i was taking my cat to an all cats ve theywere very good and i had to go in for a yearly check up. I moved and had to switch vets, now after his shots they said they dont have to see him for 3 years....is this normal for cats? I know dogs have to go every year. Is it because he is getting older and he is an indoor cat?? Thanks.
2007-01-16 02:06:30 · 13 answers · asked by estkijedsco 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
I only take my cat in every 2-3 years for shots. The initial shots were more frequent than that but the booster shots don't have to be done as often.
If you would feel better, have your vet explain why they are saying 3 years then call another vet or two and see if they say the same thing.
2007-01-16 02:14:53 · answer #1 · answered by Fish Lover 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I work for a shelter as a cat adoption counselor. This is very odd. Some vets give a 3-year rabies shot. But we recommend that cats at least get thier FVRCP booster every year. Your cat should at least be checked each year also. I'm surprised your vet recommended this. Most people I talk to and vets that I have gone to usually want me to get all kind of things done...sometimes I think just to cost me more money. Sometimes, it is hard to think practically because I love my cats so much and think they need everything the vet suggests. But I would recommend at least once a year for your cat...simply for a general checkup.
2007-01-16 12:16:17 · answer #2 · answered by Angrygirl5 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Typically vet's stagger the Vaccines so that you have to bring in your animal every year.
Rather than just getting Vaccines your cat should have a yearly exam anyway. To check for changes or illnesses. When they become senior pets they should be going every 6 months for Health and Wellness exams.
Also cats should be on a monthly Flea prevention which you need to renew every year.
I would suggest looking for a new vet.
2007-01-16 10:47:52 · answer #3 · answered by akholler 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was never told that but if your cat is an indoor cat then I wouldn't really worry about taking it in every year. I had a cat that had her shots annually until about the same age as your cat now and then I stopped taking her in. I started her annual check ups about the age of 12-13. She was just fine and lived to be 16. She might of lived longer but I was moving around alot (military) and I believe it was just too much stress for her.
2007-01-16 11:19:47 · answer #4 · answered by Jessica 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, that doesn't sound normal. Cats should go to the vet every year simply because if there is something wrong, it can be caught in time and for yearly dental checks (dental health is extremely important, especially in an older animal), and just general health check.
My cats go every year, get vaccinated every year as needed. Maybe you should ask the vet why in 3 years?
Yes, indoor cats need their yearly vaccinations simply because we can bring the diseases in on ourselves and our clothes to them. My vet no longer gives my inside cats the leukemia vaccination, but the others including rabies are given. Prevention is better than getting sick, isn't it?
2007-01-16 10:12:31 · answer #5 · answered by BVC_asst 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am not sure why the vet wouldn't see him for yearly checkups especially since he is an older cat. I can understand not giving him shots every year now but he should at least be seen for a wellness checkup yearly.
2007-01-16 10:10:37 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have a more up-to-date vet now. Vets are increasingly coming to the conclusion that yearly shots are unnecessary, especially with indoor cats. There has been no scientific research to show how long those vaccinations are good for.
Our children are not vaccinated yearly for their diseases and they are out in the world and have constant exposure.
Go to www.littlebigcat.com and read Dr. Jean Hovfe's article titled "Vaccinations" for another veterinarian's opinion on the issue of vaccines.
2007-01-16 10:48:16 · answer #7 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your cat needs yearly rabies shots, FIV shots, physicals as far as I know. Even if he is an indoor cat he is susceptible in case he gets out and comes into contact with other animals. But sopme places are considering that it may be unhealth for your pet. I would read both opinions and make my guess. Here's some articles against it.
2007-01-16 11:19:51 · answer #8 · answered by kcain_mvus 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your cat is up to date on his/her shots and is an indoor cat and there are no other cats in your house to expose him/her to anything then yeah it's fine. My vet told me the same thing with my late cat, my cat now is still young so needs her shots and she's also allergic to fleas so needs allergy shots .
2007-01-16 10:24:44 · answer #9 · answered by Lizzy-tish 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My vet told me that indoor cats don't need the annual shots at all. I was told that it can actually cause cancer over time. Don't get me wrong, the benefits outweigh the risks for outdoor cats, but your indoor cat is fine only visiting the vet when he's ill after his first round of shots.
2007-01-16 10:12:14 · answer #10 · answered by Brianna B 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