Question:
Really?
My wife says her old cat never had a second shot. What exactly is it for?
It is time, anytime now (Bella was born Feb 1st) and we think she would be fine without another vet visit. Although introducing ourselves and Bells with a local vet is probably a good idea as we just got her.
Any good advice? How much does it cost?

Answer:
What does your vet say? The immunity isn't 100% after the first shot.

Answer:
We need more info. If your cat is a kitten and is a newborn (anywhere from 4 weeks, the answer is yes, your kitten does need two vaccinations - I assume that is what you mean by "shot"????

The American Academy of Feline Practitioners recommends the first vaccination be given at 8-9 weeks. It's about this time that the immunity they get from the mother's colostrum will start to fade. Vaccinations given earlier may be nullified by the natural immunity. A second shot is given 3-4 weeks later.

At one time it was almost guaranteed that vets would give three or even four shots. But recent studies have shown that the titers (immunity levels in the bloodstream) are just as effective after only two shots.

After the kitten shots, they require boosters at one year of age. Then if the cat is indoors only, it will only need shots every three years, but should have a physical check up once a year so your vet catches any health issues, early.

The basic vaccines a kitten gets are for panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calici virus, and chlamydia. Some vets will also give shots against feline leukemia. However, if you know the mother is not affected (has been tested), then they will not need this unless they are going to be an outdoor cat. The only modes of transmission are through the placenta, or in the body fluids of affected cats, which they can come across outside.

There is also a concern about vaccination site sarcomas, or cancers. Much of this has been blamed on the leukemia vaccine, however many experts believe it is the adjuvant, the material the killed/modified virus is mixed in for the shot that is to blame, and not the vaccine itself. These sarcomas are rare, but do happen.

I would add tho you need to wait for awhile before allowing your cat to be in the company of other cats.

I hope your kitty is an indoor cat since and I know you did not mention that but if she is not, she may well need a rabies "shot". required in some jurisdictions and certainly if you travel with your cat!

And also, many ppl take their cayt for a first visit to their vet as an intro session and that is usually when the first vaccination is administered.

Hope this helps. There may be some variation however if your cat is an older rescue or one who has already had vaccinations as a kitten.

Answer:
She is not going to be out or around other animals, just me and my wife.
I said she was born in Feb so 2 months old, we just got her and they had her first shot and deworming.
So we should have a second vaccine? Just to encourage her health?

We are happy to visit the vet regularly, she is our only baby. And I really hope we avoid all the nasty illness that you say seem to come with cats.

Any idea of the costs? I wish vets did some sort of package plan deal. And thank you for all your info!

Answer:
The way you made it sound is like all cats are i dont know,but they dont all come w/ nasty illnesses anyway~

Answer:
I would have to say yes ,do all the shots,just my thought..

Answer:
Regardless of if she's an indoor cat or not, she needs her first few shots.

Prices vary from vet to vet.

Answer:
Personaly I think shots are very import for the first few years(get their bodies to build up an immunity) and then you can start doing every other year. My opinion anyway. I did my cats until they were 6 and now do every other year but they are indoor. Also some of the diseases are airborne, so say you have cats hanging around your house or even a few doors down, and you have the windows open its possible for kitty to catch something(from what I understand from a couple zoonosiss seminars anyway). They said even if you live on the 13th(don't remember the exact number) floor of an apartment it can travel allll the way up there.

Like Prin said every clinic charges something different, I just had mine done and it was 72.00 per cat for full set(45 for exam plus vaccines, but they just factor it all into one price. You can always call around to see what different places charge, the clinic I really like charges more.

Answer:
I found a little bump on the tummy of Bella. She doesn't flinch if I touch it but it isn't a nipple. I had a dog that would have bumps once in a while but is it okay for a 8 week old kitten?

Answer:
That's not normal. I think your kitty needs a vet visit.

Answer:
Hi

Most Vets will do a Titer test to fine the antibody levels in the blood. This can cost any where from $50 to $150. This is an option, and then depending on the levels, depends whether a booster is needed or not. I have had a dog that I titer tested every two years and he did not require addition boosters. We when for over 7 years. It all depends on the animal's individual antibodies. Talk to your vet.

Answer:
Why dont you just go to vet!!

Answer:
Yes, a vet visit would be wise for kitty, to check out the bump you've found, and to ask about the vacs schedule for your kitten.
At eight weeks only, she's very young and vulnerable.
Just one shot is not sufficient.. so yes, she will need more.

My understanding of correct protection with vaccines is the same as mentioned - to build up the antibodies in their systems.. all shots and booster shots are highly important up to one year of age. None should be missed.

Another given at age two is advisable.
Then - providing the cat is indoor only, can be done every two to three years.
For older cats may even be longer, but as noted.. regular checkups with vet are still iimportant.
Outdoor kitties will still need annual protection, of course.

Seeing your vet will put your mind at rest, and ensure your little kitten is off to a healthy and problem free start.

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