Well we finally got a little break from da storms yesfurday and me got to visit a lot of ya’. Dat weather guesser says we should be in fur sunshine startin’ tomorrow afternoon. Me sure hopes so; me hasn’t been fur a stroll in furever. Me did get da sads while visitin’ as there have been quite a few kitties who have joined sis Lexi this week includin’ me’s furiend Spooky from 15 and Meowing. Mommy says da sads are cuz our brains know they’re in a better place now and no longer sufferin’, but our hearts just can’t make sense of it all. Me can attest to da makin’ no sense fur sure. Purrlease lift up and support your furiends, loss is hard on us all.
You know with all da storms we’ve been havin’ lately and knowin’ dat tornado season is comin’ up soon, me had been thinkin’ ‘bout writin’ a posty on disaster purrparedness. We’s posted one befur but we think it’s a really purrtant topic so there’s nothin’ wrong with postin’ every year. And yesfurday one of me’s furiends and fellow cat scouts made dat very suggestion. It’s better to be purrpared and not need it than to be caught in a disaster with nothin’ but da purrverbeal shirt on your back. So dat there’s no confusion, me’s switchin’ to human speak so everypawdy can understand.
As me said, we have tornados, flooding and high winds, but no matter what weather patterns are prevalent in your area the following applies to all disaster/emergency circumstances and all pets.
You should have a First Aid Kit for your pets on hand at all times, and keep it’s contents up to date and fresh. Me will cover what goes in that kit shortly. You should also know which, if any shelters in your area are pet friendly. A lot of shelters are only for humans and only allow Service Animals because of the laws. Please don’t pass your pet off as a Service Animal. You might also want to check for pet friendly hotels/motels in your area. A last resort would be boarding. Check with your VET, shelter, groomers, etc. for boarding facilities in your area and know their policies. Most boarding situations require the animal to be up to date on all vaccinations.
Please don’t leave your pet at home alone in the hopes they will survive and you’ll be reunited. Altho’ they will be stressed, they will be far more comfortable being with you than trying to weather the “storms” by themselves. It’s a good idea to get your pet comfortable with their carrier/PTU before a disaster.
Be sure to have a list of emergency numbers on hand and in your First Aid Kit. Your cell number along with your VETs number and a family members number should be on that list. Keep current photos of all pets on hand and make sure your pet has identification with up to date contact information. Updating your pets microchip information is usually free. We use a company called Pet Link. You can register all your pets microchips with them for a nominal fee; and then all updates are free.
We’ve recently learned that emergency personnel look on the fridge for information about the residents of a dwelling and any medical conditions, etc., so it’s a good idea to put your pets information there as well. Things such as how many and what species of animal lives in your house as well as VET information and any medical conditions/special instructions for them should be listed. Mommy keeps photos of us/me on the fridge and on the back of the photo is our name, age, and any special instructions. In me’s case, it says me is a Service animal named Deztinee, and that me also answers to Dezi. Me’s age and what food me eats is also included along with mommy’s cell phone number and our VETs number. Just in case, mommy also keeps a photo just like this on the front door and in the glove compartment of our car.
The next thing you need is a small bag for your pets that contains at least 3 days worth of food, litter and (disposable) litterbox (for cats and other small animals), water, a favorite blanky/you scented shirt or bed, food and water bowls or paper plates and disposable spoons. A pooper scoop and plastic bags for disposal and a toy or two. Treats and nip are optional. Mommy also likes to keep an extra leash and harness in our bag in case there’s a problem with the one we’re using. Paper towels for clean up, a small washcloth and towel are also handy items to have. Often a hard shell carrier/PTU can double as a litterbox if you use liners in it.
Now let’s get to the contents of that First Aid Kit. You’ll need the following if your going to make your own:
1. Current photos of your pet and any proof of ownership in a plastic baggy. (vet records will suffice)
2. Phone numbers for you, your Vet, and an emergency contact person who is not in your area and might not be affected by your emergency. Phone lines and cell towers may be down.
