How do cats get FIV/FeLV? Is my unvaccinated cat at risk on walks?

Question

How do cats get five and felv? If I take my cat for walks and she hasn’t been vaccinated, is it possible that she could get those diseases just by going for a calm walk in the woods? (Considering that she won’t encounter/fight with any cats) She hasn’t been vaccinated because her vet told me to wait because she was recovering from an illness and it could be bad for her. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | 6 years old

Penelope Graben, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, FeLV is transmitted through close, social contact generally via saliva, as in grooming each other or sharing food bowls. FIV is usually transmitted through bite wounds. Since your cat is leashed and not in contact with other cats, this shouldn't be a risk in theory. If she goes outdoors by herself, or there is a chance she could escape, I'd recommend getting her vaccinated just to be safe. Otherwise, keeping her core vaccines (FVRCP and Rabies) should prevent her from acquiring diseases on walks. :) I'm going to link you to a good site on more information about FeLV/FIV in case you want to learn more: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951934 https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951815 I hope this helps. Thanks for using PetCoach.

How do cats get FIV/FeLV? Is my unvaccinated cat at risk on walks?

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