Guide · Cats
Cat and kitten vaccination schedule
Kittens have a two-dose primary course, then move onto boosters. Which vaccines your cat needs depends a lot on whether they go outdoors and whether they live with other cats.
Last reviewed: 27 August 2026
In short
UK kittens usually have their first vaccination at 8–9 weeks and a second at 11–12 weeks, then normally go outdoors 1–2 weeks later. The first booster follows at around 12 months. Indoor cats are generally still vaccinated. Your vet sets the exact schedule.
Typical kitten timeline
| Age | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| 8–9 weeks | First vaccination |
| 11–12 weeks | Second vaccination, completing the primary course |
| 1–2 weeks later | Protection has developed; vets usually clear outdoor access |
| Around 12 months | First booster |
Core and non-core cat vaccines
- Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus (cat flu) — common, unpleasant and often lifelong once caught.
- Feline panleukopenia (infectious enteritis) — a severe and often fatal gut infection.
- Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) — recommended for outdoor cats and multi-cat households.
- Rabies — only required for travel outside the UK.
Multi-cat households
With more than one cat the admin multiplies fast: different ages, different due dates, different vaccines. Keeping one record per cat — with each vaccination card photographed and each due date set as a reminder — is the difference between a calm annual visit and a scramble the day before a cattery booking.
Free printable vaccination record card
Prefer pen and paper? Print this record card and keep it with your puppy's paperwork. Take it to every appointment so the dates, batch stickers and next-due dates are always in one place — even if the practice's card goes missing.
Cat vaccination record
Printable vaccination record · pawfile.dev
Pet name
Date of birth
Breed
Microchip no.
| Vaccine / treatment | Due around | Date given | Next due | Vet initials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First vaccination | 8–9 weeks | |||
| Second vaccination | 11–12 weeks | |||
| Feline leukaemia (FeLV) | If outdoor / multi-cat | |||
| Rabies (travel) | From 12 weeks | |||
| First booster | Around 12 months | |||
| Annual booster | Yearly |
This card is a personal record only — it is not an official vaccination certificate. Your vet's signed record is the document catteries, insurers and border authorities accept. General guidance for UK cats; your vet's schedule takes precedence.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. Vaccination protocols vary by country, brand of vaccine and your pet's individual risk. Always follow the schedule your own vet recommends. Pawfile is an admin tool for keeping those records and reminders organised — it does not diagnose or treat.
Common questions
- Do indoor cats need vaccinations?
- Most vets still recommend core vaccinations for indoor cats, because viruses can be carried in on clothing and shoes and because escapes, boarding stays and vet visits all bring contact with other cats. Your vet may skip some non-core vaccines for a strictly indoor cat.
- When can a kitten go outside after vaccination?
- Usually one to two weeks after the second vaccination, and many vets also advise waiting until after neutering. Confirm the timing with your own practice.
- What is the FeLV vaccine and does my cat need it?
- It protects against feline leukaemia virus, which spreads between cats through close contact. It is generally recommended for cats that go outdoors or live with other cats, and is often considered optional for strictly indoor single cats.
- How often do adult cats need boosters?
- Cat flu components are commonly boosted annually, while some other components may be given less often. Your vet sets the interval based on the vaccine brand and your cat's lifestyle.
Never miss a booster again
Store your pet's vaccination card, set renewal reminders and keep every vet document in one place. Free for your first pet.