My vet has advised me that since my 2 12 week old kittens (tested and confirmed FeLV negative) will stay indoors and not contact other cats (I live in a high rise and even if they get out the door they only get into a hallway) that it is not advisable to vaccinate them for FeLV. Her reason is both that it is a waste of money and that the risk of side effects is greater than the almost non existant risk of contact. How are other people with totally indoor cats handling this? Also, she advised that testing/vaccinating for FIV is also not worth it because of the cost and because the test results are so unreliable for cats before they are 8+ months old. Do you agree?
2006-12-07 13:51:17 · 5 answers · asked by JDH 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes, I do. You can go to www.littlebigcat.com and read Dr. Jean Hovfe's article titled "Vaccinations". It is at the end of about sixty articles she has there on cat health, diet, behavior etc. She also has updates on vaccinations in her newletter archives.
Many homeopathic veterinarians feel that our companion animals are over vaccinated, severely impacting their lifetime health. The leukemia vaccine in particular has been implicated in causing the disease.
So I think your vet is right on and I would follow her advice.
2006-12-07 14:04:29 · answer #1 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree with your vet. We only recommend the "core" vaccines for indoor cats which includes Distemper & Rabies vaccines. If they are not going to go outside, and won't have contact with any cats that do, the feline leukemia vaccine isn't necessary.
As far as the FeLV/FIV testing, she was also correct. The Feline Leukemia check should be done. But, if the kitten's mother was exposed to FIV, the antibodies would be passed on to the kittens. By 6 months they kittens can be tested for FIV, but it doesn't make sense to test them prior to.
2006-12-07 14:24:46 · answer #2 · answered by lesrvt 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your Vets advise sounds right. If your cats never come into contact with any other cats, they should do fine.
I got shots for my two kitties, because we live in a large house and they will get out at some point. Even though they are totally indoor cats, they may slip out ...cause they are so darn curious.
In which case, they would have access to who knows what.
2006-12-07 13:58:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
my personal opinion would be to wait untill your cat is atleast 6 months old before giving the vaccine,it is hard on some kitties and even fatal-if you can guarentee that your cat will never be outdoors or in contact w/another cat then dont waste your money.i have a 6 yr old male always been indoors but 7 months ago he snuck outdoors and fought w/another cat-now he has feline lukiema-i never gave him the vaccine-wish i had now-it is your choice but either way wait untill yr kitty is atleast 6 months old if u decide to.
2006-12-07 14:02:03 · answer #4 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with your vet. My cat has no interest in the outside, does not come into contact with any other animals and she has not been vaccinated. She is a very healthy, perfect cat =)
2006-12-07 14:17:52 · answer #5 · answered by Sarah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