National Cat Vaccine Shortage Raises Concerns for Pet Owners Ahead of Holiday Season

A significant shortage of cat vaccines has raised alarm within the cattery industry, causing disruptions for pet owners just before the holiday season.

The annual F3 vaccination, essential for safeguarding cats against parvovirus, feline herpes virus, and feline calicivirus, is currently in short supply nationwide. Veterinarians are scrambling to meet the demands of pet owners facing the scarcity.

Andrew Kapsis, Head Veterinarian at Lort Smith Animal Hospital in Melbourne, highlighted a global shortage in cat vaccinations, expected to persist until the following year. A surge in pet adoptions during the pandemic, coupled with a shift in manufacturing priorities towards COVID-19 vaccines, has led to a nearly 50% reduction in available cat vaccines.

Dr. Kapsis, with over two decades of veterinary experience, described it as the most significant shortage he has witnessed. The clinic is postponing around 200 cat vaccinations monthly, prioritizing kittens at higher risk of infection.

While a delay of two to three months for regularly vaccinated adult cats is deemed unlikely to reduce protection levels significantly, Dr. Kapsis expressed concerns about potential outbreaks if the shortage persists beyond early 2024.

The Victorian government acknowledged the vaccine shortages for cats, indicating that it’s a matter for local councils to manage with businesses. They anticipate more vaccine supply later this year, normalizing by early 2024.

Cattery owners, such as Peter Walker of Sophisticat in Melbourne, are grappling with the potential impact on their businesses, especially during the holiday season. The shortage raises concerns about compliance with the state’s Code of Practice for Boarding Establishments, which mandates vaccination within the preceding 12 months for admission to a boarding facility.

Mr. Walker, fully booked for Christmas, has contacted every booking to confirm pet vaccinations or cancel if necessary. He urged the government to make adjustments considering the lack of access to vaccines.

In NSW, regulations around cat vaccination have been temporarily relaxed due to the critical vaccine shortage. Pet boarding businesses can waive the requirement for adult cats’ annual booster vaccinations until early 2024, a move supported by RSPCA NSW and the Animal Welfare League NSW. This decision followed RSPCA NSW’s suspension of accepting surrendered and stray cats due to vaccine shortages.

Despite the relaxed regulations, cattery owners like Robyn Schofield of Meow Manor Cat Hotel in Falls Creek express concerns about safety risks. Ms. Schofield, while appreciating the flexibility, stated that she would likely still cancel bookings for cats with overdue vaccinations for peace of mind, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and security of cats in a cattery environment.