can do to make the journey less stressful.

-          The carrier trick: Bring your kitten’s carrier out days in advance so it doesn't just mean "scary car ride." Get them used to being in their carrier before the vet journey.

-          Scent is security: Put a blanket that smells like their home/mother inside to help soothe them. Familiarity is a security blanket in itself!

-          High-value treats: Use lickable treats (like Webbox) during the jab to create a positive association.

Q: When do kittens need vaccinations?

A: Your kitten should start their first course at 9 weeks old, with a follow-up vaccination at 12 weeks.

Q: How many vaccinations do kittens need?

A: A standard primary course is two injections, usually spaced 3–4 weeks apart. After this, they will need a single booster shot every year to stay protected.

Q: Can a vaccinated cat still catch Cat Flu?

A: Yes, but the symptoms will be significantly milder and less likely to be life-threatening. Think of it like the human flu jab.

Q: Why does my cat need a "Booster" every year?

A: Immunity isn't a "one and done" deal. Boosters "remind" the immune system how to fight off these diseases. We don’t boost everything every year, but some components need annual boosting to keep immunity high.

Q: What if I miss the second vaccination date?

A: If you miss their 2nd vaccination date by more than a couple of days, you will have to completely restart your kitten’s vaccination course.  

Q: My kitten is sleepy after their jab; should I be worried?

A: A little lethargy or a slight “off-food" mood is normal for 24 hours. If they collapse or

show facial swelling, contact a vet immediately.

Q: Can I bathe my kitten after their vaccination?

A: It's best to wait 48 hours. The injection site might be a little tender, and a bath can be a

stressful experience that we want to avoid right after a vet visit.