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Question
Norman, we have 3 indoor cats that never go outside. What do you consider the necessary vaccinations to be given these cats? We've just been letting the Vet give whatever without any questions. All of our cats are completely healthy in every way.
Thanks
Ed
Edward,
Remember, I am not a vet, but indoor only cats need to vacccinated against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calici (this is a 3-1 vaccine). There is a 4-1 (for chlamydia in additon to the other 3), but this is really unnecessary and can have some nasty side effects, so I would settle for the 3-1 vaccine. Depending on your jursidtiction, they may have to be vaccinated against rabies. All vaccines should be given intramuscularly and in a rear thigh muscle (in case of needle site sarcoma). Vaccines should be given at least 3 weeks apart. No other vaccines are necessary for indoor cats. FeLV can only be contracted out of doors, FIV can only be contracted out iof doors, so I would not give them.
Here is some recent stuff on feline vaccinations:
http://www.catvets.com/professionals/guidelines/publications/?Id=176
Best regards... Norm.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Norman, This is exactly the information I was seeking, and more! The Feline Practitioners Guide for Vaccines that you referenced was an extra unexpected and much appreciated bonus!! Thanks and keep up the good work. Ed | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Norman Auspitz
Expertise
I can answer most non-veterinary questions about cats. My particular expertise is pedigree cats, breeding and showing. However, I am versed in feline behavior, cat breeds and their characteristics, general feline husbandry, and the like.
Experience
I judged for the Canadian Cat Association from 1975 until 1982. I am currently an approved allbreed judge for the Cat Fanciers'' Association (the world''s largets cat registry), and have been judging for them since 1991. I have been breeding pedigreed cats since 1971 and have been exhibiting pedigreed cats in shows since 1970. I obtained my first pedigreed cat in 1970 and have never looked back. In 1971, I obtained my first Abyssinian which has become my primary breed. In addition, I have bred Manx and Persians. Currently, besides the Abyssinians, I am also breeding Maine Coons.
Organizations
Cat Fanciers'' Association, inc. (CFA) and the Manx, Maine Coon, and Abyssinian breed councils. I am currently Abyssinian breed council secretary.
Publications
Cat Fancy Magazine, The Abyssinian Chapter in The Cat Fanciers'' Association Complete Cat Book, and Articles for various editions of The Cat Fanciers'' Association Yearbook
Education/Credentials
I received a B.S. from Drexel University in 1968, a M.Math from University of Waterloo, in 1970, a Ph.D. from University of Waterloo in 1975, and a MBA from McMaster University in 1980. I received my approved allbreed judging status in the Cat Fanciers'' Association in 1999.
Awards and Honors
We have produced a number of Cat Fanciers'' Association (CFA) National winning Abyssinian and Maine Coons. We have produced a number of Abyssinian and Maine Coon Distinguished Merit females (an award for a top producing cat), including the first Distinguished Merit Abyssinian in the red (sorrel) color. I am the CFA Abyssinian breed council secretary and belong and/or hold office in a number of cat clubs. I am also a member of the CFA Judges Association.
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