3. Gauze pads and adhesive tape and/or the sticky wrap
4. Cotton balls and swabs
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
6. Disposable Gloves
7. Scissors and tweezers
8. Antibiotic Ointment and Anti Itch Cream
9. Oral Syringe and/or Turkey baster
10. Alcohol
11. Styptic Powder/Pencil
12. Claw Clippers
13. Artificial Tear Gel
14. Band Aids (mommy keeps a few in our kit for her if she gets bit or clawed while trying to trim claws or care for a wound-they don’t take up that much room)
15. Any medications your pet may need. If your pet is diabetic, you’ll need ice packs. And keep some insulin in an easily grabbable baggie in the front of the fridge, clearly marked for emergencies. Syringes can be kept in your kit or packed bag at all times.
16. Liquid dish soap such as Dawn
17. Flashlight
19. Saline Solution
20. Ice Pack
21. Disinfectant
Be sure to check your kit every 3 months or so for expired items. Always keep your kit fresh and up to date.
Altho’ this is not a comprehensive list, it’s pretty close to it. You can purchase a First Aid Kit instead of making your own, but you will need to add a few things to it especially if your pet requires medications. These kits vary in price depending on where you buy it.
Well me sure hopes this helps. Remember, your pet will be frightened and nervous during a disaster, so any preparations you can make in advance will make this time less stressful for all of you. And trust me when me says, we would much rather be with you than fending for ourselves. Please Don’t leave us behind. You wouldn’t leave a baby or two year old behind…
Meowllo everypawdy it’s finally Furiday. Mommy and me have been tossin’ around an idea fur a while now and we decided to bring it to you all today. So purrlease let us know what you think and ifin you would like to see more of by commenting and sharin’.
You know these days pet pawrents are concerned with what they’re feeding their furry furmily members. They wanna know things like what’s in it and where’s it made and is it nutritionally complete and so on. This movement has caused more and more pet pawrents to choose to make their furries food at home. But there are still lots of peeps dat can’t do dat or fur whatever reason don’t want to. We’s not makin’ any judgements here, dat’s not what this is about. We all want da bestest fur our family members whether they have fur or not. So we thought we’d bring you some easy peasy recipes you can make right in your own kitchen. You will have complete control over what goes in it and so you’ll know da treat you’re feedin’ is good fur “Fluffy”.
These are treats and therefur NOT nutritionally complete. They can also be used to administer some medications. Mommy used them more than once with sis Lexi. Keep in mind dat you can change da protein up. We are not big fish eaters at our house so mommy offen uses a can of chicken or some other protein. And just cuz da name sez “Mature Cats” doesn’t mean younger kitties can’t eat them.
Minnie’s Morsels for Mature Cats
1 can Sardines, packed in olive oil or water
1 Cup whole grain bread crumbs
1 Egg beaten
Preheat oven to 325°
Pour entire contents of Sardine can (or protein of choice) into a medium size bowl.
Using a fork, mash the Sardines into tiny pieces.
Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
Drop 1/4 teaspoonfuls of mixture onto lightly greased cookie sheet
Bake for 7 minutes
Cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
So there it is. Easy peasy right? These treats are really good and easy to make. Can’t tell ya’ exactly how long they last cuz we eat ‘em up befur they go bad. We have lots of recipes and recipe books. At one time the only folks makin’ Fido and Fluffy’s meals were da elite, but today we can all be da elite. We do hope you’ll give this a try and let us know what you think. As me does every weekend, me’s joinin’ Rascal and Rocco fur da Pet Parade.
Would you like to see more treat recipes?
Would you (or you the human) make treats for your furry if they were easy?
Well as you can see by me’s title, today me will talk ’bout me’s grief. Afur me gets started me wants to pawlogize fur not visitin’ fur a couple days. Mommy had to get ready fur da big inspection yesfurday and was totally exhausted at da end of each day. Hopefully it’s all over now and we can get back to da business of livin’ and visitin’. So now let’s get to it.
March 7, 2016: Sis Lexi had been feelin’ a little unner da weather and me had been spendin’ a lot of time with her back on da bed tryin’ to comfurt her. She had begun to do ’nuffin’ but sleep all day and all night. She wuld only get up to go to da pawdee box or get a drink. Mommy would carry her to da kitchen at meal times in da hopes of gettin’ her to eat sumthin’. Often mommy would open three to four different foods afur sissy would finally take a few bites and not spit it back out. Dat night after dinner, me sensed sumthin’ had changed with sissy. So when she crawled back up da steps to da bed, me followed her and gave her a quick bath and some luv and then returned to da livin’ room to be with mommy. Me mewed a quiet mew and settled in. Dat wuld be me’s last mommy mew fur over a week. Mommy seemed to sense dat sumthin’ was up too, cuz she started cryin’ when she saw me jump up on da cat tree and settle in fur an after dinner nap.
