What are these "shots" you speak of.?

Question

I feel stupid for asking this question but I need to get it answered.

Everyone tells me that I need to get "shots" for my cat. I have no idea what these "shots" are or what they're for and when I took it to the vet I spoke to the guy I basically confused the heck out of him and ended up leaving without doing anything.

Long story short: what should I get the cat vaccinated for and what should tell the vet.

Again if this question seems stupid just bare with me because I really have no idea what to do.

Answer 1

check this out from cornell vet school:

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures...

Their feline website has lots of info for owners

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/hinformat...

Answer 2

Shots are just your basic vaccinations that are most recommended for the health of your pet. For cats, the common ones are 4-in-1 (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Chlamydia, Feline Distemper), Feline Leukemia, Rabies, and Round/Hookworm Dewormer.

You don't necessarily have to go to a vet; if you live by a Petco, there is a traveling licensed practice called luvmypet that does low cost vaccinations without an appointment.

For more information on that, go to www.luvmypet.com

Good luck, hope that helped!

And don't feel stupid, it's good that you care enough to get some answers!

Answer 3

All you have to do is say "What kind of immunizations will my cat need?"  and they'll tell you all the shots your cat needs to get and schedule you.  It can't be that hard...

Answer 4

get a fecal test and the regular immunizations. also be sure to get your cat tested for feline leukemia. that is one of the bigger diseases. we are breeders so i'm not sure if your vet will offer you the same way, but ours gives us "package" deals where we give our litters 4 different shots.

Answer 5

A) change your vet, if he can't tell you what injections your cat should have then he's not a good vet!

B) you might want to list where you live, different countries need different injections

C) basic coverage should be; Cat flu, Flea Treatment, worm Treatments and rabies depending where you live. obviously flea and worm treatments are a preventative..they need to be done every 6 months to a year.

edit: your cat will also need the feline panleukopnia (feline distemper) shots!

Answer 6

Here is the vaccination schedule.  If your cat is over 8 weeks but are getting their vaccines for the first time, go right to the 8 week to 10 week list of things to get done.  (Yes, your cat may be older, but it is a "clean slate" for all vaccinations.)  Get a price check before you go in there so you don't get sticker shock.  Also take a fresh p**p sample along.  Clean out the litter box the night before the vet visit, and take the freshest p**p in a bag to the appointment.

http://www.animalhospitals-usa.com/cats/...

Answer 7

If your cat is a kitten, he will need vaccinations to build his immunities.  After that, every six months or so he should get rabies, etc like someone said before me.

But I definitely agree, if your vet doesn't know what shots your cat needs, I would suggest looking for a new vet!