Currently there are shortages in the supply of UK cat vaccines. All brands are affected and some are out of stock. Others are only available to vets on a rationed basis directly from the manufacturer.
It has come to our attention that some breeders are having difficulty in making appointments to get their kittens vaccinated at the correct age.
In this situation we advise:
- Try to make your 2 appointments to vaccinate a litter as soon as possible after the birth of the kittens.
- If your normal veterinary practice is unable to give you appointments try all the other vets within your area. The easiest way to do this is to use the RCVS Findavet service at Home – Find A Vet (rcvs.org.uk). Select “practice” and enter your postcode and you will be taken to a fully comprehensive list of practices starting with the one closest to your home that gives details of the type of practice, opening hours, full address and other contact details.
If all your efforts to find a vet within a reasonable distance fail and you are unable to get your kittens vaccinated by the time they are ready to leave, you may get dispensation to rehome your kittens, unvaccinated, from 12 weeks of age provided you and your usual vet complete and sign the Kitten Health Check Record which can be reached via this link: https://www.gccfcats.org/breeding-cats/the-experienced-breeder/forms-for-breeders-and-owners/
Please read the form and the guidance notes on the reverse. You will need to take a copy of this form, completed with all required details, for each kitten to be rehomed, to your vet and ask them to carry out a full health check and complete the veterinary section of the form for every kitten. Once completed you must sign and date the form yourself before sending it by post or email to the GCCF Office.
Dr Susan F Moreland BA Vet MB MRCVS
GCCF Veterinary Officer
14/11/2023