March 8, 2016: Sissy still helped me with mommy but she was gettin’ ’round really slow. Me needed her help, but me mostly ignored her. Mommy continued to carry sissy to da kitchen fur meals; hopin’ to get her to eat. And me? Me continued to ignore her. Mommy laid with sis Lexi and cried and begged her to eat, and purrayed fur God to help her. Each time mommy would get sissy to swallow a little bite of food, sissy would make herself throw it back up. And mommy would cry even harder. Me laid on da top of da cat tree tryin’ not to notice what was goin’ on. Me didn’t really unnerstand why mommy was cryin’ so much and tryin’ to force sissy to eat. Me had already sed “see ya” cuz me knew sissy wasn’t well and me didn’t know why mommy didn’t know dat. When we went to bed dat night mommy purrayed really hard fur sissy and asked God and sissy to give her a sign. She told sissy how much she loved and needed her but dat she didn’t want sissy to suffer needlessly. Finally mommy cried herself to sleep with sissy massagin’ her head.
March 9,2016: Sis Lexi kuldn’t keep her balance when she tried to stand, and she continued to refuse to eat. Mommy cried and couldn’t stop cryin’. She purrayed and asked God and sissy to let her know what to do. And sissy pulled herself into mommys lap and put her head down and mewed quietly and started to purr. Da well walls broke and mommy started sobbin’ so hard her body was shakin’, and she told sissy she unnerstood. When mommy got home me knew she was alone and dat sumthin’ was different, me just didn’t really know what. Me snuggled with mommy and tried to keep da tears on her face wiped up with me’s paws, but there was just too many of them. Me and mommy both furgot all ’bout dinner till really late. But even when mommy fixed me’s plate, me didn’t eat. Neither of us wanted to sleep dat night and so we didn’t. Every time me would nod off, me would jerk meself awake again til dawn’s light finally broke thru da darkness.
March 10, 2016: With da light of a new day, mommy gave me breakfast and as always fixed sis Lexi a plate too. But da plate went uneaten as all da plates in da last few days. Mommy just stood there lookin’ at it and cryin’. Both os us finally gave in to da exhaustion and laid back in mommy’s lift recliner fur a short nap. We didn’t sleep very good, but we did get a little rest. We had a big inspection comin’ up so mommy tried to busy herself with cleanin’. She picked up all da piddle pads dat had been all over da floors and da bed and threw them out. After vacuumin’ she didn’t put them all back down. Me watched from a distance and mommy sez me’s face looked puzzled. Mommy then tore all da linens off da bed to wash and put new ones on it. She also washed up da blankets, throws and comfurter. Sissy had thrown up and peed on them da day befur. When mommy finally got da bed all made up me climbed da steps and smelled it. Me looked back at mommy and then da bed several times befur returnin’ to da cat tree. When dinner time came, me was hungry after not eatin’ a couple of meals, so me ate everythin’ in me’s plate and asked fur more. Mommy sez she thought at dat point me was okay. Me’s here to tell you, she was Wrong. We went to bed dat night but me was a little uneasy. Things didn’t look or smell da same. But me cuddled up next to me’s quietly cryin’ mommy and we both drifted off to sleep.
