Dr. Wooten, thank you for the clarification between FeLV and FIV. It is easy to mix those up. Separation for Nice and possible mingling for Mean!
The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
Original Message:
Sent: 03-07-2025 01:47 PM
From: Rachael Wooten
Subject: Caring for Cats: A Shelter Vet's Guide to Common Infectious Diseases in Cats: March 2025 in Maddie's Monthly Foster Connection
Question from Julielani: Because shelter cats are not being screened for FeLV, Did you say even with co-housing the rate of transmission is low but mixing in multi cat household is not recommended. Did I get this right? Thanks
Dr. Wooten: Sorry if I was unclear! Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is primarily transmitted through saliva and close contact among cats. I consider it the "nice cat disease" as it can be transmitted through grooming or sharing water/food dishes. In shelter environments, it's recommended that FeLV-positive cats be housed separately or only with other FeLV-positive cats to prevent transmission.
I mentioned that FIV+ cats have low rate of transmission and some can be housed in multi cat environments as long as they are nice! As I consider FIV to be the "mean cat disease" since FIV is primarily transmitted through deep bite wounds, not casual contact, so the risk of transmission in a shelter environment-especially with well-managed group housing-is relatively low. Co-housing FIV-positive and FIV-negative cats in shelters is generally considered acceptable as long as there is no fighting.
Question from Heather: Do you recommend the FELV vaccine in foster homes for resident cats?
Dr Wooten: The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends FeLV vaccination for all cats housed in groups. So, if you know you could be potentially exposing your cat to fosters of unknown FeLV status it would be a good idea to get your cat vaccinated. However, it's important to note that while the vaccine reduces the risk of infection, it doesn't provide absolute protection. Therefore, maintaining separate living spaces for resident cats and new foster cats is still recommended to minimize potential transmission.
Question from Karla: For FVCRP vaccines, we normally give at 4 weeks. But I'm seeing that kittens will receive them as young as 3 weeks. And some folk are saying you can do it at 2 weeks. What is the best practice for kittens in a rescue/foster program?
Dr. Wooten:
General Recommendation: Kittens should receive their first FVRCP vaccination starting at 4 to 6 weeks of age, followed by revaccination every 2 to 4 weeks until they reach 18 to 20 weeks of age
High-Risk Environments: In situations with a high risk of infectious diseases, such as certain shelter settings, starting vaccinations at the earlier end of the recommended age range (4w) and using shorter intervals (q2w) between doses may be beneficial
Bottle-Fed Kittens: Kittens who have been bottle-fed from a young age should receive their first FVRCP vaccination between 5 to 6 weeks of age if they are otherwise healthy.
Administering the FVRCP vaccine to kittens younger than 4 weeks is generally not recommended due to their immature immune systems. It's essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate vaccination schedule based on the specific needs and health status of the kittens in your care.
For comprehensive guidelines, you may refer to the AAFP Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel Report and resources provided by shelter medicine programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Florida, and University of California-Davis.
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Rachael Wooten
Medical Director
One Tail at a Time Ellis Clinic
IL
Original Message:
Sent: 03-06-2025 01:12 PM
From: Kelly Duer
Subject: Caring for Cats: A Shelter Vet's Guide to Common Infectious Diseases in Cats: March 2025 in Maddie's Monthly Foster Connection
Guide for using Rescue disinfectants in foster homes: https://forum.maddiesfund.org/viewdocument/disinfection-protocols-for-foster-c?CommunityKey=afce7f7a-fd5a-431e-9f2a-aaedc46a03d6&tab=librarydocuments
Question from Julielani: Because shelter cats are not being screene for FeLV, Did you say even with co-housing the rate of transmission is low but mixing in multi cat household is not recommended. Did I get this right? Thanks
Question from Heather: Do you recommend the FELV vaccine in foster homes for resident cats?
Question from Karla: For FVCRP vaccines, we normally give at 4 weeks. But I'm seeing that kittens will receive them as young as 3 weeks. And some folk are saying you can do it at 2 weeks. What is the best practice for kittens in a rescue/foster program?
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Kelly Duer
Senior Shelter Solutions Specialist
Maddie's Fund
Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2025 09:37 AM
From: Kelly Duer
Subject: Caring for Cats: A Shelter Vet's Guide to Common Infectious Diseases in Cats: March 2025 in Maddie's Monthly Foster Connection
On Thursday, March 6, 2025, join Maddie's® Monthly Foster Connection at 12pm PT/3pm ET. Dr. Rachael Wooten, Medical Director at One Tail at a Time, will be discussing the essentials of common infectious diseases in cats.
Register for the session so that you can receive notifications about upcoming webcasts and participate in discussions after the webcast.
Webcast Description:
This presentation provides foster caregivers and adopters with the tools to recognize, prevent, and manage common infectious diseases in cats. Topics include ringworm, panleukopenia, calicivirus, upper respiratory disease, toxoplasmosis, parasites, FeLV, FIV, and FIP. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of what these diseases are, how they spread, and any risks they may pose to humans. We'll review symptoms, disease severity, prognosis, and prevention strategies, empowering participants to confidently care for their feline friends.
@Rachael Wooten, a passionate shelter medicine veterinarian with seven years of experience, proudly represents her Black and Puerto Rican heritage. She earned her DVM from Tuskegee University (2017) and after graduation she completed a shelter medicine specialty internship at the University of Illinois CVM. Currently serves as the Medical Director at One Tail at a Time Animal Rescue in Chicago, and has recently completed a Shelter Medicine Fellowship through UW-Madison and UC-Davis.
Dr. Wooten actively advocates for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the veterinary community. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment is underscored by her completion of the CARE REDI certificate and serving on multiple DEI boards, further enriching her ability to make a meaningful impact in the field of animal welfare.
Link to copy of slides: https://bit.ly/CaringforCatsPPT
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#FosterPrograms
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
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Kelly Duer
Senior Shelter Solutions Specialist
Maddie's Fund
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