Aren’t you glad you don’t have the Polio Virus? 

Why do you think you escaped this deadly disease and many others diseases? 

My uncle was a normal 4 year old little boy until he was struck with the Polio virus.  He was one of the rare ones to survive it, but he suffered from its symptoms, was crippled and was in severe pain for the next 60 years of his life.  But being stubborn, he wouldn’t let his lame leg that had to be secured in a cold, painful leg brace and the other Polio related pain slow him down. 

Why in the world am I telling you about my uncle?  Because shortly after he contracted Polio, a vaccination against this deadly virus was found.   

The point is, VACCINES SAVE LIVES!   

If you can’t afford to vaccinate a new pet once a year, DON’T GET A NEW PET! 

If you can’t afford to finish the kitten series of booster vaccines, DON’T ADOPT A KITTEN! 

THERE IS NO REASON WHY ANY PET SHOULD EVER DIE FROM A CONTAGIOUS VIRUS WHEN THERE IS A VACCINE TO PREVENT IT. 

Don't think the veterinary clinic is just trying to get money out of you?  NO, the yearly examination and vaccines which is under $100 is there to save lives and allow your pet to live to be 13-20 years old.  The examination and conversation you have with your veterinarian is PRICELESS!  You may casually mention, “yeah, Fido has been doing good, but now that you mention it, he has been drinking a little more and has lost some weight”.  This sentence may have just extend the life of your pet. 

Why do I care if you vaccinate your pets?  Because I care about your pet and unvaccinated animals spreading disease.  I especially care because many of you are adopting one of our rescued cats and we are not in the business to save cats and get them out the door as quick as possible.  But we love each and every cat we take in.  They aren’t a number to us like some shelters.  We promised each one to find them a loving family.. 

This importance of vaccination is dedicated to my uncle George who was relieved from his pain and went to his rainbow bridge on 10-30-09.  I know he is there with all of the dogs he rescued during his lifetime.  When he was younger, he seen a burlap bag in a field moving as he drove by.  He stopped and went to examine what was in the bag.  When he opened it up, a bunch of puppies took off running.  My uncle with his crippled leg was only able to catch one of the puppies.  Her name was Princess!  As a little girl I would curl up in her stinky bed with her.  She lived to a ripe old age and very spoiled. 

Please remember, VACCINES ARE GIVEN FOR A REASON! 

What vaccines do cats need? 

FVRCP – Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotrachetis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia, (all contagious and potentially deadly diseases).  ALL cats and kittens need this vaccine. 

FeLV – Protects again the Leukemia virus.  Very contagious and 100% fatal.  Any cat or kitten that ever steps one foot outdoors even for a second, needs this vaccine and yearly. 

Rabies – Protects against the Rabies virus.  100% fatal to pets and people if they contract it.  This is a yearly vaccine for cats. 

Kitten and Cat Vaccine Schedule 

FVRCP 

Kittens should be vaccinated at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks.  Kittens need threes sets.  Then they need to be vaccinated every 12 months thereafter.  If you don’t get the booster vaccines, the kitten is NOT covered against disease and if exposed, could and most likely will die.  You will have to start the vaccine series all over again if you didn’t finish it correctly! 

Adults that have never been vaccinated need one vaccine and then a booster 4 weeks later.  Then they need to be vaccinated every 12 months thereafter. 

FeLV 

Kittens should be vaccinated at 9-10 weeks and boostered at 13-14 weeks.  Then they need to be vaccinated every 12 months thereafter.  If you don’t get the booster vaccine, the kitten is NOT covered against disease and if exposed, will not have a very long life.  You will have to start the vaccine series all over again if you didn’t finish it correctly! 

Adults that have never been vaccinated need one vaccine and then a booster 4 weeks later.  Then they need to be vaccinated every 12 months thereafter. 

Rabies

Kittens should be vaccinated at 16 weeks.  Then they need to be vaccinated every 12 months thereafter. 

We DO NOT recommend the FIV vaccine.  Consult with your veterinarian.

Why not just go to a store and buy the vaccine and do it myself?  Or go to a vaccine clinic? 

Store bought vaccines may not have all of the correct virus protection in them that your cat needs or may have more things in them than they need which overloads the immune system.

If they weren’t stored right during shipping, they are useless.

Your pet may have a serious reaction to them.

Your pet hasn’t been examined by a doctor first to make sure they are healthy and stable for a vaccine.

Most of the vaccines sold over the counter are vaccines that a reputable veterinarian wouldn’t use.  Doctors spend countless hours in research and continuing education to find the safest, most efficient vaccines available for your beloved pet. 

Not all vaccine clinics are in the best interest of your pet.  Many don’t have the time to give your pet a good examination and don’t inquire about behavior or health oddities your pet may developed over the past 12 months. 

In the long run, you get what you pay for! 

Please also vaccinate the outdoor cats you are caring for and of course…. Have them spayed and neutered.