My cat hasn't been seen by a vet in 4 yrs.. Will he be required to get a ton of shots when I take him next? and how often should I take a housecat for checkup/shots?
2006-08-03 08:10:37 · 14 answers · asked by shayrae2101 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
You'll need to get your cat vaccinated every year if he goes outside even just for a little while. Also if your cat hunts you will need special worming tablets that will cover a whole spectrum of the nasty pests. You will also need to get flea treatment. Basically take your moggy to the vets and go over everything with your vet, you'll be able to open a file and you pet's history will be recorded so that every time you go to the vets the vet will know exactly what vaccination your pet has had. Cats can get into fights sometimes and if your cat gets bitten it can develope an absces called "cat bite absces" this is extremely painful for the cat so check your cat regularly if it goes outside.
2006-08-03 11:28:40 · answer #1 · answered by Sorcha 6 · 25⤊ 6⤋
The answer really depends on whether your kitty is allowed outdoors or comes in contact with other kitties that are allowed outside.
It is a law for your cat to get a rabies shot...some states require the shot every year and other states require it every 3 years....it really depends. You will not be fined for bringing in an overdue cat, by the way.
In addition to a rabies shot, an indoor kitty should have a distemper shot, called the FVRCP. This is a disease that you can easily bring into the house on your clothes or shoes. While it is rare, it is very serious to your pet.
If your cat goes outside, I also recommend you get a Feline Leukemia shot. This is a viral disease that is common in stray kitties and can be transmitted from cat to cat very easily. However, it is unlikely that you will bring this into the house. Just to be sure, wash your hands before petting your cat if you have come in contact with any stray cats.
In addition to these, outdoor cats are very susceptible to internal parasites. So, if your cat goes out, I suggest you bring a stool sample to the vet to be tested for worms.
I have a 2year old male indoor cat and I take him to a cat only clinic in town. His annual visit is about 75 dollars. If I was to also get the leukemia shots and a stool check, it would be around 125-140. I live in SC, and find that vets are a lot cheaper here than they are up north.
In general, if you can't afford a vet, there are some local shelters that will give vaccines without giving an exam, which saves tons of money. Not to be nagging, but if your cat hasn't seen a vet in 4 years, you really should opt for the exam. Call a few places to check on prices beferehand. You will be amazed at the differences.
Good luck with the kitty!
2006-08-03 08:29:15 · answer #2 · answered by biogirl 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
How Often Should Cats Be Vaccinated
2016-10-21 00:31:10 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After the initial shots, a booster every 12 months. If you exceed that 12 months, you will need to start again from the beginning which is expensive. Some pet insurers won't pay out if your pet hasn't had regular vaccinations, so read the small print if your cat is insured. In addition to vaccinations, ensure that your cat is wormed regularly (generally once a month) and that you de'flea them with a spot on type formula which is in my opinion the best way. That way, you should have a happy and healthy cat. Don't forget to look into insurance if you haven't got it as this will help out should your cat require any prolonged treatment or if its involved in an accident. I see alot of animals needlessly destroyed because their owners couldn't afford treatment. The younger the cat, the cheaper it is.
2016-04-02 11:58:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your cat's "lifestyle". Indoor cats don't need shots after their first years. Rabies are usually required and there is no "rabies police" to check up on you. Your vet may be required to note in his chart that you declined this shot.
Jean Hofve, DVM is a holistic veterinarian and has a website: www.littlebigcat.com. She does a newsletter every month and you can go into files or archives to read what she has to say about vaccinations. She is a past president of the American Assoc. of Holistic Veterinarians.
Shots are not necessarily the issue here. Four years is a long time to skip the vet visit and if you have had no problems with your cat that is great.
You do need to bite the bullet financially and take her in for a "feely" exam and do a blood panel for a baseline if for no other reason.
I think it is a good idea to have records on your cat with a veterinarian. Then, if a problem should arise, they are usually willing to help you make decisions about emergencies.
2006-08-03 08:38:06 · answer #5 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
What vaccinations do cats need and how often?
My cat hasn't been seen by a vet in 4 yrs.. Will he be required to get a ton of shots when I take him next? and how often should I take a housecat for checkup/shots?
2015-08-19 12:30:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They usually do 3-4 every year, including rabies and a few others. I'm not real clear on what they are, because my cats only ever have the first dose of them all as kittens. From there on out, we have their blood work done, and they test for immunity. I've had cats live as old as 17, and never had their immunity wear off yet. Upside of that is that they also test for hormonal problems and other illness, such as diabetes, which are much cheaper and easier to treat when caught early.
But usually pets get one for 4-6 illnesses, one for rabies, and possibly others depending on your area and your pet's risk.
2006-08-03 15:31:44 · answer #7 · answered by Gen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your kitty goes outside, you will need to get him a rabies shot. Distemper and Feline Leukemia vacc's are also suggested. My vet sends reminder postcards. If he is an indoor cat, you may not need to renew some of them. Ask your Vet. PS: Find someone you trust.
2006-08-03 08:21:17 · answer #8 · answered by metrobluequeen1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on if you have an indoor or outdoor cat. My vet said that because our two cats arent around any other cats, then just rabies and FIV are needed. But I think it all depends on where you live, and what your vet feels would be best for your cat.
2006-08-03 11:12:03 · answer #9 · answered by vegaschic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will need rabies, distemper, and feline leukemia shots at least. Your vet will go over it with you.
One thing you might find helpful is a file that you keep records of your cat's vet visits in.
2006-08-03 08:18:55 · answer #10 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is just to take your cat for a checkup and find out what your vet recommends. If you can't afford a check up, and i'm not saying you can't, but for people who can't the ASPCA will help pay for it or do it for free
2006-08-03 11:07:11 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