Are Feline Leukemia-HIV shots dangerous for cats?
Filed under Feline Leukemia Q&A
I have had 5 cats vaccinated with these shots and 4 cats have gotten cancer with 3 dying from cancer. I get the feeling that i am spending a lot of money to harm my cats? Is it safer to skip these shots.
After doing some very heavy reading on these shots several years back, I will not allow my cats to receive them. However my cat’s are strictly indoor kitties.
I think if you have cat’s that go outdoors, the advantages outweight the disadvantages however. It’s just one’s own preference.
Sorry for your losses.
Yeah having these shots do cause cancer in your cats and dogs my dad has stopped getting his dogs vacanated now and i will only get my cats done if they ever have to go into a cattery. Apparently there only ment to be done every five years.
First of all, it’s FIV not HIV. The AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) recommend *not* giving these as a combined shot but at different locations. Neither FeLV nor FIV is a ‘core’ vaccination – meaning they should only be given if the cat has a defined exposure risk. In brief, don’t do them if your cats don’t need them.
That said, while cancer is one of the reasons not to over-vaccinate, 4 out of 5 would be a high rate even in a worst case scenario. I’d look for a possible genetic factor (for example, if the cats are related) or an environmental contaminant – for example, if there’s a heavy smoker in the house. Or it could just be bad luck.
Yes vaccinations can shorten your animals life. Because my animals are allowed in at night etc and don’t have cold baths etc i have not had them vaccinated for years. ALSO THEY HAVE VERY HEALTHY meals. With brown rice, veges and lean meat etc.