Feel like a criminal

So I just got off the phone with the humane society about an application I put in a week ago for a kitten.  The backstory on the 2 only cats I've ever owned goes something like this;  they both got their routine vaccines and boosters up until the age of around 9.  I decided that since they were indoor only I would stop vaccinating them and my vet agreed.  Also since I've quit the rabies vaccine that means I can't license them in town.  Fast forward to today where the humane society grilled me about not being up to date on my cat.  She made me feel worthless and I am fuming at this point at her tone and how she judged me.  I'm mad the vet tech didn't tell her that the vet agreed with the no vaccine thing.  She said they're still reviewing my app but I'm sure I won't be selected.  Now, I'm worried they will call my village board and report my cat for not being licensed and take him away.  I should have never applied and just get a kitten from an add in the paper.  Thanks for letting me vent..

I don't know the law in Wisconsin but in Georgia, rabies vaccines are required by law.  Some of mine are behind on it right now and I do need to get them current.  Even though mine only get the one-year vaccine instead of the three-year vaccine, the vet says the one year vaccine actually lasts about three years anyhow.  I appreciate your reminder in your venting that there ARE laws and we do need to obey them.  I will be checking my cats' records and carrying them to the low cost vaccine clinics when I can get a friend to take me.

You're doing the responsible thing by not vaccinating your cats, please don't let anyone make you feel otherwise.  In all honesty, I check "yes" to "are you cats up-to-date on vaccinations?" on adoption applications so I don't have to get into it.  I have one who has a very adverse reaction to rabies vaccinations.  If it were ever a legal issue for me(thankfully have never lived where it was), I would ask his vet for a letter of exemption, titer testing, or whatever would work.  I'm having some brain fog right now so hopefully I'm not forgetting that that would not work in most cases!

I don't think you should be concerned about having your cats taken away.  I'm sorry you're so worried about that, though, as I know how awful I would feel in your shoes.  I'm also sorry that you might not get your kitten.  I'm not sure where you are in WI but I might have some suggestions for other places to try, if you're interested.

Thanks OceanBreathes for your understanding.  I did check "yes" on the application form but they called my vet    My cats are always examined, just not vaccinated.  Maybe I just should have listed that I've never owned a pet.

So I am checking around to other places around the area.  I found that large animal vets usually have kittens and one will be calling me when a litter comes in.  She said kitty season is almost here!  If you have some suggestions, I would love to hear about them.  Thanks! 

I hope everything works out for you.  I can't imagine anyone would take your cat away and I'd be surprised if the humane society denies your application.

My 2 cats were vaccinated as kitties but I'm no longer vaccinating them because they are indoors (they are both 10 yrs old now and healthy).  I've looked into this a lot and know others who share my views. 

Yesterday I filled out an application for a rescue cat housed at a pet store and I put it down on my app about me not believing in vaccines unless absolutely needed.  If the humane society had a problem with your cat not being up to date on shots, then I wonder how this rescue group will respond to my application because they have a lot more requirements, including a home visit (which I think is a good thing...had one for current cats). 

I'm a little nervous, too.  I am falling in love with this cat, who by the way, has been in a cage for 1-1/2 wks even though the group says on their website that all their animals are fostered in homes so they don't have to be caged.  It says their application process can take up to a week.  I had kind of a sick feeling in my stomach for part of today thinking of that sweet little girl in a metal cage when she could be at home with me....I need to be patient.

Best wishes to you...keep us posted.

Hi TabbyKat,

I wish the HS would do home visits to see how well cared for this kitten would be instead of going off of the 3 questions they ask. I'm with you on the vaccines as I just don't feel they are needed with old cats.

Good luck and don't worry, there are always other cats in need of a home. I was falling for this kitten too but found another rescue who approved me in 2 days. It is actually a Vet who runs the place and she agreed about the vaccinations. So don't lose hope! I am visitng this kitty on Friday. Actually driving a few hours for her. You gotta do what ya gotta do!

Oy. Got worked up other nothing. I was approved at the HS but the kitty I wanted was already adopted.

Thank you, Molly.  I have not heard back yet but I'm more hopeful today.  In the meantime, I did find out that the rabies vaccine is not required by law in my state but it is in the city where I live but I don't think they enforce it.  I also found out there is a 4 cat limit in my city....that will keep me from becoming a cat hoarder, lol.  (cat's over 6 mo's old)  That was another question on the app - Do you know what the pet laws are in your city? and I said "no"...I'm too honest.

I hope this other kitty works out for you.  Sometimes the more we have to work for something the more it is appreciated.  After you get your kitty you'll probably be glad you didn't get the other one because you will be in love with this one.

I meant to write this sooner to give an update since it's related to the vaccine issue...

A couple days after my last post, I adopted a cat!  I filled out a fairly detailed application in which one of the questions was about vaccines and the rescue group did a home visit.  They had no problem that I don't vaccinate my cats and agreed with my view that it is unnecessary with older cats (my cats are 10).  The new cat is about 6 yrs old and they were fine that I'm not going to have her vaccinated.  I think any good rescue group should understand this.

"Good men must not obey the laws too well."

• Ralph Waldo Emerson