Hi
I am about to take two new Bengal kittens into my home in a few weeks time and i have been reading up on these beautiful cats about there well being, diet etc.
I met a woman at work who told me that i do not need to bother with the leukemia jab as they have a natural immunity to this virus.
Can anyone please confirm this please as i want the best for my cats.
They will be house cats for the first year and i shall be building a large pen for them for them to go outside after this.

Congratulations on the upcoming additions to your family. I've read that about immunity against feline leukemia as well, and I have also read that this is not true! Raiden gets vaccinated for Felv. I had a cat once who contacted feline leukemia and it was a horrible, fast disease and she had to be put to sleep because of it. My cats since then have always gotten vaccinated. Dr. Centerwall found it to be partially resistant in the asian leopard cat, but through the breeding with a domestic cat and down the generations, I believe if a bengal comes in contact with an infected cat -- the disease can be passed on. This is something you can discuss with your vet if they are knowledgeable on bengals.

Just know indoor cats can sneak out (Raiden got out as we were carrying boxes out our front door last night -- fortunately, he is not smart enough to run for it. He stops and I'm able to grab him). A cat enclosure is a wonderful thing and can be a simple or elaborate as you choose to make it. Make sure it has a sheltered area, and something for climbing. Raiden has a nice 12'x12' covered enclosure out on our deck with two cat trees and a three-room cat house. I don't know if you mean your cats will be inside your house for the first year and then you'll be keeping them in an enclosure -- which should not be the case. The enclosure should be somewhere they can go to enjoy the outdoors for a while. Bengals want to be with their owners and won't do well if they are permanently put out in an enclosure.

Although you are getting TWO, it's always nice when you can train them to walk on a harness and leash and they can experience a little more territory safely.

I hope you'll continue to do research on everything Bengal. You've got some time before your little ones join you and your life sort of gets wonderfully turned upside down!

It is a common internet myth.

there will always be a debate about whether it is necessary for an inside only cat to have it. I always fear the possibilty of getting out and contracting it is a greater risk than the side effects from having it. Personal decision really.

But in answer to your question, Bengals do not have a natural immunity to it.

Also, in answer to those that say Bengals react badly to the injection. It is not my experience that bengals react any worse than any other breed of cat. My bengal has had the booster every year now and he is 6. never had a reaction.

_________________
Lollo

My two had their boosters the other week - they are 3 now and indoor cats. My x bengal didn't do very well and had to go back to the vets the day after for shots - he had a very high temperature, was lethargic, wouldn't eat - even his favourite treats or chicken couldn't tempt him and he hid under the bed. My full bengal was fine.
Shows that no two cats are the same - I would vaccinate against everything