Question:

My cat is 18 1/2 years old and in good health. He eats well, has good bathroom habits and seems to drink enough water. He is an inside-outside cat, but he can no longer climb the fence, so he does not leave our backyard.

He has had rabies shots every year. It's time for his shot, but I really don't want him to have it. I know other animals can come into the yard even if he can't get out. If he gets sick, he'll go to kitty heaven.

I have heard it is hard on older animals to keep getting shots. It seemed it was very difficult for him at the last shot, which is why I'm putting off this most recent one. I know rabies shots are important, but having it every year until now, can I just skip it this year?

K.T., Sterling, Va May 21, 2012

Answer:

Since your cat is old and was adversely affected by the anti-rabies vaccination last year, I think you have legitimate reasons to avoid putting him at risk from another vaccination. But you need to check on the regulations regarding such vaccinations for cats in your municipality, since they vary. In some areas, cat owners are liable if they allow their cats to wander off their property without a valid rabies tag on their collars.

Discuss this issue and your concerns with your veterinarian, who may find it acceptable to write a letter stating that your cat has had prior anti-rabies vaccinations and his health might be jeopardized by giving further vaccinations.

It is also possible that the anti-rabies vaccination is not needed because your cat has adequate circulating antibodies, for which your veterinarian could run a blood test.

Question:

I''ve read that older pets should not have as many shots. My 16-year-old male alley cat visited the vet about six weeks ago for a bite wound. He had his usual exam, plus the yearly rabies shot but no other at that time because of the bite. He is now due for his three-year multiple-vaccine booster shot. I try to take him to the vet only once a year, unless there is a problem. I would like to know what is best for my cat, and don''t understand exactly why certain shots are given. I know he needs to get the rabies shot every year because he''s an inside-outside cat (he was an outside stray when he adopted us). He weighs about 11 pounds and is still fairly active, but he''s slowing down some.

K.T., Sterling, Va Dec 06, 2009

Answer:

Your letter is one of the reasons I keep writing this column, now going on more than 40 years. Veterinarians need to revise their vaccination protocols, profits notwithstanding. Repeated vaccinations could put an older cat at risk, and the cat should have good immunity because of all the earlier shots. No vaccination should be given to an already sick or injured animal. The rabies vaccination should not have been given during treatment for a bite wound. The other "core" vaccinations are good for three years so annual boosters are not advised. If in doubt, blood titer tests should be done to determine if revaccinations are needed. This is wise because no vaccine is without risk. For readers with computers, check my Web site for dog- and cat-vaccination protocols and a review of vaccination risks. Allowing a cat to go outdoors increases the risk of viral infection from other cats, so greater vigilance and judicious use of a broader spectrum of vaccinations is called for.