Kitten Vaccination Schedule in the UAE: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Vaccination is the single most impactful health decision you will make for your kitten. The diseases covered by core vaccines — feline panleukopenia (cat flu equivalent), feline herpesvirus, and calicivirus — are serious, sometimes fatal, and largely preventable. In the UAE, where indoor cats can still be exposed to viruses through contaminated environments, vaccinated visitors, or new animals, keeping vaccinations current is not optional.

Emirates Kitten Haven kittens leave with their first vaccination complete. Your responsibility as a new owner is to maintain the schedule recommended by your UAE veterinarian.

The primary course consists of two injections, typically given four weeks apart. Most kittens receive their first vaccine between six and nine weeks of age, with the second following at ten to thirteen weeks. A booster is then given at twelve months.

In the UAE, the FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) combination vaccine forms the core of any vaccination programme. This is the vaccine your kitten will have received from us before leaving.

Rabies vaccination is required in the UAE for all cats, even those kept strictly indoors. This is both a legal requirement and a genuine health safeguard. The rabies vaccine is typically given from twelve weeks of age and requires an annual booster.

If you intend to travel internationally with your cat — or relocate from the UAE — rabies titre testing may be required. Your UAE veterinarian can advise on the specific requirements for your destination country.

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) vaccination is recommended for cats with any outdoor access or potential exposure to unknown cats. For strictly indoor UAE cats, your veterinarian will assess the risk and advise accordingly.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) vaccines exist in some markets. Discuss with your UAE veterinarian whether these are available and appropriate for your kitten's circumstances.

Annual boosters are essential. Many owners allow vaccine schedules to lapse as their cat settles into healthy indoor life — but immunity does wane over time, and a lapsed vaccination can leave an otherwise healthy cat vulnerable.

Register with a reputable UAE veterinary practice from day one, maintain your kitten's vaccination card, and set annual reminders for booster appointments. Your kitten's health record, including the vaccine history we provide at handover, should be stored safely and presented at each veterinary visit.