rabies shot for an 18 yearl od cat

Question

I just heard that it could be very dangerous for an 18 year old to recive a rabies shot. My cat has never ever been out and she is in perfect health. I want to adapt a kitten that i found but they (county animal services) r saying that my 18 year old cat has to be vaccinated. I dont want her to get sick or even die because of what ever is in this vaccinion! Is this true? I am willing to vaccinate the new kitten with everything but I dont know now if I should take a chance. Please advise, thank you

ooOoooooamused · Answer

Hi, 
I know this is very old but I agree with many here, do NOT give a rabies to an old or sick kitty!
I took my 16 y/o in with some issues they took some blood work to address. They gave a rabies shot and two weeks later kitty was dead!
It wasn't until after i started seeing signs of stress (day 3) that I started doing research about possible side effects of rabies shots... only to find dozens, HUNDREDS even of stories just like my own:((
Its absolutely UNBELIEVABLE what some will do to try and squeeze 5 bucks out of people!!

opus88 · Answer

Rabies is hard on any cat, but especially so on an older one:( but I see what ur up against and it's better to vaccinate than leave him behind, just do so well ahead of yr planned moved so he has time to recoup from the after effects well ahead of the trauma of a long flight.
Also ask yr Vet for the ONE year  rabies vac called PUREVAX it us a much safer vac b/c it does not contain a live virus

CML2014 · Answer

Hi Old Cat.

Ask you veterinarian about a rabies immunity test (titer). If your cat has sufficient rabies immunity the proof may be able to be used in place of an actual shot.

You of course could ask your veterinarian to provide an exemption letter. Before you do this make sure it would be accepted by European Animal Health agencies.

Finally--Everyone runs from Rabies shots, because of all of the things you hear. Fact is It can actually protect your pet from this horrible disease, as well as exempt you from legal problems and quarantine if your cat was to bite someone.  If your cat is an indoor outdoor cat, I would say it should be a necessity. If indoor only your vet may be able to provide you with an excuse.

You do realize just getting your cat to Europe will be a very stressful event for an elderly cat. 

So, some options to weigh.

Good Luck,
CML

Theoldcat · Answer

I want to move back to Europe and bring my 19 year old cat. He's my best friend and I need him with me. But they require the rabies vaccine . He had the vaccines when he was younger but I havnt given it to him for years now. He's so delicate. I'm worried he will also get sick or die from it

davz · Answer

Yesterday was a very sad day because my family lost our 15 year old cat two days after he was taken to the vet and given a rabies vaccine. Be VERY careful, do your research, ask the vet what the vaccine does, if it is truly needed, and if there are dangers involved. A poster above recommended taking preventative measures before agreeing to the vaccine. I wish that we had the foresight to do this. Do not just agree to the vaccine because "doctor knows best". As my family found out, the vaccine proved to be lethal. Please let your friends and family know about this danger.

Jade59 · Answer

You might want to print out the link I left for you, as well as the link Zodiacqueen left you on the law in FL regarding rabies vac's for elderly cats, bring it with you when you take your kitten to the vet and at that time get a letter of excuse to give Animal Services.  Rabies shots are very hard on kitty and if it's not necessary, then no reason to put your 18y.o through it.  Yes, please insist on the exemption.  

Let us know how it goes and best of luck!

opus88 · Answer

I agree with ZQ. an 18 y.o INDOOR kitty is not a risk..and the risk of side effects for an indoor aged kitty greatly outweigh any rewards..
Please insist on the exemption. you are right to be concerned....♥

zodiacqueen · Answer

Hi, I also have an 18 yr old kitty that my vet has ALLOWED her to be exempt from getting the vaccine.  This law can be overridden.  I'm glad that there is this option for us!  My cat always felt like crap for days after the vaccine, and w/ our cats advanced age they do not need any added health problems.

For your peace of mind, check out this link that I found!  

http://www.thedogplace.org/VACCINES/Rabies-exemption-form-exempt-states-10073.asp

Yes, this site says dog place, BUT this is about cats, too!

nancyjac · Answer

Your cat needs to be vaccinated because it is the law.  It has nothing to do with getting the kitten.  

Any cat at any age can have an adverse reaction to any vaccination.  Having said that, it is not common and statistically the benefits way outweigh the risks.  A live vaccine has more potential for side effects than a killed vaccine but killed vaccines may not be as effective.  I would recommend you talk to your vet and see if the killed rabies vaccine is a legally acceptable option for your older cat.  At this point, it is not really your choice.  If you refuse to have your cat vaccinated, animal services may be required to take the cat from you.

Jade59 · Answer

Hi and welcome to the cat forum.  I understand your distress about vaccinating such an elderly cat.  I googled Fl law about rabies and this is what the first site I clicked on said.

"# By law, rabies vaccines must be administered by a licensed veterinarian to all domesticated dogs, cats and ferrets over 4 months old. Your pet is not required to be vaccinated against rabies if a veterinarian has declared in writing that the vaccine could jeopardized your pet's health"

Read more: Rabies Vaccination Laws in Florida | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_5977424_rabies-vaccination-laws-florida.html#ixzz1Eicfm3Dy

So speak with your vet about this and it the vet agrees it's not necessary, especially since she's an indoor kitty, possibly you can get a letter of excuse.  

Good luck!