Cat vaccination in the United Kingdom
AnimaPulse's reference scheme for the United Kingdom: the age of the primary course, the booster rhythm and the rabies rule, vaccine by vaccine. For guidance only.
United Kingdom protocolIndicativePublished on Updated on
These schedules are indicative. A pet's protocol depends on its age, lifestyle, region and health: your vet always has the final say. Overview: Cat vaccination schedule · See also: Dog vaccination in the United Kingdom
What vaccinations does a cat need in the United Kingdom?
| Vaccine | Primary course | First booster | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCP (flu + panleukopenia)the combined cat shot: cat flu and panleukopenia — yearly booster | 9 weeks, 12 weeks | 1 year after the primary course | every year |
| FeLVfeline leukaemia, for cats that go outside — yearly booster | 9 weeks, 12 weeks | 1 year after the primary course | every year |
| Rabiestravel only | 12 weeks | 1 year after the primary course | every 3 years |
PDSA (page published in April 2022) says all cats in the UK, even indoor cats, need to be vaccinated against cat flu (feline herpesvirus and calicivirus) and feline parvovirus (panleukopenia, infectious enteritis). The BSAVA vaccination statement (May 2026) lists the same two as core vaccines for cats in the UK, together with the feline leukaemia vaccine, and lists Chlamydophila felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica as non-core. PDSA says the Chlamydophila felis vaccine is usually recommended only if a cat has a pre-existing problem with it. BSAVA also notes that boosters are less straightforward in cats than in dogs, because the data-sheet recommendations vary significantly between vaccines; each product's requirements are in its Summary of Product Characteristics.
Does an indoor cat in the United Kingdom need vaccinating?
PDSA (April 2022) says yes for cat flu and panleukopenia: an exclusively indoor cat still needs both, but may not need the feline leukaemia vaccine. The reason PDSA gives is that feline leukaemia usually spreads only between cats in close and regular contact, whereas cat flu and panleukopenia are very infectious and can spread on clothes, shoes and other surfaces.
BSAVA (May 2026) notes that the WSAVA guidelines divide cats into two groups. High-risk cats spend any time outdoors, live with cats that go outside and/or go to a cattery; low-risk cats live in a household where no cat ever goes outside and never go to a cattery. The WSAVA guidelines advise that booster intervals for certain vaccinations, such as those against feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus-1, may need to be considered on the basis of that risk of exposure.
Who should have the feline leukaemia vaccine in the United Kingdom?
BSAVA (May 2026) lists it as a core vaccine for young cats and for older cats with outdoor access or that live with other cats that have outdoor access. PDSA (April 2022) puts it in practical terms: a cat that goes outside, even just into the garden, also needs it. AnimaPulse's UK scheme says: "feline leukaemia, for cats that go outside — yearly booster".
BSAVA (May 2026) recommends testing for feline leukaemia before vaccination where possible. Its reason is that no FeLV vaccine is 100% effective; it adds that vaccination does not benefit a cat already infected.
What if my kitten or cat is not fully vaccinated or is overdue?
PDSA (April 2022) says a cat that misses a booster may need to restart its primary course, depending on how overdue it is. For an unvaccinated kitten or cat, or one that has had only its first injection, PDSA advises keeping it inside, not letting it meet cats outside the home, and washing your hands after going outside, especially if you have touched other cats.
For a previously vaccinated cat that is overdue, PDSA advises a house cat to stay indoors and other cats to be kept out of the house. PDSA says a cat that goes outdoors but is happy to stay in should be kept in as much as possible, while you watch it for stress and let it out again if it seems unsettled. It warns that stress can cause problems such as stress cystitis and blocked bladders, and says not to keep a cat indoors if it has previously suffered a stress-related illness.
Do catteries in the United Kingdom ask for vaccination?
PDSA (April 2022) says vaccinations are especially important, and usually compulsory, for cats staying at a cattery. BSAVA (May 2026) counts going to a cattery among the factors that make a cat high-risk, and refers readers who want the legal requirements for boarding establishments to the licensing authorities: the Local Authority in England, Wales and Scotland, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland.
Does a cat in the United Kingdom need a rabies vaccination?
AnimaPulse's reference scheme for the United Kingdom says: "travel only". BSAVA's statement (May 2026) calls rabies vaccination a legal requirement for cats travelling abroad or returning to the UK, and lists it as non-core. PDSA's page (April 2022) says there is no legal requirement to give a cat vaccines in the UK, with rabies the exception when the cat travels in and out of the UK.
How will I remember my cat's booster dates?
Enter the vaccine in AnimaPulse and the app works out the next due date from the date you entered, then reminds you seven days before and again the day before. The calendar it proposes follows the country where your cat lives, not the language of your phone.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can a kitten have its first vaccination in the United Kingdom?
In AnimaPulse's reference scheme for the United Kingdom the RCP (flu + panleukopenia) vaccine is given at 9 and 12 weeks. Your vet decides the timing for your animal.
How often does a cat need boosters in the United Kingdom?
In the scheme for the United Kingdom, RCP (flu + panleukopenia) has a first booster 1 year after the primary course, then boosters every year. FeLV: first booster 1 year after the primary course, then every year. Rabies (travel only): first booster 1 year after the primary course, then every 3 years. Your vet adapts the rhythm to your animal.
Does a cat in the United Kingdom need a rabies vaccination?
AnimaPulse's reference scheme for the United Kingdom says: "travel only".
Sources — United Kingdom
- WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines 2024 (WSAVA — Vaccination Guidelines, WSAVA — 2024 Guidelines, executive summary (PDF))
- PDSA — Dog/Cat vaccines (public-facing schedules) (PDSA — Cat and Kitten Vaccinations)
- BSAVA/NOAH practice: triennial DHP after the first booster, annual leptospirosis (BSAVA — Vaccination Statement (May 2026))
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Page updated on 11 November 2026.