Ragdoll Cat Forums

Hi -

Molly is now 5 and due for her annual checkup (the vet won't renew her prescription for the Uri-eze without seeing her) and the vet says she is due for her 'jabs'.

When I got Molly last year, the first thing I did was get her a rabies vaccination and the Distemper Combo.

Where I live (in Arizona) cats are not required to have rabies vaccinations but it is recommended if they are outdoor cats. So that means it is my option whether she has this again or not.

The Distemper combo, though, I believe also protects her from catching anything from other cats she would come in contact with, such as at the vet's, especially if she has to stay overnight if she got ill.

Molly is an indoor cat, and my thought is not to give the rabies vaccination, but to do the Distemper Combo to protect her from other cats she may come in contact with at the vet's.

What does everyone else do?

Are there others she should also be getting that I have missed???

My understanding is that the combo shot is only required every three years after they complete the first series of kitten shots and the 1 year booster. I would definitely keep the combo distemper updated, and if you don't have to have the rabies, opt out of it. I would think with her being an indoor cat, that should protect her for the most part. JanH or Gail may have other thoughts...

Smoke my outdoor cat, gets the rabies, FELV, FIV, and combo shots. I'm not wild about the FIV vaccination at all, but he said he'd rather give it than the FELV vaccination given a choice between the two. Having had one cat with FIV, and as much as Smoke seems to fight, I gave in to him getting it.

If you do not know her vaccination history beyond what you have done, then I would booster both the 3/1 (distemper) and rabies. You may then decide not to give more rabies boosters, but the booster this year will make the first shot effective for much longer. After this first annual booster, you should go to a 3 year booster cycle for the 3/1 (distemper). However, still get the annual wellness exam even if she does not need a shot that year.

Thanks, Teresa & Jan - I appreciate your thoughts and advice!

Valerie