Vaccinating your cat is one of the most important steps you can take to protect them from serious infectious diseases. At Edhen Vets, we provide tailored kitten and cat vaccination programmes in Truro and Newquay, helping keep pets across Cornwall healthy throughout every stage of life.
Kittens require an initial vaccination course during their first few months, followed by regular booster vaccinations to maintain protection against diseases such as cat flu and feline panleukopenia. Our veterinary team will guide you through the recommended vaccination schedule, ensuring your cat receives the protection they need while also carrying out a thorough health check at each visit.
Many of our clients choose to include their cat’s preventative healthcare within our E365 Health Club. This monthly plan helps spread the cost of care and includes all annual core vaccinations, along with unlimited vet consultations and unlimited nurse consultations, giving you peace of mind that support is always available when you need it.
It is designed to keep your pet healthy all year round through preventative care, while making routine veterinary treatment easier to manage.
Why are cat vaccinations important?
Vaccinations train your cat’s immune system to recognise and fight dangerous infections before they cause illness.
Routine cat vaccinations in the UK protect against several serious diseases, including:
• Cat flu (Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus) – highly contagious respiratory infections
• Feline panleukopenia (Feline parvovirus) – a severe and potentially fatal virus
• Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) – a virus affecting the immune system and increasing cancer risk
Many of these diseases spread easily between cats and can survive in the environment, meaning even indoor cats may still benefit from vaccination.
Regular vaccinations are a key part of responsible pet ownership and preventative healthcare.
Kitten vaccination schedule
Kittens receive their first vaccinations when their maternal antibodies begin to fade. This allows their own immune system to respond effectively to the vaccine.
The standard kitten vaccination course in the UK usually involves two injections:
- First vaccination: – around 8–9 weeks of age
- Second vaccination: – around 11–12 weeks of age
These vaccinations protect against:
- Feline panleukopenia
- Feline herpesvirus
- Feline calicivirus
Your vet may also recommend vaccination against feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) depending on your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors.
After the second vaccine, kittens are usually considered protected after 7 days and can begin exploring outside safely.
Annual booster vaccinations for cats
Just like humans, immunity from vaccines gradually reduces over time. Booster vaccinations are important to maintain protection.
Most cats require:
First booster: 12 months after their kitten vaccination course
Ongoing boosters: Usually every year depending on lifestyle and vaccine type.
During your cat’s booster appointment, your vet will also perform a full health check, assessing weight, teeth, heart, coat, and overall wellbeing.
This makes vaccination appointments a valuable opportunity to spot health issues early.
What to expect when coming in for a vaccination appointment?
Vaccination appointments are nice and quick, usually taking around 15 minutes. When you arrive, our lovely reception team will check you in and guide you to either the dog or cat waiting area. One of our vets or nurses will then call you through to the consult room, where they’ll give your pet a quick health check and chat through which vaccinations are due. The vaccine itself is given usually given in the scruff of the neck (the loose skin at the back) and it is over very quickly.
We totally get that keeping up with puppy vaccinations and understanding when each one is due can feel a little overwhelming. You’re not alone, many new pet owners find it tricky at first. Our friendly team is always here to guide you through each step, explain what your kitten needs and when, and make sure you feel confident about their care.
If you’re ever unsure or just want to double-check something, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re always happy to chat and help you give your kitten the best start in life.
Common Questions and Concerns
Most kittens receive their first vaccination at 8–9 weeks old, followed by a second vaccination at 11–12 weeks. If you have recently adopted a kitten in Cornwall, it is best to book a vet appointment as soon as possible so we can check their vaccination status.
The cost of cat vaccinations can vary depending on the vaccines required. Our E365 health care plans include all core vaccinations and help to spread the cost of pet care. Contact our team in Truro or Newquay for current pricing or have a look on our prices page.
Yes, many vets still recommend core vaccinations for indoor cats. Viruses such as cat flu can be brought into the home on clothing or shoes, and indoor cats may eventually have outdoor exposure.
Most cats require annual booster vaccinations to maintain immunity against diseases such as cat flu and panleukopenia. Your vet will confirm the correct schedule during your appointment.
You can book kitten and cat vaccinations with the team at Edhen Vets. Our friendly veterinary team provides preventative healthcare for cats across Cornwall from our Truro and Newquay practices.
Our Services
From everyday essentials like check-ups and vaccinations to diagnostics, surgery, and out-of-hours emergencies, we’re here with expert care for every stage of your pet’s life
E365 Pet Health Club
We offer a range of convenient, cost-effective plans to keep your pet healthy and happy all year round — with all consultation fees included, plus great savings and benefits