FELV Vaccinations in Brooklyn, NY
What Is Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)?
We believe every cat owner should understand FeLV inside and out. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a contagious retrovirus that weakens your cat’s immune system, raising the risk of cancer, anemia, and chronic infection. Because there is no cure once a cat is infected, regular FeLV testing, appropriate vaccination, and limiting contact with infected cats are the best ways to reduce their risk.
Key facts at a glance:
Prevalence: About 2 to 3 percent of cats in the United States are infected with FeLV, with higher rates in sick, very young, or high-risk cats.
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Our FeLV Vaccination Services in Brooklyn
Our FeLV program at The Vet Set is built around expertise, convenience, and individualized care. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Credentials & Expertise
- We follow American Animal Hospital Association vaccine guidelines and our veterinarians provide feline friendly care tailored to cats and kittens.
- Staff trained in retroviral screening and low-stress handling
- We select FeLV vaccines based on current safety and efficacy recommendations, and we use non-adjuvanted rabies vaccines for cats to support long-term injection site safety.
- Service Options Tailored to You
- In clinic appointments: Calm, feline-friendly exam spaces designed to help cats feel more comfortable.
- Wellness options: We can often combine FeLV vaccination with core vaccines and recommended lab work in a single visit when it makes sense for your cat.
- Customized Protocols
- Pre-vaccine testing when appropriate: We may recommend FeLV testing before starting or updating vaccination, especially for adult cats or those with an unknown history.
- Combined diagnostics: When needed, we can pair FeLV vaccination with tests such as blood work, chemistry panels, and FIV or FeLV screening.
- Personalized vaccine schedules: Based on age, health status, and lifestyle
- Brooklyn-Focused Convenience
- Convenient weekday hours with appointments available from early morning through early evening.
- Located in Carroll Gardens and serving cat families from many nearby Brooklyn neighborhoods.
- Easy access: convenient Brooklyn location that is reachable by car, rideshare and public transit.
Who Needs a FeLV Vaccine? Understanding Your Cat’s Risk
Not every cat has the same FeLV risk. We follow the AAHA/AAFP guidelines to recommend vaccination based on lifestyle and exposure. Here’s how to know if your cat should be vaccinated:
Your cat is a prime candidate if they:
- Go outdoors for any reason, supervised or unsupervised
- Spend time in boarding facilities, daycare, or grooming salons
- Live with multiple cats, especially if new cats join the household
- Encounter neighborhood or feral cats (e.g., shared alleys, fire escapes)
- Are unneutered males that spend time outdoors or in situations where fighting with other cats is more likely
- Travel outside NYC, where FeLV rates may vary
The FeLV Vaccination Process: What to Expect
Getting your cat vaccinated for FeLV is straightforward, and we will guide you every step of the way.
Pre-Vaccination Screening
- In office FeLV antigen testing to check your cat’s FeLV status before starting or updating vaccination, especially for kittens and at risk adult cats.
- Basic health exam: weight check, temperature, and brief wellness assessment
Primary Immunization Series
- Two doses, about three to four weeks apart.
- Builds protective immunity: first dose “primes” the immune system, second dose “boosts” antibody production
Booster Schedule
- First annual booster one year after series completion
- After the first year, boosters are scheduled every one to two years, depending on your cat’s ongoing risk and the specific vaccine we use.
Safety & Side Effects
- Common, mild reactions: temporary lethargy, localized soreness or swelling
- Rare but serious injection site sarcomas have been reported after some vaccines, so we follow current guidelines on where and how vaccines are given and talk with you about the safest plan for your cat.
- If you notice fever, vomiting or any unusual behavior after a vaccine, contact our team right away so we can guide you on next steps.
Post-Vaccination Care & Documentation
- Home care tips: quiet rest area, monitor food/water intake, gentle cuddles encouraged
- Vaccine records and certificates are easy to share, and we can print them in clinic and email a copy for your records.
- Email and SMS reminders help you stay on track with FeLV boosters and routine wellness visits.
Why Brooklyn Cat Owners Trust The Vet Set for FeLV Protection
FeLV vaccination is one of the most important safeguards you can give your cat, particularly in Brooklyn’s dense apartment buildings, rescue households, and multi-cat homes. We follow current American Animal Hospital Association vaccination guidelines, talk with you about FeLV testing when it is appropriate, and use calm, low stress handling so your cat’s visit feels as easy as possible. With clear pricing and individualized plans based on your cat’s lifestyle and risk, you’ll know you’re taking the right steps to protect their long-term health.
Schedule Your Cat’s FeLV Vaccination in Brooklyn
If your cat is new to your home, shares space with other cats, or has any outdoor access, FeLV protection should be at the top of your list. We pair clear recommendations with low-stress visits, so you always know exactly what your cat needs and why.
Call us at 917-909-1733, book online, or stop by our Carroll Gardens clinic. We’ll walk you through FeLV testing, vaccine options, and follow-up care, making it easy to safeguard the feline friend you love most.
Give your cat the protection they deserve.