When you think of indoor cats, you probably imagine them curled up in a sunny window, blissfully unaware of the world outside—and protected from all its dangers. It’s easy to assume that because they don’t roam the neighborhood, they don’t need all the vaccines outdoor cats do. But there’s one important shot many indoor cats are missing, and it could be putting their health at risk.
Let’s talk about the Feline Leukemia Vaccine (FeLV), why it’s often overlooked, and why we recommend it even for some indoor cats at Alta Vista Animal Hospital.
The Vaccine That’s Off The Radar For Too Many Cat Owners
FeLV is typically associated with outdoor or stray cats, and it’s true that the virus spreads primarily through close contact like grooming or sharing food and water bowls. That’s where the misunderstanding begins. Since indoor cats don’t mingle with other cats, many pet parents believe FeLV simply doesn’t apply to them.
But here’s the catch: most cats don’t live in a vacuum.
Visitors come over. Windows are left open. A rescued stray is temporarily brought in. Even a brief escape from the house can be enough for exposure. What’s more, many households have more than one cat—or foster regularly—which increases the risk, even indoors.
Why We Recommend The FeLV Vaccine At Alta Vista
At Alta Vista Animal Hospital, we assess every cat’s lifestyle individually. We’ve seen too many cases where a cat, assumed to be “safe” indoors, ends up diagnosed with a preventable illness. Feline Leukemia isn’t just another cold—it’s a virus that suppresses the immune system and can lead to chronic infections, anemia, and even cancer.
What’s heartbreaking is that by the time symptoms show up, the disease is often already advanced. That’s why prevention isn’t just important—it’s critical.
Even for cats that are strictly indoors, we often recommend FeLV vaccination during the kitten series and again at the one-year booster stage. After that, we tailor the plan based on the home environment, other pets in the household, and any future exposure risks.
Still Think Your Cat Doesn’t Need It? Here’s What We Ask
When you bring your cat to Alta Vista, we don’t assume—we ask:
- Do you foster or plan to adopt more cats in the future?
- Has your cat ever slipped out the door or balcony?
- Do you ever cat-sit for others or bring your cat to friends’ houses?
- Have you recently taken in a stray or rescued cat?
- Are there feral cats in your neighborhood that might approach your home?
If the answer to even one of these is “yes,” it’s worth having a serious conversation about FeLV protection.
What The FeLV Vaccine Is Like (Spoiler: It’s No Big Deal)
Many cat parents worry about side effects or “over-vaccination.” We get it—at Alta Vista Animal Hospital, we’re big believers in vaccinating with purpose, not just protocol. That’s why we only recommend what your cat genuinely needs, based on real risk.
The FeLV vaccine is safe, generally well tolerated, and administered in a way that minimizes stress for your cat. Kittens usually receive it as part of their first vaccine series, followed by a booster a year later. After that, depending on exposure, we may continue it every 1–2 years.
If you’re unsure whether your cat has received it, or if they need a booster, just ask us. We’ll check their records and give you honest guidance.
Let’s Talk About It At Your Cat’s Next Visit
Even if your cat has never left the living room, it’s worth talking through their health and vaccination plan with a vet who truly gets cats. At Alta Vista Animal Hospital, we take a personalized approach to feline care because no two cats (or households) are the same.
Have questions about your cat’s vaccine status? Let’s have that conversation. Call us at 604-221-5858 to book your cat’s next wellness exam. Your cat may not know what FeLV is—but protecting them from it? That’s your superpower. And we’re here to help.
