To Vaccinate Or Not To Vaccinate

[Terminalvelocity]

There's a lot of controversy over this issue and in my opinion, the answer is still up in the air. Personally, I'd do what your doctor suggested... wait next year and see if Sky gets the alergies without the vaccination.

One thing though.. We become very close to our pets. We see them every day and we might not notice things that a trained professional will spot right away. So, even if you decide against the yearly shots, an annual examination is really necessary. Twice a year is even better, but at the cost now..

I hope Sky gets over his problems quickly and never has them again.

[sirrahbed]

I am sorry to read about Sky, and that he is so miserable right now.

The idea about postponing or skipping his shot is a good one. That sounds really odd that his allergy breaks out so soon after his vaccination.

Hope he is feeling better real soon

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Aw my dahling, this is your beloved Maya speaking!
You don't like those shots my dear? Don't worry, neither do I nor my sisters! I wonder what the darn vet would say if HE got a shot in his neck every year !! Please be better soon, my dear, feeling lousy is no fun for a cat...
Thousands of nose-kissies!!

your Maya

[Laura's Babies]

I would put them off from now on until after "allergy season" and see if it is actual allergies or that shot.. If it is that shot, I would give not getting them every year a whole lot of thought.

[smokey the elder]

A lot of vets in my area have 2 or 3 year distemper shots. Maybe this would be better for Sky. You could also have him titrated for distemper antibodies, to find out if he even needs a shot.

[moosmom]

My cats are strictly indoors (except for MooShoo who goes for rides in the car with me or for walks in the park). I only get them vaccinated every 3 years. I don't believe in over vaccinating.

[jazzcat]

I was just discussing this with my vet last week when I took Scout in because she gets so sore and sick after vaccinations. She told me that even though they still recommend the FVRCP shot every year many new studies show that one shot will last for up to three years. She said she isn't telling me to only vaccinate them every three years (because yearly is what is still recommended) but that it was information for me to consider. Then she said she has 4 indoor only cats and she only gives them that shot every other year and will probably go to every three years now. You can bet that is what I'm going to start doing. I love this vet and she is the "cat" expert around here.

She did add that if her cats went outside or if they were exposed to other cats she would probably stick to the yearly vaccination.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Thanks everyone. I don't believe in over vaccinating animals either. I called my vets this morning and found out that they use the Phizer (sp) brand for both the rabies and FVRCP and it contains the live virus too. I may skip Sky's shot next year and see how he does. I will still have him checked out though because I also believe that annual check ups are still needed. I may also start only having my cats vaccincated every 3 years.