Question:
My holistic vet in North Carolina told me not to vaccinate my 1-year-old cat for feline leukemia. The Humane Society in Boone, N.C. (where I got the cat), said it doesn't provide the vaccination because it is so controversial. I would like your opinion on this. My cat is a fixed, indoor/outdoor cat.
B.D., Blowing Rock, NC Jun 14, 2010
Answer:
It has been a long time coming for attitudes toward vaccinations to change. Giving cats (and dogs) who are at almost zero risk because they live indoors various vaccines that are far from zero risk is imprudent. But you are going to have to accept that risk if you are going to expose your cat (or dog) to other animals who might be infected with a contagious viral disease, including one that can be transmitted to humans (rabies).
Keep your cat's immune system strong with a biologically appropriate diet, including raw foods. For more details on vaccinations, check my website at www.twobitdog.com/DrFox. If you want to allow your cat to roam free, I would advise having one set of "core" vaccines. After 12 months, have blood titers taken. You may never need to vaccinate again, except for rabies, which is mandated by law.
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