Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) vaccinations
22 May 2018
We have recently heard that not all vets automatically vaccinate against Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) when administering the annual booster for cats. Cats Protection, as a member of The Cat Group, recommends vaccines for the following feline diseases: Feline infectious enteritis (FIE), Cat 'flu, and Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV).
This problem arises because some manufacturers produce the FeLV vaccine as a separate vaccine, which is ideally given to the cat at the same time as the other two vaccines. Other manufacturers produce a combined vaccine, so only one injection is needed. We would recommend that you check with your vet, and make it clear that you DO want the leukaemia vaccine included.
All the Cats Protection cats that we home have been vaccinated against FeLV; however if that vaccine is not included at the next annual booster, it takes a two vaccination treatment, three weeks apart, to ensure your cat is covered again.
A kitten should be vaccinated around nine weeks of age, with the important second dose being given at 12 weeks. A booster vaccination one year on is important to enhance the initial level of immunity. Regular boosters throughout a cat's life will help maintain a good level of protection against cat 'flu, feline parvovirus and feline leukaemia. You can read more about these feline diseases and vaccinations here.