Why Cat Vaccinations Matter – For Every Cat, Every Lifestyle

At SimplyCats, we’re passionate about helping your feline friends live long, happy, and healthy lives. One of the most important ways we can do that is through vaccination—a simple, safe, and essential part of your cat’s preventative care.

Whether your cat is a window-watcher or an outdoor explorer, vaccines protect against dangerous diseases that still exist in the UK and beyond.

What Are Vaccines and Why Do They Matter?

Vaccines prepare your cat’s immune system to fight off specific infections before they can cause harm. They don’t just prevent illness—they can save lives.

Some diseases, like feline panleukopenia, can survive in the environment for long periods, and others, like cat flu (herpesvirus and calicivirus), can spread through the air or on your clothes. That means even indoor cats need protection.

For Indoor Cats: The Core Trio (RCP)

Even if your cat never goes outside, they still need protection from:

• R – Feline Rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus)

• C – Calicivirus

• P – Panleukopenia virus (feline parvovirus)

These are considered core vaccines, and they're essential for all cats—indoor, outdoor, young, or old.

We usually begin vaccinations from 8–9 weeks of age, with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks, a follow-up at 1 year, and then every 1–3 years, depending on your cat’s needs. Once the initial kitten vaccines and first annual booster are out of the way, the vet may advise that RCP can be reduced to every 3 years, and RC used in its place. This does depend on each individual cat/scenario though!

For Outdoor Cats: Additional Protection with FeLV

If your cat ventures outside or lives with cats who do, they’re at risk of Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV). This contagious virus weakens the immune system and can cause cancer. It's often spread through grooming or sharing bowls with infected cats.

At SimplyCats, we strongly recommend FeLV vaccination for all outdoor cats and kittens with unknown histories.

Why We Use Purevax Vaccines

We choose Purevax, a non-adjuvanted vaccine that reduces the risk of injection site reactions, especially important in cats, who can be sensitive to certain ingredients. It’s just one more way we’re putting your cat’s safety first.

Tailored Vaccination Plans, Guided by ISFM

We follow best practices set by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), which means we tailor each cat’s vaccination schedule to their lifestyle, age, and health status. You’ll never find a one-size-fits-all approach here—just thoughtful, cat-centred care.

A Quick Word on Safety

Most cats tolerate vaccines very well, and side effects—like a little sleepiness or tenderness at the injection site—are usually mild and short-lived. But if you ever notice persistent swelling or anything unusual, we’re just a phone call away.

The Takeaway

Your Cat’s Life	Vaccines Needed
Indoor only	RCP (Core)
Outdoor access or multi-cat household	RCP + FeLV

Vaccinations are a small step with a big impact—protecting your cat from serious diseases and helping you enjoy more years together.

Need to check your cat’s vaccination status? Give us a ring or pop in for a chat. We’ll be happy to help create a personalised vaccine plan for your furry companion.