No more vaccines

[April2]

Today I took Misha for her annual vaccines. Since she gets so stressed going to the vet they usually try to give her benedryl to relax her and keep her for awhile. It was supposed to help keep her from throwing up in her kennel too. No dice, didn't work. She still threw up before we even left while I was talking to the vet. The vet said it might be best to make these her last vaccinations since she gets so stressed out and some of these vaccinations last 3 to 7 years anyway, especially with her being a geriatric cat and the fact that she's an indoor cat. She should be fine.

Boy, if that wasn't a wake up call for me that my cat probably doesn't have more than a few years left in her. :(

I don't want to stress her out any more than necessary, either. She not only threw up but pooped in her kennel on the way home, poor thing. I had to give her a bath when I got home.

It does seem like it's gotten worse. She also has lost so much weight over the last couple of years. We've had so many tests run on her and there's no reason why she should be losing weight, except her age, I guess. She's down to 7.6 pounds now. Just a few years ago she was an overweight cat at 11 plus pounds. She just can't afford to lose anymore. The vet recommended I start giving her a higher calorie wet food like Friskies, just to get a little weight on her, or to at least keep her from losing any more. I'm sure she'd like that.

But I guess I'll have to face that I may not have Misha over the next few years. She's already 13 and if the cancer returns I don't want to put her through another surgery. Guess I'll just have to enjoy my cat for as long as I can.

[PrettyKitty1]

The vet sends me a reminder every year. I will talk to them to request the 3-year shots :-)

[opus88]

PK. following the initial series of Vac's most are only recommended every 3 years NOT the annual vac's like most Vets want you to do.
www.catvaccines.com/feline_vaccination_guidelines.htm

and their is so much press about the dangers too, esp with vac site sarcomas
www.catvaccines.com/sarcomas.htm

scary!!

[PrettyKitty1]

I didn't know about the recommendations to stop vaccinating our kitties when they get older. I was kind of thinking about that since I see absolutely no need for them to get all stressed out when they are always inside and nothing poses a threat to them.

[Jade59]

Hey April, I think you're making the right decision here.  Poor Misha.  I sure hope you have many more years with your beautiful girl.  

[zodiacqueen]

Hi April, it's rough on us when our fur kids get old!!  And, btw.....I stopped getting vaccines for mine when she hit 10 yrs old.  I've read that it's better for our indoor kitties to stop them and will do them no harm.  And, no your vet was NOT hinting that your kitty's days are numbered!  So, stop thinking that!  =)

I do share your concern about Misha's weight!  How is her appetite?  If she's not eating well, there is an awesome quick fix that your vet can give her.  It's an appetite stimulant called (spelling......LORD help me...LOL) Cyproheptadine.  Well......I tried dang it!  Anyway, this stuff is great and works in 15 minutes.  No exaggeration either!!  Ask your vet about this.  Misha's gotta keep some weight on her to keep healthy!

May you have many more wonderful years with her!

ZQ

[dominosarah]

May you have many years left with Misha.  She is lucky to have you as her mom~~~~~sara

[opus88]

poor little Misha, I feel so bad for her and all the stress. I am soooo glad you and her doctor have decided no more vac's...good choice. In fact after alot of reading and considering my boys are also indoor cats, I too have come to the decision of no more!!

April, Pk has said it all....I too hope you and Misha have many many more happy times together, the love and good care have brought her a long way and will continue too.
























































Poor little Misha, I feel so bad for all her stress and anxiety with those Vet visits, I agree with you're decision not to vaccinate again and for all other Veterinary care I would strongly suggest you ask you're Vet if he would come to the house to treat her. this going to the clinic is just to traumatizing for her.
My dear Opus was the same, he had undergone so much for the years of testing and treating his problems that the sight of his cage would be enough to cause him distress.
His final 6 months I gave in and allowed him to progress as he may without further intervention, he had just had enough so other than his daily meds and all the foods he loved I let him be, just to rest and enjoy his last few months.

But MIsha is still well and I too hope has alot of time left to spend with you, you're love and care will continue to be a huge benefit.

I also agree with her Vet that she eat a canned high calorie diet....however Friskies would not be my choice, she should really be eating a high quality source of meat protein and not meat by products. also one with no carbs(grain fillers)...but any canned food is a good start and its you're decision to take it from there...start slowly in the transition if she has been on dry or it will unfavorably affect her digestion.

best of luck April and Misha, please keep us updated

[PrettyKitty1]

I would do the same thing. Just keep giving her the best care possible and enjoy time with her. I have to agree with you and the vet that there is no need to stress her out with vaccines and trips to the vet. She is an older cat. She is indoors, and she is well taken care of.

The weight loss may very well be just age related, April. Please let us know how she does on the new diet. Hopefully it will not stress her digestive system and cause more vomiting. Poor thing. Poor kitty.

I am truly hoping you will get to spend many, many more years with her. She is privileged because she is YOUR cat and you love her and take excellent care of her..so that will definitely help to keep her around a little longer. You'll see :-)