March 11, 2016: After a restless night it was time to help mommy get up so she could make me brekky. Me started mommy’s massage as usual, but sis Lexi wasn’t there to help. When mommy could finally move a little me got into da wheelchair and started lookin’ round fur sissy. Me couldn’t see her anywhere, so me started callin’ out fur her. Me mewed and mewed but she never answered. After ’bout 30 minutes me jumped down and ran to da pawdee box room to see ifin she was in there. Me couldn’t see her, so me went to da livin’ room and climbed to da top of da cat tree look fur her. Mommy kept hollerin’ fur me and cryin’. Me finally gave up and went back to help mommy. After a bit of brekky me went back to lookin’ fur sissy. After a few hours of not hearin’ or seein’ me mommy came lookin’ fur me. She found me layin’ in front of da washin’ machine and tryn’ to see unner it. A long time ago sissy got stuck behind da washer and any time me couldn’t find her, dat’s da furst place me looked. Well of course mommy started cryin’ again and picked me up and took me to sit down with her. She went on and on ’bout how sissy went to heaven and wasn’t comin’ back, and dat she was lookin’ fur me a new helper, but me didn’t really unnerstand anythin’ she was sayin’. Me just wanted her to look fur sissy with me. And as soon as me could get loose, me was goin’ back to stand guard at da washer. Me was sure ifin she would just get on da washer and look behind it, she would see sissy. Me returned to me’s post at da washer several times over da next couple of days, but mommy never looked behind it. All she did was stare at me and cry.
As me sed, me continued searchin’ fur sissy and mewin’ fur her fur days. Eatin’ only a small amount at each meal and sleepin’ more offen then not. Mommy tried playin’ every game me likes but me just wasn’t innerested. Me’s been a little jumpy and nervous and uncertain ’bout just ’bout everything. Even normal sounds make me jump a little. Me even attacked mommys legs a couple of times out of furustration. Me scratched her leg up purretty good. She knew me didn’t mean it and never even hollered at me.
Mommy, me knows she’s here. Ifin you will just look, you will see.
March 18, 2016: Today marked da furst day since sissy left dat me didn’t spend any time lookin’ fur her. And after usin’ da pawdee box, me mewed fur mommy to clean it out. Mommy seemed thrilled to hear me holler fur her to clean da pawdee box. Da once tedious job now seemed to delight her. Me only mewed fur pawdee box cleanings, but mommy seemed to be happy. Over da next few days me got a little chattier and seemed a little less nervous. Of course inspection day had me on edge as usual, but mommy sez me bounced back after all da excitement was over. Me still has moments of lookin’ fur sissy, but mommy sez once she gets me a helper and a playmate dat will disappear. Me will always member and luv sissy, me just won’t search fur her any more.
While me didn’t act out or develop any “bad habits”, it’s not uncommon fur grievin’ pets to urinate outside of da litterbox or in da case of doggies, in da house. Altho’ not eatin’ is a sign of grief, ‘member, kitties cannot fast. If your kitty stops eatin’ fur more than 2 days, their body and vital organs can sustain irrepurrable damage. This condition is called Feline Hepatic Lipidosis which you can read about by clicking on it. Me didn’t mew much but your pet may become very vocal. Sleeping and general lethargy, loss of innerest in their favorite toys and treats may also be a sign of grief in your pet. Your pet may or may not search fur their missing house mate, but rest assured they feel da loss and don’t completely unnerstand what’s goin’ on. Extra luv and cuddles from you will help your grieving pet as much as it will help you. Adding a new pet, will also help distract and take the mind off da loss. You can NEVER replace da life or luv of your beloved pet, but you can open your heart and luv another. Sometimes it helps to get a new pet who looks nuffin’ like da one you lost. A good thing to ‘member, is dat when getting an anipal who looks identical to da one you lost is, dat da new furry has his/her own purrsonality and should have their own name, and be loved fur their uniqueness. Again, you CANNOT replace da furry you lost. To celebrate their uniqueness, buy them a new toy or food bowl. Mommy has little boxes fur each of her lost fur babies dat contains a favorite toy, dish, nip mat, collar or whatever. Sissy adored da nip mat awnty Ellen made fur us and now it resides in her memory box along with her favorite nip toys, a few whiskers dat had fallen out (mommy saves everyone she finds) and a tuft of fur mommy cut off befur sissy left us. There is no set way fur any of us to grieve, and there’s no set time on how long it’s gunna take. And to answer da question you wanna ask but won’t, yes, we’s had to delete “and Lexi” on just ’bout every comment we’s made.
C’mon mommy, where’s sissy hidin’?
