There is still a Europe-wide shortage of cat vaccines. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the National Office for Animal Health* (NOAH) has provided guidance on what to do if you’re affected, so let’s find out.
What’s causing the cat vaccination shortage?
The BVA has suggested that the lack of vaccines could be because of a few things.
- More people became pet owners over the last 18 months (as people were working from home full time).
- Many vaccination appointments had to be postponed, so clinics are having to catch up on these post-lockdown.
> Are dogs affected by the vaccine shortage?
While dog vaccines have been affected, it’s mainly cat vaccines that are seeing the highest amount of shortages. This is why many vet clinics are advising clients that there could be short-term delays for some people in getting their felines vaccinated.
> Why can’t cat vaccines be made more quickly?
The production process is carefully regulated to make sure the vaccines are safe, high quality, and effective. Speeding things up could affect the quality of the vaccines, which nobody wants. Manufacturers are working hard to make vaccines for vet clinics across the UK. They’re also talking with vets to make sure vulnerable pets still have access to vaccines.
How do I know if my cat can get a vaccine?
Vets are deciding which cats have vaccination priority based on their risk level. They will consider things such as:
- Your cat’s age
- Their lifestyle
- Their vaccination history
- Number and species of other pets in the household
When it comes to priority level for getting a vaccine, the BSAVA are grading cats as follows:
> Higher risk
✓ Kittens – primary course of vaccinations ✓ Adult cats – first annual booster
✓ Multi-cat – in environments that change, for example boarding batteries