Kitten vaccination guide: Cat vaccination costs and schedule

Alongside plenty of playtime and attention, vaccinating your kitten is one of the most important things you should do as a new cat owner.

Unsure when to take your kitten to the vet, or what vaccinations kittens need? We’re here to guide you through the process, from understanding cat vaccination costs to the diseases they help prevent.

Vaccinations are priced differently between vet practices, but on average, cat vaccinations cost £100 for initial injections. Annual booster shots generally cost around £50 to £80.

This might seem like a lot, but cat vaccination costs are a small price to pay to help prevent your kitten from several serious, life-threatening illnesses. Think of it as an investment in their long-term safety. If you’re concerned about the costs, it’s always worth discussing payment options with your vet.

If you have insurance for your cat, keeping their vaccinations up to date is often a key part of your policy, and failing to do so could affect your coverage.

Getting your kitten vaccinated between nine and 12 weeks old gives them the best start in life, keeping them safe from a range of contagious diseases while also preventing them from spreading illnesses to other animals.

Your kitten will need two vaccination doses to ensure they’re fully protected, typically the first at nine weeks and the second at 12 weeks. After that, they’ll need a booster shot every year.

If you have cat insurance with Petplan, you can use our Pet Expert Chat to connect with a professional and ask any vaccination-related questions. Just log into your My Petplan account to access.

Vaccinations shield your kitten from some of the most common and dangerous diseases.

Vaccinations provide protection from illnesses such as:

• Feline infectious enteritis: A potentially fatal viral infection that affects your kitten’s digestive system.
• Feline herpesvirus: A common cause of a respiratory illness known as ‘cat flu’.
• Feline calicivirus: Another viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system and can lead to mouth ulcers.
• Feline leukaemia virus: A serious illness that weakens the immune system and can cause cancer.

Vaccinations are very safe – side-effects are generally mild, if they occur at all. The most common side-effects are:

• Mild and transient tiredness or lethargy
• A slight fever
• Mild swelling at the injection site
• A temporary loss of appetite

These effects usually pass within a couple of days, but if you notice anything concerning, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your vet.

After your kitten’s second vaccination, you’ll need to wait for around two weeks before letting them go outside. Until then, it’s best to keep them indoors and away from any unvaccinated pets to keep them safe.

Vaccinations are vital for your kitten’s health, but there are some common myths that can cause confusion. Let’s clear up a few misconceptions to ensure you’re fully informed:

Myth: Once my kitten is vaccinated, they’re protected for life.
Reality: Vaccinations need to be updated regularly. Annual boosters are necessary to maintain immunity and ensure your kitten stays protected against diseases.

Myth: Feline leukaemia is rare, so my kitten doesn’t need that vaccine.
Reality: Feline leukaemia is still a common cause of illness in cats, especially in urban areas. It’s important to vaccinate, even if your kitten isn’t around other cats frequently.

Myth: Vaccines make kittens feel unwell.
Reality: While mild side-effects such as tiredness or a reduced appetite can occur, serious reactions are rare. Any discomfort usually passes within a couple of days.

Myth: My kitten doesn’t need vaccinations if they don’t go outside.
Reality: Even indoor kittens can be exposed to diseases through contact with other pets, clothing or surfaces. It’s important to vaccinate for their safety, no matter their lifestyle.

Myth: I missed a booster; it’s fine to wait until next year.
Reality: If you miss a booster by more than 15 months, your vet may recommend restarting the vaccination schedule. It’s always best to stay on top of the timing.

While cat vaccination costs may feel like a significant expense, it’s an important part of looking after your kitten. Vaccinations help protect your pet from potentially life-threatening illnesses, giving you peace of mind as your kitten grows.