Our question this week was:

Dr. Jon – I like to do things myself to save money. I know my cats are out of date on their vaccines -Leukemia/FIV/Calici/panleukopenia/ rhinotracheitis, and Chlamydia. But it seems that the vaccines are in no supply. I can't find them anywhere. What do you recommend?

Bill

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. I'm not sure about this. I do know there have been a lot of problems from owners giving their own shots. I'm a do it yourselfer too but this is not an area I generally recommend doing it yourself.

We have seen (in practice) a lot of pets get sick from diseases they should have been vaccinated for but were vaccines the owners gave. I'm not sure if the feed store quality is different or it is how they are stored, given, etc.

Are they indoor or outdoor cats? One thing - recommendations for vaccines have changed to about every 3 years for adult cats that have previously had a set of kitten shots. An exception are outdoor cats with a high risk of exposure to feline leukemia or as it pertains by law to rabies vaccines (varies with your county).

I'm not sure if your local shelters - but some of them here do very inexpensive vaccines once or twice a month (cost less than what most owners can get them for) as an option.


An article that I recommend you read is: The Irreverent Vet Speaks on Owners That Want to Give Their Own Shots.

Regards,

Dr. Jon



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