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In this episode of Chats with the Chatfields, Dr. Jen the Vet sits down with board-certified veterinary internist Dr. Dawn Martin to explore effective ways to protect your cat from feline leukemia virus (FeLV). This virus, often misunderstood yet preventable, poses a serious health risk to cats worldwide. Dr. Martin shares her expertise on FeLV, focusing on the critical steps every cat owner can take to minimize risk and keep their feline friends safe. 

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding FeLV and How It Spreads:
  • Dr. Martin explains how FeLV is transmitted between cats, emphasizing the importance of recognizing risk factors. Learn why indoor-outdoor cats and multi-cat households need extra precautions and how to assess your own cat’s exposure risks.
• Vaccination as a First Line of Defense:
  • Discover how FeLV vaccination works, who should get it, and how it can help prevent infection. Dr. Martin breaks down why the vaccination schedule is especially important for young and high-risk cats, even those that primarily stay indoors.
• The Power of Indoor Living:
  • Indoor cats have a significantly lower risk of FeLV exposure. 
• Screening New Cats for FeLV:
  • If you’re bringing a new cat into the household, it’s critical to test for FeLV before introductions. Dr. Martin shares guidance on how to screen new feline additions and why proper quarantine and testing protocols can prevent FeLV transmission to your current pets.
• Building a FeLV-Free Multi-Cat Household:
  • For families with multiple cats, Dr. Jen and Dr. Martin discuss best practices for managing FeLV risks, including effective separation strategies, vaccination considerations, and the importance of regular veterinary check-ups for all cats.
• Preventing Exposure in Outdoor Cats:
  • For owners who allow their cats outside, Dr. Martin outlines strategies to minimize exposure, such as FeLV vaccination, and keeping cats away from known feral cat colonies where FeLV rates can be higher.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to prevent FeLV and ensure their cats live long, healthy lives. With expert advice from Dr. Martin, Dr. Jen delivers actionable tips to help you proactively protect your cat.

Key Takeaways:

• Keeping cats indoors is one of the most effective ways to prevent FeLV.
• Vaccination can greatly reduce the risk of FeLV, especially in multi-cat or high-risk households.
• Testing new cats before introducing them to your home can prevent unintentional transmission.

For more on Dr. Martin: https://vcacanada.com/tveh/team/veterinarians/dawn-martin

Key resource for testing decisions: https://www.abcdcatsvets.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/TOOL_FeLV_Feline_leukemia_virus_2020_EN.pdf

Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it...or might be interested in the topic...or just to make their day brighter! :)