There are an estimated 12 million1 cats in the UK. This number has been increasing in recent years, likely due to more people appreciating cats as pets. While the exact number of cats is difficult to determine, it is clear that they make up a significant portion of the pet population in the UK. Keeping your cat healthy and comfortable is probably one of your top priorities if you are one of the millions of cat owners in the UK.
The good news is that you can easily prevent a variety of diseases by keeping your cat’s vaccination records up to date. Vaccinations are essential for cats and kittens because they help to protect against deadly diseases. Vaccines help to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and can also help to reduce the severity of these illnesses. As a crucial part of preventative health care for cats and kittens, vaccines should be given as directed by your veterinarian.
The cost will depend on the country and the veterinarian you go to, but for giving a general overview, kittens are around £30-£122 and for cats £48-£55. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the cost of vaccinations for cats and kittens in the UK.
The Importance of Cat & Kitten Vaccinations
The necessity of cat and kitten vaccinations cannot be understated. Vaccinations help protect your feline friend from a number of potentially deadly diseases, including rabies, feline leukemia, and feline infectious peritonitis. In addition, vaccinations can help reduce the spread of disease from your cat to other animals—and even to other people.
Vaccinations help keep the cat population healthy overall by reducing the spread of disease and they can save you money in the long run by preventing expensive veterinary bills.
How Much Does Cat & Kitten Vaccination Cost?
It is a significant financial commitment to get a new pet, from food to toys to healthcare. The cost of cat and kitten vaccination in the UK can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of vaccine used, the age and weight of the cat, and the number of doses required. In general, however, the cost of cat and kitten vaccination is relatively affordable and should not deter pet owners from vaccinating their animals. Vaccinating a dog or cat doesn’t come with a standard cost. Depending on where you live, how much you’ll have to pay will vary from clinic to clinic.
Many Pets examined prices for kitten vaccination packages, as well as annual boosters for cats at 165 veterinary clinics across England, Scotland, and Wales. Let’s take a deeper look at these results.
Vaccinating Your Kitten: What is in the Primary Series?
The preferred primary vaccination schedule in the UK involves two sets of injections, with the first given at 9 weeks and the second administered at 12 weeks of age. Your kitten’s core vaccines protect them against severe diseases such as feline parvovirus (FPV), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline herpesvirus (FHV). Cats’ lifestyles and local environments determine whether FeLV (feline leukemia) vaccines are necessary and that is why it is not a part of the usual primary vaccination series. It is recommended that outdoor cats be vaccinated against leukemia.
Kitten Vaccination Costs Around Britain (With FeLV Included)
Primary vaccination courses for British kittens cost an average of £73 (which includes both sets of shots and the FeLV vaccination). Within Britain, Scotland ranks as the country where vaccinations for kittens cost the most, at an average of £82 to complete the primary course plus FeLV vaccination.
| Country | Cheapest | Average | Highest |
| Great Britain | £44 | £73 | £122 |
| England | £44 | £72 | £122 |
| Scotland | £50 | £82 | £100 |
| Wales | £59 | £80 | £102 |
Kitten Vaccination Costs in Britain (With/Without FeLV Included)
Many Pets found that the vast majority of British veterinary clinics offer feline leukemia vaccinations as part of their primary vaccination package, even though it isn’t a traditional core vaccine. In spite of the higher cost of a FeLV-inclusive vaccine, if your vet believes your kitten needs it, you should pay the difference for the peace of mind and the health of your cat.
| Type of Vaccine | Cheapest | Average | Highest |
| FeLV Included | £44 | £73 | £122 |
| FeLV Not Included | £30 | £58 | £88 |
Kitten Vaccination Costs in Britain (Rabies)
In order to visit an EU country or Northern Ireland, you must ensure that your cat is up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations. This is a legal requirement in order to help protect against the spread of this potentially deadly disease, so be sure to speak with your veterinarian about the best option for your pet.
To ensure the rabies vaccine is traceable and linked to your cat, get your pet microchipped before vaccination. It is possible to get a “pet passport” package from some vet practices for £125, which includes the rabies vaccine and microchip. These figures come from a Nimble Fins survey of 24 veterinary clinics across the UK.
| Country | Cheapest | Average | Highest |
| United Kingdom | £46 | £78 | £63.20 |
Vaccinating Your Cat: What Are Boosters?
A booster is a vaccine given at a higher dose or more frequently than the primary vaccination to produce immunity in cats with inadequate or waning immunity. The purpose of boosters is to ensure that a cat remains completely protected against a disease, year after year. If you stop boosting your cat, their immunity will eventually decrease and they will be at risk of contracting diseases. You will usually have to pay the cost of the primary course if your cat missed their boosters.
There will be a range in prices between clinics, so make sure to check with your local veterinarian before selecting one.
Cat Vaccination Costs Around Britain (With FeLV Included)
In Great Britain, the average cost of a cat booster including FeLV was £49.55, according to Many Pets. Price variability in England was high, with the highest prices charged in the south of England, and the lowest in the Midlands.
| Country | Average |
| Great Britain | £48–£55 |
| Scotland | £49–£53 |
| Wales | £49–£53 |
How Often Should I Vaccinate My Cat or Kitten?
In general, kittens should be vaccinated at 9 and 12 weeks of age, and then annually thereafter. Some vaccines may be given more or less frequently, depending on the disease being prevented and the cat’s individual risk factors.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Vaccinations for Cats & Kittens?
Pet insurance generally does not cover vaccinations for cats and kittens. This is because vaccinations are considered to be preventative care, and most pet insurance policies do not cover preventative care. Some pet insurance policies may offer coverage for vaccinations if they are considered to be medically necessary, but this is typically rare. When considering pet insurance for your cat or kitten, it is important to check with the specific policy to see what types of coverage it offers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the average cost of cat and kitten vaccinations in the UK can be quite expensive and is not covered by insurance. Keeping your cat safe from common communicable diseases isn’t cheap, with the average cost of kitten vaccinations with feline leukemia at £73 and an annual booster for your cat costing an average of £48.55.
From cat to cat, the total cost of vaccination varies depending on the pet, the vet, the area, and the type of vaccine used. However, our general guide should help you budget for your cat’s vaccination costs. We advise you to do your research and compare prices, so you can find the best deal for your pet.
- Related Read: How Much Does It Cost to Own a Cat in the UK?
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
