Question:
Okay, I searched and I read the sticky, but I really couldn't find an answer to my question.
B.B. has been to the vet yearly for vaccinations, last year she received the 3 year rabies vaccine, so I know she doesn't need that this year, but I am looking for information and recommendations about giving the other shots every 2 years instead of annually.
I saw all the info on the sarcomas and will talk to the vet about not giving the shots in the scruff, but can we back off on doing these shots yearly?
She is an indoor cat, and does not get exposed to any other animals except the hedgehogs (very minimal contact) and the ferret who does get vaccinated for canine distemper and rabies yearly.
I know this vet will want her to have yearly shots (money hungry, I think), unless I can come up with an intelligent argument. He always recommends teeth cleaning and a fecal too. Do cats really need a fecal every year? I don't mean to sound cheap, but it is my son's cat and he is responsible for the bills, I am just trying for him not to get raked over the coals for unnecessary costs. He has saved up the money, but would rather have a vet fund for emergencies rather than spend it on something she absolutely doesn't need.
Any info, links or opinions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,


Answer:
My cats were not vaccinated this year for the reasons that you mention above. I spoke to my vet about it and he feels that there is one vaccination (I'll have to look up which one) that indoor cats should have at least every other year. Other than that, he figures that every three years is sufficient.
However, my cats do get a physical exam every year but without a fecal or teeth cleaning. I feel that is unecessary for cats that are in good health.
I will try to find some links for you.


Answer:
I agree with Candice..
How old is B.B? Is her teeth in need of cleaning or does the Vet always recommend it anyway.. you could just start cleaning her teeth yourself (or make your son do it).. I don't do yearly fecals either.. Fecals would be neccessary if she was an indoor/outdoor cat due to them eating things like birds & mice.


Answer:
B.B is 7 years old. She does have bad breath and probably could use a teeth cleaning professionally, but my son has been brushing her teeth and the tartar control pounce treats have helped. I would much rather put the money to something like that instead of the fecal. (her original fecal from the humane society showed worms and she needed meds, but it has been negative now for 3 years) she does not eat mice or birds or live things.
So do you think that both the Feline Leukemia and the distemper could be given every 2 years? Do you have any information or links to support that practice that I could use for convincing the vet?


Answer:
From what I've read.. FVRCP - Panleukopenia (or feline distemper), Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus are good for up to 3 years. I'm not sure about Leukemia though.. What you could do is ask for a titer instead to test her immunity.
I would skip the fecal..
www.cah.com/library/felinevaccines.html


Answer:
Thanks Sue,
I think I will have a discussion with the vet at her check up, maybe we can eliminate one of her shots for this year. I keep thinking of her as 4-5 years old, but time flies and she is already 7!!


Answer:
My cats have a Vet appointment on Thursday.. I still haven't decided if I'll vaccinate them this year so just get their rabies done.. they're due this year (3 yr vaccine).. I guess I'll discuss it with him when I get there..


Answer:
since pepper was out in the wild we are going to run the gambit this year for her vet visit lol...i have no idea what she was eating, doing, living with lol...and she is yowling at the door saying "please, you used to let me outside!! i just want to run around! can't i pretty please go outside, just for a moment? please?? PLEASE????"
lol