Cat Leukemia?

Question

I have a 8 month girl cat. She does not go exploring outside, like in the grass. She goes on a covered porch. There is a shot that you can can give her so she does not get it, or something like that. I am wondering if the shot is worth it, if she needs it i will get it no problem, but the next time she goes is in Feb. when she gets the other shots. Will she get from another cat? Thanks

The vet DID say there was a such thing so don't say there is none

Answer 1

Yes its very worth it, we had a cat that got Leukemia, he disappeared for how many months than came home all skinny. We thought he had been poisoned but the vet said it was leukemia, he had to be fed some paste thing because he couldn't eat, he also became paralyzed and then died. It was very sad especially since he was everyones favorite.

Answer 2

Feline leukemia is transmitted through contact with other cats (primarily nose to nose, or anything that causes contact with saliva of an infected animals). Both of my cats were tested for this disease before I got them, and were negative. As long as they don't have contact with any positive cats, they won't get it. Since they never go outside, I dont vaccinate them. It is truly a personal decision. A test for Feline Leukemia (usually combined with a test for Feline Immunodeficiency virus) is about $28. If you ever get another cat, it is definitely worth it to get them tested.
As far as vaccination, unless you have screens on your porch with a lot of neighborhood cats coming around you may not need it. There is also a risk of vaccine associated fibrosarcoma (cancer of soft tissues such as muscle, fat, tendon, etc). It's rare, but the American Veterinary Medical Association has recognized it as a problem and has a task force currently working on it. They are recommending conservitive vaccination.
If you are in doubt, call your veterinarian! He or she will be happy to answer questions about it, that's what we're around for. Your local vet will know what the prevalence is in your area, and know your cat. If you do get the vaccine, you will have to get the test anyway because it is a very bad idea to vaccinate a cat with an unknown disease history. Also, the vaccine is not 100% effective, so there is still a risk. Best way to avoid it is to keep your cat away from other kitties and supervise "outdoor" activity as best you can.

Answer 3

While its not as likely she will get it, it is still very possible. What if another cat gets into your yard while shes out? Or if you come into contact with an infected cat and bring it home to her. Its always better to be safe than sorry. The cost of the vaccine is much cheaper than the cost of treating the many illnesses a FeLV positive cat gets, and there is no cure for the virus itself.

Answer 4

If you're asking whether she'll get it from another cat, I highly doubt it. It's not like an STD or anything. I have never heard of a shot for leukemia. If there is, it can probably help, but talk to your vet. Ask about getting her spayed.

Answer 5

I would say yes--we had a cat that died of feline leukemia. My mom wouldn't get another cat because it apparently can be contagious; she got rid of all the cat paraphanalia--littler box, dishes, etc--because she was told another cat could get exposed to it from them.
As for timing, I would consult your own vet--(s)he's the one who knows you & your kitten best. But any preventative is probably a good idea. Hard to watch your pet die in front of you, esp if you could have prevented it (experience talking here).

Answer 6

You might want to get her a shot so she can't get it from some other cat hissing at her through the porch screen. I would say better safe than sorry.

Answer 7

if the vet tells you that your cat is at high risk of having leukemia they may very well suggest that you get the shot.
I found some other information that you might find worth reading:
http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/FeLV/

Answer 8

We use to get them for our cats because they went outside.
Now we have 4 indoor cats and we did not get the shot.
We were told that they probably don't need it as long as they stayed inside. So far, so good.

Answer 9

It is a good preventive measure against an incurable disease that will kill your cat someday if she does get it. It is worth the little extra money to make sure that your cat will stay healthy.

Answer 10

PLease PLease do get the shot for your cat. I had a cat that I loved so much many years ago when they did not have the shots. Sh e got feline leukemia, we treated her as good as medicine could but it was a slow painful process and we had to put her to sleep. So yes please do your cat will love u for it