Why is vaccination important

Vaccination is vital in protecting your pet from key infectious diseases that cause pain, distress and can be life-threatening. 

Annual preventative healthcare and vaccination appointments provide an opportunity for regular health checks for your pet and an understanding of their needs.

Vaccinations for cats and dogs usually consist of a primary course of two or three vaccinations to stimulate an immune response, followed by annual boosters to maintain immunity as the initial immune response gradually fades over time.

Vaccinations for cats

Cats can generally be vaccinated from eight or nine weeks of age, with a second vaccination given three to four weeks later. 

Core cat vaccinations include feline herpesvirus, calicivirus and feline panleukopaenia virus – sometimes referred to as parvovirus – which causes feline infectious enteritis. We also recommend vaccinating most cats against the feline leukaemia virus, which suppresses the immune system and is potentially fatal.

Adult cats should receive annual booster vaccinations to maintain immunity – particularly if they are going to be spending time in catteries or going outside.

It is important to keep your cat’s vaccinations up to date, as overdue booster injections allow for a decrease in immunity and may mean that your cat needs to restart their primary vaccination course to be adequately protected.