[Jan Fisher]

According to The Guardian a shortage of feline vaccines has forced some animal shelters to turn away cats and kittens and led to a suspension of vaccine requirements for holiday boarding facilities in NSW ahead of the Christmas rush.

The in-demand F3 vaccine protects cats and kittens against cat parvovirus, feline calicivirus and cat flu. It’s considered a vital vaccine, particularly for cats with an unknown vaccine history such as strays.

The president of the Australian Vet Association, Dr Diana Barker, said while there “isn’t really a risk” in delaying the annual booster shot of a cat which regularly visits their vet, it’s “more difficult” for kittens and strays.

“We learned during Covid that herd immunity is important, and we’re relying on that herd immunity when we’re dealing with individual stray animals,” she said. “We have to be careful with any of our patients coming through, to make sure they’re not in contact with [a] stray cat.”

Dr Barker said the best place for unvaccinated cats, and cats behind on their boosters, is safely at home.

Are you boarding your cat these holidays? Will this change your mind

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