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
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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