On da inspection front, we sat ’round all day watchin’ and waitin’ and nuffin’. Finally da vice purresident of da management company dat mommy had worked with after da flood dropped by to check on us and sed our ‘partment wasn’t chosen fur inspection. Mommy figgers it’s cuz da lady from Rural Development spent so much time in our ‘partment befur, durin’ and after da flood incident, da managers harassment and all, dat she knows mommy keeps da ‘partment clean and legal and reports any purroblems purromptly. And ifin anythin’ was amiss, she would’ve already heard from mommy. So altho’ we’s good dat our ‘partment wasn’t chosen, we was furustrated dat mommy nearly killed herself over da last little bit gettin’ things in order. Anyways, there ya’ have it. Mommy and me are gonna be okay. It’s just gonna take a little time to get everythin’ back to what we call normal. And ifin anypawdy in our area knows of sum girly kitties in need of a home, purrlease let us know. Me really needs help and mommy and me both need sumkitty to focus our extra luv on. As we try to do every week. we’s joinin’ Rascal and Rocco fur da Pet Parade. And Lexi’s last post is up at da Daily Mews. Mommy and me also want you all to know dat sissy’s ashes be back home where she belongs. Mommy went to pick her up yesfurday.
Well it’s Pet Health month isn’t it? We’s written ‘bout da dental health and spayin’ and neuterin’, and so now we thought we’d give ya’ da 411 on vaccinations. Lots of controversy ‘bout this subject and we’s not gunna put an end to it; but we’s gunna try to purrsent da facts. And of course we’ll give ya’ sum opinions too. Ya’ might member last year when mommy and da VET had a disagreement ‘bout sis Lexi getting da Rabies vaccination, and mommy insistin’ on havin’ a Titer test done to purrove she didn’t need it specially since me had gotten so sick afterwards. They never agreed on what to do, but sissy does have anti-bodies and since she has da CKD and mommy’s makin’ da decisions, she didn’t get vaccinated. Now, cuz we’s cats, we are gunna be coverin’ da Feline Vaccinations. However we do know lots of our readers have doggies as well, so keep in mind dat da recommended vaccination schedule and even sum of da core vaccines are da same fur doggies. Ifin you want more infurmation about Canine Vaccinations click here. And cuz this is such a purrtant subject da followin’ will be in Human speak. So let’s get started.
Let’s start with explaining what a vaccine is. A vaccine can contain recombinant, modified live, or dead attributes of a virus or disease. When introduced into the host body (us cats) it helps build anti-bodies to fight off the disease if exposed. As with any medical procedure there are risks involved in vaccinating. An uncommon but serious side effect of vaccinations is a tumor or growth at the injection site. This is known as FISS, Feline Injection Site Sarcoma. Typically manufacturers state that vaccinations should be given yearly, and quite a few VETs blindly follow those recommendations. However, studies have proven that the protection provided by the vaccines last longer than a year. But before we move on let me explain the difference in the three types of vaccinations.
Dead or InactiveVaccines contain killed or inactive pathogens of the disease and are therefore considered the safest vaccine. Altho’ the inclusion of stabilizers and preservatives have been known to cause both acute and delayed adverse reactions.
Modified Live Vaccines contain intact pathogens that have been modified to provoke an immune response without actually causing the disease. All intranasal and some injectable vaccines contain Modified Live pathogens. In general these are the preferred vaccines as they stimulate immunity faster and longer.
Recombinant Vaccines are made up of certain genetic sequences of a live pathogenic virus combined with the DNA of a live non-pathogenic virus that can be given as a vaccine.
All of these vaccinations are available on the market, but may not be available at all clinics. If you are concerned with which type of vaccine is being given to your pet, you should ask your VET. Mommy insists on Inactive Vaccines when possible and our VET has to special order them because he carries the Modified Live. A fact he didn’t know until mommy asked. His initial response was, “I don’t know what kind of vaccines I give, no one’s ever asked. But surely they are dead.” We found both those statements to be very sad. Just because nobody had ever asked doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have known what he was injecting into his patients. Of course that wasn’t good enough for mommy, she made him check. He has changed some of his vaccines to the Inactive now.
