shots for cat?

[rtr111]

does an outdoor cat need to have alll her shots if she was found as a stray about the age of a year?

[rtr111]

thank you this was very helpful! And thank you so much for the comment on chloe! :) I still have two other pictures I have to post up in the near future! Haha

[ChitChatNine]

I didn't realize that pets can be "titred" for immunizations ... we did the titre for the MMR shot with my son entering Kindergarten because he tends to get reactions to vaccines (but thankfully the reactions are  bad enough to exempt him from them but enough to not re-vaccinate if good results via blood).   He passed and didn't have to have the MMR given again --- this is a great option for pets, too, but as you say it may cost more for the labwork than the vaccine itself

RTR111, Your new cat is really cute -- I commented on her photo
http://www.medhelp.org/user_photos/show/100681?personal_page_id=286008  ;

C~

[Thomas Dock, CVJ, Vet. Technician]

Thanks so much for helping to take care of this stray kitty!!

Since her vaccine history is unknown, she should be vaccinated to keep herself protected as well as protecting your family.  First, she should receive an initial feline distemper vaccine (FVR-CP) followed by a booster in about 3 weeks.   She should also receive a Rabies vaccine with a booster in 1 yr.

I would also recommend that she be tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS.   If she is negative, depending on her lifestyle (indoors only or outdoors, single cat vs multi cat household) you and your veterinarian could also consider the Feline Leukemia vaccine.

After her boosters, she should be vaccinated per the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) protocols.   That is rabies and distemper once every 3 years and feline leukemia vaccine based on her risk factors.

Alternatively, you could opt to have her titered tested, which essentially means that the veterinarian will pull blood and send it to a reference lab to look for antibodies to rabies and distemper viruses.   Then, depending on her "titers" you and your veterinarian can make a decision about vaccinating.  The downside to this is that it generally costs more than vaccines and there is still controversy about how to interpret the results of the titer tests.

Please keep in mind that you should follow local ordinances with respect to rabies vaccines for your cat.

I hope this helps...be sure to message back if you have any questions.