There are many vaccinations available for cats but not all cats need all the vaccinations every year. Nowadays, vaccines are classed as either "core" or "non-core". In general, "core" vaccines are considered those that should be given routinely to most cats because of the highly infectious, widespread distribution and potential severity of the disease. "Non-core" vaccines are considered those for diseases against which, not every animal needs to be protected. The decision to use a "non-core" vaccine should be based on assessment of individual lifestyle and risk.

Lifestyle influencers are key to the risks of infectious disease and useful questions to consider include:

• What is the age and background of your cat? 
• Where and how does he/she live? 
• Are there any other pets in the home? 
• Does your cat live in an urban or rural area? 
• Will your cat stay in a boarding cattery or attend cat shows? 
• Does your cat live in a multicat household? 
• Is your a 'stay at home' cat or a gregarious, outdoor social type? 

These questions may have a direct relevance to determining the appropriate vaccination programme for your cat.

Almost regardless of the individual lifestyle of a cat, UK vets recommend vaccination against herpesvirus, calicivirus and panleucopenia - these are generally seen as "core" vaccines. The vast majority of UK cats spend some time outside and are therefore at risk of catching feline leukaemia. As a result, many UK experts regard leukaemia (FeLV) vaccination as "core", and it is certainly recommended. However, there are a number of cats that never go outdoors and so can never encounter other cats that carry the leukaemia virus. If your cat is an indoor cat discuss the vaccination issue with you vet.