Cat Owners/Vets...I have a question..

HockeyFan4

I changed vets last year.  The first vet I went to always did my cat on the Rabies and Distemper booster every 3 years.  Last year was a non shot year, so I just had my cat have an annual exam and fecal parasite screening.

He is not due for his rabies and distemper until next year, but the new vet sent me a card saying he needs his annual exam, fecal screening and a FVRCP Booster.

I looked up this FVRCP booster, and I am confused
1. He has never had this before
2. part of this booster is for distemper


can anyone shed some info for me before I call the vet to see what they say? They are a good vet, but reviews said they try to push for all tests, etc to raise the cost, so I am leery.

raes19

I would just call them and say that your cat is up to date on all his shots, but you would like to just schedule the annual exam and they should understand that. If they try to argue about the shots, I honestly wouldn't go there anymore.

Jenni8412

Wouldn't be too quick to judge them trying to sell the booster shot without discussing it more. It sounds like your previous vet was weighing risks responsibly on what vacs and how often based on your specific cat. Arm yourself with the pros and cons for the combination booster and address those concerns with the new vet. Some things to be considered would be is your cat a fully indoor cat with no interaction with animals outdoors? How old is your cat? Do you ever board your cat? There are risks involved with vaccinations that may not be worth it based on your answers to these questions. If you just happened to move when you attained this new vet, it may also have to do with city or county requirements.

emidle2008

I am a veterinary technology student at Purdue and just recently took(and passed) my national licensing exam. FRVCP stands for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Paneukopenia. It is a vaccine that protects against 3 different illnesses. It is often refered to as Distemper vaccine because it is similar to the Canine Distemper combo vaccine. We are taught in school that cats should receive FVRCP and rabies annually. However, there are some conditions that might alter what a DVM might decide to do. These incude state reguations on rabies vaccinations, the recommendations by the vaccine manufacturer, and the life-style of your pet. If your cat is strictly indoors and never comes in contact with another cat or goes outside, it might be aright to vaccinate less often. Discuss this with your current DVM if you have concerns. Hope this helps

HockeyFan4

thanks for the advice ladies... I will call the vet tomorrow.  I am just concerned because his distemper was a 3 year booster, and it has only been 2 years.  I will see what they say.

ETA: He is a strictly indoor cat with no other cats or dogs in the house.

megjones84

I am 5 weeks away from saying that I am a vet (finally!!) so I would love to shed some light on your questions.  The distemper vaccine is really just slang for the FVRCP vaccine.  There are different brands of vaccines that last different durations along with different regulations in different states and counties.  I would agree with calling to determine your new vet's regulations and to schedule your annual appointment for your kitty!  Those annual visits are super important.  Best of luck with your kitten!

HockeyFan4

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_cat-ownersvetsi-have-a-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:820a1e1a-1e45-4e0f-b14e-57930736a70fPost:54717994-ce06-4722-97e4-1c788d6be0ae">Re: Cat Owners/Vets...I have a question..</a>:
[QUOTE]Can you get your kitty's records from the old vet? Whenever I move, we get mine faxed over. It helps with these issues, since the new vet can see what she's been up to, what sorts of shots and treatments she's had, etc.
Posted by Schatzi13[/QUOTE]
They new vet has all his records (they were faxed over last year) and I have a copy of them.  That is why I knew he wasn't due until next year.

I called and have an appointment for this afternoon for his visit and they said they will look into the shots and have it figured out when I get there.  I think I will just bring another copy of his records with me when I go.

Thanks again ladies!