Core Vaccines for Cats

• Panleukopenia. Also known as feline parvovirus or feline distemper, this disease is highly contagious in cats and is often fatal. It is often passed from an untreated mother cat to her kittens and is so widespread that virtually every cat will come into contact with it at some point in their lives. 

   

• Feline Calicivirus. This is one of the most common respiratory illnesses, and young kittens are especially susceptible to it. Signs of this disease include swollen face and joints, hair loss, and scabbed or ulcerated skin. Feline calicivirus can also attack internal organs, like the lungs, pancreas and liver.

   

• Feline Herpesvirus Type 1. The feline herpesvirus causes conjunctivitis and upper respiratory issues in cats, which is why it's considered a core vaccine for your kitten. Also called viral rhinotracheitis, this disease can infect cats of all ages. However, just like any herpesvirus, it's species-specific, so this variation can only affect your cat or kitten — not you or other types of pets, like dogs, birds or fish.

• Feline Leukaemia.

  This vaccine is considered core in cats under a year of age, older cats that are at risk, and cats living in areas where the disease is very prevalent. Ask your vet what category of cat yours falls into and then together, you can decide whether to vaccinate or not.

• Rabies.

  The rabies virus is spread through the saliva of a sick animal and can affect mammals ranging from dogs and cats to bats and foxes. Undetected rabies is extremely dangerous to humans. The UK is rabies-free but a rabies vaccination is a legal requirement for cats travelling abroad or returning to the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme. Vaccination is considered core where rabies is endemic.

Non-Core Vaccines for Cats

• Bordetella. Often referred to as kennel cough in dogs, bordatella is a highly contagious respiratory disease, which is why many vets will recommend getting the vaccine. It can be transmitted by sneezing and coughing and is especially an issue in multi-cat families. However, remember that your kitten can contract it prior to adoption, especially if raised in a place with other kittens or adult cats. This is not a common vaccination in Europe, and under no circumstances should your cat ever receive the canine vaccination.

• Chlamydia felis. A chlamydia infection is usually passed by close contact with other cats. Unlike other feline respiratory illnesses, chlamydia is not usually fatal. It most often presents with red, swollen or runny eyes, according to the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases, and may require antibiotic treatment. The chlamydia vaccine is not a core one, but your vet might recommend it.

Talk to Your Vet

It can be tough to make a decision on which of these kitten vaccinations is right for your new pet, which is why you should always consult your vet for advice. Your veterinarian will ask questions about your kitten's lifestyle and your home environment to help make their recommendations. Some common questions include:

• Did you get your kitten from? For example, was it a stray, or did you get it from a shelter or breeder?

• Was your kitten raised with other animals before? If so, which species?

• What other animals do you have in your home?

• Are you planning on travelling with your kitten or possibly boarding them while you travel?

Remember to answer any questions honestly, even if you're not sure of the answer. The more information you provide to the vet, the better they will be able to help you decide which vaccines your new family member should receive.