How Much and How Often?

My kitty has never gotten her rabies shot I bought her from a shelter about a year ago. She was born in the shelter and raised there until I bought her. She had some shots done there and she was also fixed and chipped. But, they didn't give her a rabies shot. She hasn't been to a vet since. Should i take her asap? I don't have a lot of money so I need to find the cheapest way to make sure she is healthy without going to a vet twice a year. Help?

Thanks, Nicole.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Most towns offer FREE Rabies vaccine clinics for cats and dogs once or twice per year.  Please call your town hall or police or fire dept to find out when the next free Rabies clinic will be.  You can also check local newspaper's  for the Rabies clinic Ad's.  The Rabies vaccine at these clinic's is given by a local licensed veterinarian.

The disadvantage to the free Rabies clinic is that an exam is not performed prior to administration of the vaccine.

Some pet mega stores offer low cost vaccine clinic's once or twice monthly.  Call your local Petco or Petsmart or equivalent about these.  These clinic's can update vaccines, but if there is a problem with the patient,  the veterinarian at the clinic will advise you to take your cat to a local vet.  

A cat should have an exam at least once per year and have vaccines (or vaccine titers) renewed.