My indoor cat got FELV/FIV vaccine. Can my other cats catch it?

Question

I have three cats. Lolly just went to the clinic to update her shots. Much to my surprise, they vaccinated her for FELV/FIV, even though I told them no as she and the others are indoor only cats. The other cats have not been vaccinated. I am wondering if it is possible for my other cats to actually contract FELV/FIV from her now that she has the virus in her. FYI - I have had her for 4 years and she tested negative for FELV/FIV when I adopted her and has never been exposed. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 4 years and 1 month old | 8.5 lbs

Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS · Accepted Answer

Try not to worry too much as it is incredibly unlikely that this vaccine will cause any issues with Lolly. The amount of virus in these vaccines is only enough to stimulate the immune system but not to actually cause the disease itself. For Lolly to infect the other are she would have to have the disease. Personally I vaccinate all cats for felv regardless of whether they go outside just in case they were to escape from the house etc. The vaccine won't do her any harm, but it is of course your decision whether you want her to have it or not, I imagine your vet made a mistake in giving it because it is so often done in the routine.

My indoor cat got FELV/FIV vaccine. Can my other cats catch it?

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