When I first got Max and Specks I took them for routine vaccinations for the first 4 yrs even though they are indoor only kitties.

2 yrs ago when they had their shots, Specks was sick for 3 days. She hardly ate and slept most of the time in the same spot. She finally recovered but she hasn't had any shots since. Max handled it OK but was not his usually self for a day afterwards. They do not come in contact with any other animals (dogs or cats) so I figure why put them through the misery. Hope you don't think I'm a bad mom but at the ages of 10 and 16 I just can't justify making them feel bad.

Fortunately I will never have to board them because no one would accept them without the shots. I have a catsitter that comes to my home if I need to go away, which is very rare.

Good luck!