Vaccine advice???

Hi all,

My kitten is going in for his first shots next week, he'll be 12 weeks old.   Because he's 12 weeks, they might want to give him the required rabies shot.

I want to opt for core-vaccines only (FVRCP & Rabies), since he's an indoor-only cat with no contact with other animals.

I have heard that cats should only be given non-adjuvanted (MLV or Recombinant) vaccines -- because "killed" (adjuvant) vaccines have been known to cause sarcomas.  I want to take all precautions because I lost a dog to cancer that was potentially caused by improper vaccination.

I called my vet's office to see what type of vaccines they have and if I could request non-adjuvanted vaccines, and the Practice Manager responded:

We have both Merial's Purevax Rabies 1 year vaccination and Merck's Nobivac Rabies 1 year.  If you prefer the Purevax we have it available at your request.  Some of the other vaccinations it depends on how they are made as some are only adjuvanted but still have extremely low reaction rates.  When you are here just ask the doctor and they can answer any questions you may have about the specific vaccines for your pets lifestyle.

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In my research online, it looks like the Merial 1 yr Purevax is what I should opt for, as the Merck's is a killed (adjuvanted) vaccine.

My question is -- is it OK to give the FVRCP combo vaccine that's adjuvanted?  

If not, what are other options I should specifically request for?

This is a very controversial subject, and you're going to get differing opinions. Personally, if I were ever to get a kitten, I would vaccinate as little as possible. I would probably do rabies Purevax once and titre if necessary. I do think it depends on the situation though, possible exposure to other animals, your local laws, your comfort levels, etc.

Hi there,

Thanks, this is how I feel about it, too.  I prefer to edge on the side of less vaccination vs. over vaccination when possible.  I personally think the vaccination schedule that most vet office use is too much.  I want him to have the core vaccines and rabies (it's required where I am) but I'm not too concerned about anything else given our situation. I understand other people have different opinions and different studies suggest different things, I'm just trying to look for input for similar-minded folks.

We give mlv vaccines in a series of 3 for kittens, and at 1 year. These are FVRCP of course.

After that, I believe adult cats are overvac'd, a yearly vax once every 3-4 years is plenty sufficient for an indoor cat.

Also depending on your location, Rabies is so rare it's rediculous, and for an indoor cat, I wouldn't bother.

It is however very improtant that your kitten have it's vaccines, they have very immature immune systems and are so vulnerable....whether or not they are indoors only, panleukopenia/Rhinotracheitis/Calicivirus are all extremely common and hearty, and target kittens.

All are in the vaccine.

A cat carrying panleukopenia can pee on the grass, 2 years ago and that grass will STILL have the virus active and spreadable. Walk on that grass, walk into your house, and you have brought it to your indoor only cat.

Panleuk is the feline version of Parvo in puppies, and we all know how big, bad and deadly parvo is.

Same same.

Please get your kitten vac'd, keep him safe and living a healthy, long life.

Thanks for the feedback.  The MLV is what I'd like to opt for, but it seems it's hard to find in my area.   I am more familiar with vax for dogs, as I went through this stuff 2 years ago when we adopted our puppy (and good to know about "feline parvo" -- that I can understand!)

Originally Posted by catwoman707  
 

Also depending on your location, Rabies is so rare it's rediculous, and for an indoor cat, I wouldn't bother.

Please get your kitten vac'd, keep him safe and living a healthy, long life.

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Whether or not to vax isn't the question - it's what type of vaccines/how many are most appropriate.  I've heard conflicting things re: MLV vs. Killed.

And I am in Maine (USA), and rabies is quite common here in the wildlife (not so much domestic pets, possibly due to vaccination rates).  Bats often get in houses and are frequent carriers.

catwoman707 said:

Also depending on your location, Rabies is so rare it's rediculous, and for an indoor cat, I wouldn't bother.

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Here in Massachusetts it is the law. Abby gets the Purevax vaccine.

In case you haven't read it, here's a link to Dr. Pierson's write up about vaccines.  http://www.catinfo.org/?link=vaccines#Vaccines

She seems to be saying no to the killed FVRCP, so that would mean the MLV version, which Merial makes.  Hope her summary helps your decision making.