Whether you prefer moggies or pure breeds, cats provide delight to their owners and are extremely popular pets in the United Kingdom.
According to Cats Protection, there are around 10.2 million pet cats in the United Kingdom. To put it another way, there’s around one cat for every nearly six people.
A cat’s well-being is a top priority for its loving owners. Aside from being fed, watered, and generally properly cared for on a daily basis, the best method to protect your cat against a variety of feline ailments is to keep up with its vaccinations.
Here’s everything you need to know about cat vaccinations, including which ones it requires and how much they’ll cost you.
Which vaccinations should your cat receive?
If you live in the United Kingdom, your cat should be vaccinated against the following diseases:
Cat flu (feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus) — this can be dangerous for kittens, even fatal, but is usually not a problem for healthy adult cats. Sneezing, a runny/snotty nose, painful/weeping eyes, fever, poor energy, coughing, and a sore throat are all symptoms that are identical to human colds and flu.
Feline infectious enteritis is also known as feline panleukopenia and FPV (feline parovirus). This disease affects a cat’s stomach and immunological system, as well as its heart. Kittens, rather than healthy adult cats, are more likely to experience more significant symptoms. Kittens delivered to a pregnant cat with the disease are at risk of developing brain damage.
Other non-essential immunizations for cats include:
Chlamydophila felis is a bacteria that produces cat flu-like symptoms as well as ocular infections. Cats usually only receive this immunization if they have previously been diagnosed with the disease.
Rabies is a deadly virus that is no longer a threat in the United Kingdom as it once was. Will only be required if you plan on moving your pet abroad or if you are adopting a cat from another country.
More information on the immunizations that your cat is likely to require can be obtained from a veterinarian.
Is it necessary to vaccinate cats on a regular basis?
Kittens require two series of vaccines at the start of their lives. The first one should be given when they are nine weeks old, with a booster three months later. At 15 weeks, some kittens may require a third immunization.
Three to four weeks following the last shot from its initial course of vaccinations, a kitten will be totally protected. Owners are urged to keep their cats indoors until then, as well as away from other cats who are not in the immediate home.
After the initial course of vaccines, cats are normally recommended to have booster shots once a year.
What does it cost to vaccinate a cat?
If your cat is kept indoors all of the time, it will likely require fewer immunizations and thus be less of a financial strain than a cat who is permitted to roam.
Vaccination prices are determined by the vaccines your cat requires as well as the fees charged by your veterinarian to administer them. The cost varies from one practice to the next. To avoid any surprises, it’s worth checking online or calling to find out when arranging an appointment.
According to PetPlan, the cost of a kitten’s first two rounds of injections is typically around £65. The cost of annual cat boosters should be roughly £45.
Given the periodic nature of vaccines, if you reside in an area with a variety of veterinary practices, the cost of vaccinations may be one of the factors influencing your choice of care provider. Other factors to consider are vet referrals from other cat owners, the quality of facilities at different practices, opening hours, and personnel.
Some veterinarian facilities offer pet owners the option of signing up for a care plan. This allows owners to stretch the cost of vaccinations, flea and worming treatments, and health tests over a longer period of time. Some animal charities, such as the Blue Cross and the RSPCA, may be able to help with vet fees if you qualify for financial assistance.
Vaccinations and pet insurance are two things that you should consider.
Cat vaccines are typically not covered by pet insurance, but it does provide financial protection in the event that your cat becomes ill or suffers an injury. The following items are covered by comprehensive cat insurance:
Veterinary bills for new diseases, illnesses, and injuries
The cost of your pet’s purchase if it died as a result of an accident (usually conditional on an age limit)
Fees charged by a cattery when an owner is abruptly admitted to the hospital.
It’s critical to read the policy’s terms and conditions thoroughly before purchasing pet insurance to ensure that you understand what is and isn’t covered. Using an online comparison service to shop around will help you find the best insurance for your cat at the most affordable price.