Feline Leukemia Question...

I know there are a ton of feline leukemia threads on this site, and the last thing I wish to do is flood you with another one. However, I think my situation is a little different. I have two cats...one that we adopted when he was only a month old, and another we adopted when she was (we think) less than a month old. Our female cat LOVES to be outside...we spent two years of buying cat toys, listening to her constant bickering at the door (very strange meows and moans), and trying to figure out ways to keep her enclosed in our backyard before we finally relented and let her outside. She does a great job of staying out of the street, away from cars, and staying in our yard or straying every once in a while to our neighbor's yard (who adores her, by the way). We keep a constant eye on her. Our male cat, on the other hand, just likes to go out in the front yard for an hour or so every day, then he wants back inside...so no real worries there.

Now...to the real question...we have outdoor cats on both sides of us...both houses are about a block away from our house. Our cats and their cats hardly ever, IF EVER, cross paths, but I know it is certainly possible. I doubt these cats have been vaccinated for feline leukemia (although I can't be sure), but I know they are spayed/neutered so less likely to roam. My question is, Should I vaccinate my cats for feline leukemia? How common is the virus? Do cats really build a natural immunity to it as they age? The reason I ask is I am very concerned about the sarcoma side effects reported with this vaccination. My wife and I are trying to decide whether our cats should have this vaccination and if it is worth it. Please weigh in...I'd like to hear all opinions and concerns so we can consider our options. Also, don't be afraid to let me know how mad you are that I let my cats outside...I know it's a sensitive subject! Thank you.

I wouldn't take a risk with this one. I absolutely recommend vaccinating for FeLeuk. I also recommend re-combo testing them before doing so as there is a chance they may have already been exposed.

Ideally you would keep both indoors only until 2 weeks after they receive the second booster. They will have full immunity at this point. Letting them outside before this still puts them at risk of contracting the virus.

If it were me, I'd definitely get them vaccinated, but, as CatPack indicated, I would have them tested first, as they could already have it.  Not probable, but possible.  

I would discuss with the Vet about giving the shot in their tails, which I believe is the newest protocol, just in case of later issues (sarcomas) And discuss how long it should take for them to become fully immunized so they can go outside again.