How much do cat vaccinations cost?

The cost of cat and kitten vaccinations will vary depending on the vet you visit and where you live in the country. There are no standard prices that surgeries have to follow, so it’s always best to check with your local vet directly. Charities such as the RSPCA and PDSA offer low-cost vaccinations to help out lower-income pet owners.

Kittens need two sets of vaccinations to get them started. They have their first set at nine weeks old and a second set when they’re three months old. Kittens and cats usually need 'booster' vaccinations once a year, too.

According to Catster, the first course of vaccinations can cost from around £44 up to £172, while the booster vaccinations can cost from £40 to £65.

 

Are cat and kitten vaccinations covered by pet insurance?

 

Pet insurance in the UK usually doesn’t cover the cost of routine and preventive care, which includes vaccinations. Instead, it’s there to help with vet bills related to unexpected illness or injury. Routine procedures such as vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and dental care are the responsibility of the pet owner.

It's important to check the terms and conditions of your pet insurance policy to understand what is covered and what isn’t. If you have questions about coverage for vaccinations, contact your pet insurance provider.

While pet insurance may not cover routine vaccinations, it can be a big help for managing those unexpected vet bills.

Keeping your cat’s vaccinations up to date can also mean lower insurance premiums, as they’ll be less likely to get ill with common diseases. If your cat picks up an illness or disease that could have been prevented with a vaccine, your insurance provider may not cover the expenses to treat your pet.  

 

What types of vaccinations are available for cats?

 

Different vaccinations are available for cats and kittens to protect them from common and more serious diseases. The vaccines recommended for all cats in the UK include:

• Feline infectious enteritis(also known as FPV, feline parvovirus and feline panleukopenia): this disease mainly attacks a cat’s immune system and gut and may also affect the heart. Kittens will often have more severe symptoms than healthy adult cats. It’s particularly dangerous for pregnant cats – the kittens of an infected pregnant cat are at risk of being born with brain damage.
• Cat flu(feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus): this disease causes symptoms similar to the human cold and flu like a runny nose, sneezing, runny eyes, fever, lethargy, coughing and a sore throat. It’s not usually serious for healthy adult cats, but it can be more severe and even fatal for kittens.
• Feline leukaemia virus: this virus attacks a cat’s immune system. It can cause very serious health problems and can even be fatal. As it’s not an airborne disease it can only be passed on via direct contact between cats, usually by saliva or bites. The disease can cause cancers, anaemia and other health complications. The vaccine is highly recommended for cats that go outside, but indoor cats are also at risk because the virus can be carried into the home on shoes and clothing.

 

As well as the core vaccinations for cats, there are also optional vaccines that your vet may recommend based on your cat's lifestyle. Some of these include:

• Chlamydophila Felis: this is a bacterium that can cause respiratory infections, as well as conjunctivitis. The virus is spread by direct contact between cats, meaning it mainly affects multi-cat households and kittens. Usually, your cat will only need this vaccination if it’s been infected in the past or lives in a multi-cat household.
• Rabies: this is an extremely severe virus, but as it’s not currently a problem in the UK, your cat will only need it if they’re travelling abroad or being rehomed from overseas.

It’s important to consult your vet to create a vaccination plan that takes into account your cat’s individual needs, including their age, health and lifestyle. Regular vet check-ups and vaccinations are key to preventing the spread of infectious diseases and keeping cats and kittens healthy.

 

How frequently will my cat need to be vaccinated?

 

In the UK, how often your cat needs to be vaccinated depends on their age, overall health and the specific vaccine.

Usually, kittens have a series of vaccinations starting at around eight to nine weeks old, with a booster after another three to four weeks. Some kittens may need a third booster after another three to four weeks.

Once they’ve had their first vaccinations, the protection will last for one year. They’ll likely get another booster after the first year. After this, a lot of the core vaccines need boosters every one to three years to maintain immunity.

Non-core vaccines, like those for feline leukaemia or chlamydia, may have different booster schedules based on the cat's lifestyle. It’s important to speak to your vet about the vaccinations your cat needs and to put a proper schedule in place to ensure they’re fully protected.

Overvaccination

A vet-approved plan prevents over-vaccination, which can put your cat under unnecessary stress – especially if they’re prone to anxiety or have a fear of vet visits.

Also, certain vaccines like those that protect against core diseases provide long-lasting immunity – unnecessary boosters won’t make any difference to your cat’s protection, but will cost you more.

Missed boosters

If your cat has been vaccinated and missed its booster, they may still be protected for a couple of months after their booster was due. But they will need their booster as soon as possible. You should also keep your cat inside as much as possible and wash your hands after handling other cats. If you miss the booster timeframe, you may need to start the whole course again, which can be costly.

 

Are there any side effects to vaccinating your cat?

 

Vaccinations for cats are generally safe, but like any medicine, they can have potential side effects. Common side effects are usually mild and short-lived, while serious reactions are rare.

Potential side effects include:

• Mild discomfort at the injection site: cats may experience temporary soreness at the site of the injection immediately after. This should wear off within a day or two.
• Lethargy: they may have less energy and want to sleep more.
• Mild fever: cats may develop a slight fever for a day or two after their vaccination.
• Reduced appetite: temporary loss of appetite may happen in some cats after vaccinations.
• Swelling: a small, firm swelling at the injection site may occur and will usually go away on its own.

More rare, severe side effects can include:

• Allergic reaction: this is rare, but cats can have allergic reactions ranging from mild itching to anaphylactic Signs of this include difficulty breathing or vomiting.
• Seizures: very rarely, cats can have seizures after vaccinations.
• Increased heart rate: rarely, cats may experience an increased heart rate which you will need to monitor.

Look out for any side effects and monitor your cat closely after any vaccinations. Contact your vet immediately if you see any unusual or severe symptoms.

 

When should you vaccinate your kitten?

 

A newborn kitten needs two injections which are usually spaced three to four weeks apart, normally at nine and 12 weeks. Some kittens require a third injection at 15 weeks.

Once they’ve had their final injection, they will be fully protected after three to four weeks. This first set of vaccinations provide protection for one year, and they’ll need boosters after this. 

If your kitten hasn’t had any vaccinations or is waiting for their next set, keep them safe by:

• Keeping them inside
• Stopping them socialising with other cats
• Washing your hands after being outside or handling other cats

 

How do I protect my cat and how can Asda Money help?

 

Cat insurance can offer financial protection and peace of mind in the event of unexpected vet bills. Explore Cat and Kitten Insurance at Asda Money and protect your pet today. Choose the right insurance for your feline friend by comparing our different cover types without the confusing insurance jargon. 

 

Sources:

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/cats/health/vaccinations