Hi there

My kittens are due their first vaccination this coming Monday, and I'm debating whether or not to have the leukaemia done. i know the risks involved which is why I'm umming and ahing about it. I'd be really interested in your opinions. Do you have your cats done or not and why?

OK, this is purely my opinion based on my own experience and all breeders will have had a bad experience with one vaccine or another. I don't include the leuk if it's a case of the vet mixing it with another vaccine. I'm perfectly happy to include it if the vet uses an all inclusive, all killed vaccine like Pentofel. FeLV is always a killed vaccine so if the vet is mixing it with a modified live vaccine - something like Tricat then it's a big NO from me. The only bad vaccine reaction I've had is when allowing the vet to use both live and killed at the same time so I avoid doing it.

That's really interesting, I wonder if that's why there is such divided opinion on this. I debated last litter too, my vet was quite persuasive and I did have the Leukemia done, probably alongside a live vaccine, but I had been warned off it by another breeder who wouldn't specify why, but who did say never allow Vets to use an American sounding brand on my cats. It's a minefield, I wish someone could collate the bad experiences to see if there is a link between mixing live and killed vaccine for example.

Perhaps those who have had a problem could detail it here?

I don't think you'll find a vaccine that no breeder has had a problem with.
My (completely non-scientific) theory is that killed vaccines contain an adjuvant to stimulate the system. Modified live vaccines don't need to because the system reacts perfectly well to them on it's own. By mixing the two you are including an unnecessary stimulant to the live component so it's either all live or all killed for me now.

There is a perfectly good system for vets to report adverse reactions to all drugs and vaccines but they are loath to do so and I've never known one prepared to admit that a vaccine caused a problem.

Pentofel is a Fort Dodge brand and I've never had a problem with it. Like I said, you'll not find one that all breeders are happy with and we each avoid any which have caused us problems.

The only time I have had a problem with a vaccine, it was due to the adjuvant and not the vaccine for leukaemia itself. It was a long time ago and I think the adjuvant used was aluminum, which many cats were allergic to.

My cats are indoor cats and I was told because they are indoor, it was unlikely they would get leukaemia because they would have to have some kind of physical contact with an infected cat e.g. sex or fighting. However, whilst I take the utmost care to ensure my cats stay indoors or in the cat run only, I can never say with absolute 100% certainly that they could not, one day, escape and I don't believe anyone else can either for that matter, so IMHO all cats should be vaccinated against leukaemia for their own safety.

My cats are also vaccinated with Pentofel and I have never once had a problem with this product.

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The adjuvant in killed vaccines used to be thought the cause of sarcomas. This isn't necessarily something a breeder would be able to keep accurate records for as it doesn't happen quickly and not all buyers keep in contact for long enough to report back.

I think it's Dr Susan Little who summed up transmission of the two great nasties. FeLV is a disease of affection and FIV a disease of aggression. FIV is transmitted by bites between fighting cats (those blasted roaming toms) whereas FeLV can be transmitted by affectionate close contact and mutual grooming.

I don't vaccinate as i also don't mix live and killed and tricat is live.

I've heard good things about Pentofel but vets in my area don't offer it.

My cats are indoor and i don't feel there is a threat posed to warrant the vaccination.

A friend of mine does give Tricat and FeLV and hasn't had problems.

One of my girls has had both but i won't be having the FeLV booster done when it's time.

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Ali.

A life without animals isn't worth living.



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