What is the protocol for shots?

[Corinne L]

Up to now, my vet has given my indoor cats all the shots every year. What is now recommended? I don't want them to get anything unnecessary, and am also on a more limited budget. Thanks.

[Traci]

Here you go..Feline Vaccinations

[sspychal]

Hello:

I am no cat expert, but one thing I would recomend is discussing this with your vet. There is a chance (a small one), that you cat could have complications from the shots. The rabies vaccine can cause a rather nast type of cancer in a small percentage of cats.

One of my cats developed lumps from the rabies vaccine, and we had quite a scare. Be sure to discuss where on the cat you vet will administer the vaccine as well. Our vet gave the shot on our cats side, which would have been very bad if she developed cancer. As I understand it, it is best to get the shot in the leg, or hindquarters.

Please look at this site:

http://www.geocities.com/~kremersark/newhope.html

Good luck!

[babyandhoney]

My elderly cat decided to become an indoor only cat. I told my vet that I didn't want to waste money on unnecessary shots if there is no possible way for him to be exposed to anything.

My vet agreed and said to only get his rabies (only because it's law here ) (Naturally though, about 2 months later he started wanting out again and so I went back for all shots!)

[Susan and the girls]

And make an informed decision with the assistance of your vet.

I have opted not to do yearly shots with my kitties who are indoors only - but only after discussing all the ramifications with my vet. Belle is 6 years old, and the last shots she got were when she was 4. The "kittens" got their first year shots, but they're due for their next visit soon, so we'll discuss what to do with them when I take them in. Naturally, my outdoor kitty gets all her shots regardless - every year.

[Traci]

Hello:
I am no cat expert, but one thing I would recomend is discussing this with your vet. There is a chance (a small one), that you cat could have complications from the shots. The rabies vaccine can cause a rather nast type of cancer in a small percentage of cats.

Vaccinations need to be tailored to the individual, per risk basis. The link I provided explains the risk factor. The percentage of VAS is relatively low and is ever decreasing due to location of site injections and new informative research.

[Susan and the girls]

Traci's right. When I talked to my vet about the vaccination sarcoma risk, she told me that her office doesn't use the vaccination that has been known to cause those types of problems more than others. She explained a lot about it to me - so I'd highly recommend you talk it over with your vet. Hopefully you have a vet like mine --- one who takes all the time in the world that you need and answers your questions fully. If you don't have a vet like that, you should either (1) keep asking questions until you get the answers you need, (2) block the door until they hear you out and answer you or (3) find a new vet!