Before you attack me because I haven't had my cat in the vets for five years, remember that he's lived for 17 years and I must be doing something right.
Now for the question. He's 17 years old and we're doing something now that requires all my cats to be current on their vacinations. I hear that vaccinating a cat that old can be fatal. What are the odds of getting the simple vaccinations killing my cat? I could never forgive myself if any thing happened to him and it was my fault. Web sites on vaccinating geriatric cats would be helpful. thanks.
2007-01-23 22:58:47 · 7 answers · asked by Gabby_Gabby_Purrsalot 7 in Pets ➔ Cats
He has had shots in the past. We just haven't gotten them all in for several years. He's very affectionate, and I don'tthink he has any serious health issues other than being older than cat dirt.
2007-01-23 23:17:17 · update #1
I want to go a little beyond just "asking the vet." I want to do a little research myself. The question is asking for good web sites. I have a vet appointment on Friday, and the two younger ones (at least) will be getting shots.
2007-01-23 23:23:03 · update #2
Stuff like this:
http://cats.about.com/cs/vaccination/a/vaccination_2.htm
Other Vaccination Exceptions
Sick cats, cats with chronic disease and/or weakened immune systems should probably not be vaccinated.
Consult with your veterinarian before vaccinating a cat receiving cortisone therapy.
Geriatric cats (10 years +) generally do not need booster vaccinations, but instead can be tested for titers during their annual physical exams.
Vaccinations are not recommended for kittens under six weeks, except in extreme situations (orphaned kittens, or kittens in a high-risk environment.
Some vaccines are believed to cause stillbirths in pregnant queens.
If anyone can find me info like this from like a vet journal, that would be great!
2007-01-23 23:42:09 · update #3
I would offer my most sincere advice, DON"T. My 12 year old cat died last March following his vaccinations. He went into a cardiac episode in the car coming home within 30 minutes of the shots, he then was taken to emergency clinic, they were able to save him but he only lived about another week and a half. He totally lost his appetite and I was force feeding him at the end. My other cat is 11 and he also had the shot but nothing happend to him.
But he's sure not getting any shots this year. My tabby was my
my little sweetheart and my best buddy, I still miss him, never
again would I get my cat vaccines. Best to you.
2007-01-24 00:16:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually work at an Animal Shelter & we vaccinate cats of all ages that come into the building. I've never heard of vaccinating older thats can be harmful. Although, I don't have any education, I just learn on the job. The best thing for you to do is goto the vet & tell him/her what it is you're doing that requires your cat(s) to be vaccinated & ask him/her what his opinion is.
As far as not taking your cat to the vet - don't worry what other people may think. I have two 14 year old cats who just recently went to the vet for the first time in many, many years. If theres no reason to go, why bother? It's certainly not cheap. Yes, you're supposed to get the cats vaccinated, but if your cat(s) are like mine, they are TERRIFIED of going outside so there was no point. They wouldn't get anything. I only got them vaccinated almost a year ago because I bring cats home from work to foster - & I certainly don't want my cats to catch anything. =)
2007-01-23 23:20:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is a lot of controversy about over vaccinating our pets. A recent publication with great validity has found that the vaccines are good for many many years, just like in humans. Pets that received all the needed shots in the early years are immune for life. At 20 yrs of age your cat is more likely to pass from natural old age than to die from any diseases!
2016-05-24 03:47:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
we have a 15+ year old cat and she long ago (5yrs apporox) stopped having injections. she doesn't need them she has built up an immune system from having them in the past. Just like humans we don't constantly need injections.
Read up in animal magazines, particulalry dog mags as there is a lot about vaccinations in there.
2007-01-23 23:37:20 · answer #4 · answered by ♥ Bekka ♥ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My cat is nearly 18 and she has had her shots every year. No problems yet. Worse thing the shots do is make her sleepy and irritable for a day.
2007-01-24 00:07:05 · answer #5 · answered by licketychick 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should talk to the vet about this, I don't know, we got our 4 month old her shots right away.
2007-01-23 23:13:44 · answer #6 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ask your vet
2007-01-23 23:07:11 · answer #7 · answered by John B 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