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.
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.