Feline vaccination schedule

Feline vaccines are relatively fewer than canine ones but just as important. This guide covers the 3 main vaccines, the kitten schedule, boosters and the differences between indoor and outdoor cats.

Why vaccinate an indoor cat too?

A common myth: "my cat doesn't go out, it doesn't need vaccines". FALSE. Reasons:

• You bring viruses in on your shoes, clothes and shopping bag. Panleukopenia survives for months on surfaces.
• Visits from friends' pets can bring in viruses unnoticed
• If you have to leave the cat in a cattery or at a family member's home, they require an up-to-date vaccination record
• If it escapes accidentally (open window, door), it's protected
• Multi-cat households: one case is enough to infect them all

Recommended minimum for a 100% indoor cat: the trivalent (RCP).

Feline trivalent (RCP)

The fundamental vaccine, it protects against 3 serious diseases:

• Feline panleukopenia (parvovirus): 'feline distemper'. High mortality in kittens. Survives for months in the environment.
• Calicivirus: causes what's known as 'feline respiratory complex' - mouth ulcers, conjunctivitis, fever.
• Herpesvirus / Rhinotracheitis: similar, nasal and eye congestion. Once infected, it becomes chronic (flare-ups under stress).

After the booster at 6-12 months, it is repeated every 3 years in low-risk cats and every year in high-risk ones (WSAVA guidelines). Your vet will tell you which schedule suits your cat.

Feline leukaemia (FeLV)

A virus that causes cancers, anaemia and immunodeficiency. It's transmitted through saliva (licking, fights, sharing a bowl).

Recommendations according to lifestyle:

• 100% indoor, single cat: optional
• Indoor cat with several cats at home: recommended
• Cat with outdoor access: highly recommended
• Multi-cat household with one FeLV-positive: vaccinate the negatives

Test before vaccinating: do a FIV/FeLV blood test to see the current status. If already positive, don't vaccinate.

Rabies: is it compulsory for cats?

It depends on whether you travel. The UK is free of rabies, so it isn't part of routine domestic vaccination. If you do travel abroad, the schedule is similar to the canine one:

• First dose from 12 weeks
• Booster at 12 months
• Afterwards: every 1 or 3 years, depending on the vaccine and your community

If you travel abroad with your cat (EU or other countries), rabies + microchip + pet travel documentation are compulsory internationally.

The full kitten schedule

Standard schedule for a kitten:

• 8 weeks: first trivalent dose
• 12 weeks: second trivalent dose + FIV/FeLV test + first leukaemia (if it will go outdoors)
• 16 weeks: third trivalent dose + second leukaemia + rabies (if you plan to travel abroad)
• 4-6 months: spaying/neutering (not a vaccine, but often coincides with the vet visit)
• 6-12 months: trivalent booster (and leukaemia, if they have it)

The key is that the last dose of the kitten course is given at 16 weeks or later. Your vet adjusts the number of doses depending on the age at which the kitten starts.

Boosters in adulthood

After the kitten course, the boosters:

• Trivalent: every 3 years if low risk, every year if high risk
• Leukaemia: every 2-3 years while at risk (goes out or lives with cats that go out)
• Rabies: every 1 or 3 years, depending on the vaccine and your community

For cats over 10 years old, the vet may recommend less aggressive protocols (only necessary vaccines). This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Costs in the UK

• Full kitten pack: €100-180
• Trivalent on its own: €35-55
• Leukaemia on its own: €30-50
• Rabies on its own: €25-45
• FIV/FeLV test: €40-70
• Microchip: €25-40 · also compulsory for cats throughout Spain (Law 7/2023)
• Vet check-up: €30-55, included in the pack or charged separately

Adopting through Mizuu means the cat arrives with its vaccination schedule already well under way or complete.

Adverse reactions and management

Feline vaccines are very safe but can have side effects:

• Mild reaction (common): lethargy for 24h, slight fever, small swelling at the vaccine site. Resolves on its own.
• Moderate reaction (less common): vomiting, diarrhoea, persistent swelling. The vet should assess it.
• Post-vaccination sarcoma (rare, 1/10,000): a tumor at the injection site. This is why vets vaccinate in specific areas (tail, limb) to facilitate amputation if necessary.
• Anaphylaxis (very rare): immediate emergency. Go to the clinic so the vet can treat it with adrenaline and corticosteroids.

After vaccination, monitor your cat for 24-48 hours. If you notice a severe reaction, contact your vet immediately.

In short: trivalent for all cats (even indoor ones) · leukaemia if they go out or live with other cats · rabies where it is compulsory and for travelling · kitten course at 8, 12 and 16 weeks, booster at 6-12 months and then every 1-3 years depending on their risk · microchip compulsory · cost €100-180 in the first year and €40-80 for adults. Your Mizuu digital passport reminds you of every due date.