Booster vaccination for an elderly cat?

[Mobile Chicane]

Hi all,

I'd appreciate your thoughts whether or not to continue with 11 year-old Bob's annual booster (which is due).

There are no other cats in the area, and he would never go to a cattery.

Last time, he was groggy for days after his booster (Fevaxyn Pentofel). I can't help wondering if the jab is of any benefit, or could the trauma of getting him to the vet and him feeling unwell afterwards be doing more harm than good?

I'm wondering exactly what is the point in continuing with vaccination given there are no other cats he could come into contact with to catch anything from.

What do you guys think?

TVMIA

[Jasandjules]

I wouldn't. But then after the first ones we don't at all anymore.

One of our cats got very, very ill after a booster. And then we read this

http://www.canine-health-concern.org.uk/

[bmwdriver86]

Funny you should say this.

I had Tessie (15 year old torti) done at the weekend.

She was groggy afterwards but now back to her normal self.

Its not just the booster, Tess has a once over by the vet.

Came back as perfect condition for her age.

However if you cat is not bothered about going out / not in contact with other cats this may remove the need for having it.

John

[bexVN]

If he has limited contact with other cats then he's low risk so probably wouldn't be over concerned about having it done. Cats that fight are higher risk.

I would still at least book him once a year for a health check even if you don't booster.

A couple of our dog owners have had blood titre levels checked before vaccinating I know one of them was too low for the Parvo which means not enough immunity. I don't think just not vaccinating in young animals is responsible unless these blood tests are done instead to assess if they are sufficiently covered.

[Mobile Chicane]

Thanks Bex. I'll get him booked in for a once-over.

Would a blood test be OTT? Just to signal any up-coming problems he may not be showing symptoms of.

I mentioned this to the vet at his last jab, but they recommended testing urine first, from plastic litter. I've tried changing Bob's litter and he won't use anything other than wood chip.

What do you think?

TVMIA.

[bexVN]

I wouldn't worry about the titre testing but we offer all pets over 8 a senior clinic which involves blood tests to check liver kidney and thyroid function. We do always like to ck urine as this can give some useful info that even bloods might not pick up esp in early renal problems.

The vets should provide you with the special cat litter. It can take over 12hrs to get the sample if a cat is determined. Otherwise we often take a sample direct from the bladder (fairly standard procedure, my poor Fitz had quite a few over his years! (cystocentesis))

[Mobile Chicane]

Thanks Bex

[bexVN]

No I agree it's not really elderly these days and did almost say as much in an earlier post, but his cat is still low risk (though would never say no risk) for picking something up.

[Mobile Chicane]

Bob is 11, but looking good for his age. Just brought in a mouse!