We would be remiss if we didn’t include the fact that a Task Force was formed to study and give recommendations regarding the vaccination schedule for felines due to the adverse effects of vaccines being reported. That being said, the task force recommended that vaccinations shouldn’t be given just because it’s been a year since the last one. The risk factors and lifestyle of the cat in question should also be taken into consideration. Such as age, other health issues, environment, infectious agents and exposure. An inside only cat is at less risk for most diseases than those who go outside or live in a multi cat household. If you board your cat, you may be required to give additional vaccines that wouldn’t normally be necessary. Vaccines should be given to a healthy animal especially when using Modified Live or Recombinant vaccines.
Now that we’ve covered the types of vaccines let’s talk about the actual vaccines. They are grouped into 2 basic types, Core and Non Core. In the State of Oklahoma and many other places there is also the Required by law rabies vaccine.
The Core Vaccines are:
Panleukopenia: Also known as Feline Distemper and is caused by the feline Parvovirus. The virus can remain contagious in litter boxes, cages and bowls for months to years. Infection comes from a cat eating the live virus. Recent studies have shown that the Canine Parvovirus can be contagious to cats as well. The only protection from this disease is the vaccination. The vaccine is available in both the intra-nasal and injectable. The injectable is more effective at preventing the disease. Kittens should receive their first vaccination at 12 weeks with boosters at 16 weeks, and one year. And then no more frequently than every 3 years.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Feline Calcivirus: Most infectious upper respiratory diseases in cats are caused by the feline herpesvirus or calcivirus. These are transmitted from cat to cat by nose to nose contact or from objects such as food and water dishes. Most otherwise healthy cats will get over these on their own. But others can develop a chronic infection. These cats will have times when they appear totally healthy until they are stressed. At which time they will exhibit signs of the disease such as sneezing, runny eyes and nose. Infected cats will shed the disease for months up to a year and can therefore be a source of infection for others. These vaccines are available in intra-nasal, conjunctival (applied in eye) and injectable. The vaccine ‘Does NOT’ prevent the disease, but will lessen the effects. The injectable vaccine produces the least amount of adverse side effects. Vaccinations should be administered at 8 weeks with a booster at 16 weeks and one year later. Low risk cats should then receive boosters every 3 years.
Rabies: Rabies is mainly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Altho the infection can come from any fluid exchange with an open wound from species to species. Rabies is rare in rodents, but can be found in large populations of bats, skunks and other animals. Cats are relatively resistant to rabies but can be a potential source of infection for humans. There is no real treatment for rabies in cats; therefore it is highly recommended that cats be vaccinated. Again, this is the one vaccine that is mandatory by law in our State and many others. The Recombinant Vaccine offers protection with the lowest percentage of side effects. It is recommended that kittens receive the killed or recombinant vaccine at 12 to 16 weeks of age and then yearly boosters unless you are using the 3 year vaccine. Check your local laws regarding what is acceptable.
Feline Leukemia: Feline Leukemia can be transmitted by saliva, nasal discharge, biting, and/or sharing food and water dishes. It can also be transmitted by a mother to her kittens in utero or through her milk. Kittens under 16 weeks of age and cats living in catteries or large households where the virus is present or who go outside are at the highest risk and vaccination is recommended after a blood test. A blood test is performed before vaccinating because a vaccinated cat will test positive. There are potentially serious side effects associated with this vaccine. They can include local swelling or pain, lethargy, fever, post vaccination granuloma (benign lump) and most seriously, Vaccine Associated Sarcomas. A Sarcoma is a mass comprised of cancerous cells that can migrate from the injection site to other connective tissue, muscles and bone. Even with treatments and surgical removal their have been cat deaths associated with vaccination Sarcomas. That being said, vaccine manufacturers have made many strides towards safer vaccines in latter years. Vaccination Sarcomas are rare in comparison to the risk of infection of Feline Leukemia. Vaccination is recommended at 8 to 12 weeks with a booster at 16 weeks an then yearly.
So, those are the Core vaccines. With any adult cat of unknown origin, all Core vaccinations should be given immediately.
Non Core Vaccines:
Chlamydiosis: Chlamydia Psittaci is a bacteria affecting the eyes and respiratory tracts. It is easily cured with appropriate antibiotics.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis: FIP is caused by Feline Coronavirus. It is more common in crowded, overpopulated, dirty conditions and cats who become infected rarely survive. The vaccine currently available has been studied and shows no proof that it indeed offers any protection.
Dermatophytosis: In plain English that means Ringworm. Ringworm is caused by a fungus and can be easily treated. The current vaccine has not proven to offer protection.
Bordatella Bronchiseptica: This bacteria infects the respiratory tract and is most often resolved on it’s own in an otherwise healthy animal.
Giardia: Giardia is a protozoan parasite that attacks the intestinal tract. Infection usually comes from drinking contaminated water. The vaccine hasn’t shown evidence of offering any protection.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus: FIV is highly contagious and testing is recommended before introducing any new cat to the home. FIV is often referred to as Feline AIDS because it weakens the cats immune system. There is NO CURE for FIV. However, FIV positive cats can lead an otherwise normal happy life but care must be taken if they are sharing their home with FIV negative cats. Cats should be tested prior to vaccination because they will test positive after the vaccination. It should also be noted if a cat has been negative and vaccinated because of the false positive results that will show up in the future. The current vaccine has no studies to prove that it is effective.
Well if that isn’t information overload me doesn’t know what is. But we wanted to be thorough and fair in purrsentin’ the facts. Now fur some opinions. We’ve been asked a lot how we feel or what we think about vaccinations and if there are any we think are more important than others. And mommy’s opinion has changed over the years. You know way back when she followed the advice of the manufacturers and VETs she was a yearly vaccinator of all available. Yep, she even had one kitty vaccinated for Ringworm when he was 16 weeks old. He never got ringworm, but he also was never exposed. With the onset of studies and increased knowledge, and looking for a more natural approach, mommy no longer believes in vaccinating every year. We believe it’s very important to have all new kittens vaccinated with the Core Vaccines according to the schedule of 8 to 12 weeks, 16 weeks, and one year as well as spayed or neutered by 7 months. We also think it’s very important to have all adult cats of unknown origin vaccinated with all the Core Vaccines as soon as possible as well as spayed or neutered if necessary. We believe that vaccines should only be given to healthy animals thus mommys disagreement with our VET over sis Lexi getting vaccinated. If Fido or fluffy has a cold, wait a week or two. If they have a chronic ailment like sissy with the CKD, talk with your VET. Hopefully you have a better one than us and won’t be arguing over it.
Ain’t I a cutie?
Yes there are risks involved in vaccinating, but the diseases they help prevent are awful and unnecessary. As we said early on, Vaccines last longer than the one year manufacturers’ list. So after the initial yearly booster, we are vaccinated every third to fourth year with Panleukopenia. We are vaccinated against Rabies every 3 years but only because it’s required by law. Being Service Cats we do go into the public, but are protected from outside influences because we are in a covered stroller which doesn’t interfere with our duties for mommy. We are indoor only cats who are not exposed to other diseases or infectious pathogens and we initially tested negative for contagious diseases. Mommy does like to repeat the tests for a total of 2 times before initial vaccinations. Kittens can be tested as young as 6 weeks of age. We were both tested at 6 weeks and 9 weeks and then given our first round of vaccinations. For all older cats and cats with chronic ailments, we highly suggest talking with your VET about your cats lifestyle and what vaccinations may or may not be necessary. And there is always a Titer test available if antibodies are in question.
Me knows you wanna rub me’s floofy belly, don’cha’!?
We are cats. We don’t like to go to the VETs and we don’t like to be poked and prodded. But it is up to our humans to do what is best fur us whether we like it or not. Even if you choose not to vaccinate your pet, it is still necessary to have them examined at least once a year. We do recommend single vaccinations. It means more sticking but if your animal has any adverse reactions at least you’ll know which vaccination caused it. And if your pet has any side effects to vaccinations they should be reported to your VET and the vaccine manufacturer immediately. So there ya’ have it. We hope we’ve maybe cleared up some of the confusion you might have been having about vaccinations. If you have any questions, of course you may leave them in the comments and we’ll try to find an answer for you. Or you can check out the many articles online. There’s a great PDF put together by the Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel here. Me’s tired now, so me’s gunna go take a nap. And since mommy had to do all da typin’ fur me, she’s tired too. We’ll be by to visit ya’ as soon as we rest up a bit.
How often do you vaccinate your pets?
Do you know what type of vaccine your VET uses?
Are you worried about the side effects of vaccinations?
Service Cats U.S. 