Hi all,

I'm taking Timothy for the vets later today for his annual checkup and booster vaccinations. However, I had a letter from the vets today asking me to consider taking him back afterwards for an additional dose of a new calicivirus vaccination, to help his immunity against cat flu. Timothy is allowed outdoors, so I'm aware he is potentially more at risk of infections like this. However, I also have to take into account that he gets extremely distressed every time he has to go in the car (howling, vomiting, peeing...!) so don't want to put him through an additional session of that for no reason.

I want to make sure I do the best thing for him, but can't find much info about the potential benefits this might bring. I'll obviously talk to the vet about it today, but was wondering if anyone on here had any experience/advice/opinions?

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I'd ask about why this 'new' vaccine isn't included in the normal booster. There is some talk about a very virulent strain of calici ( mainly in cat shelters in the US) which is usually fatal. I'm not sure the've found that the vaccine is particularly effect anyway. Certainly worth having a chat to the vet about it.

However unless there is a known outbreak in your local area, I really don't see the point in putting the cat through the extra vet visit, if it is this vaccine. I certainly wouldn't, unless I knew there was an immediate risk. As far as I know there haven't been any outbreaks in the UK, happy to be corrected if anyone else knows anything!

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Emma Yeoman
Purindoors Birmans
www.Purindoors.co.uk

Thanks for the reply, I'll definitely ask why it's not part of the standard vaccinations, and why they think he needs it (obviously, aside from the fact that I'll pay them to do it!).

I'll be starting the "cat into box" routine shortly. Wish me luck...

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Well, for the benefit of anyone else who may get a similar letter (from Vets4Pets), it turns out they've changed the manufacturer of their vaccines,. so the one they're now using has additional protection against some strains of cat flu, but cats won't be fully protected until they've had 2 doses of it - so they're offering to do a second dose quickly to speed this up.

Given that this morning's trip was even more stressful than usual (I arrived at the vets with a cat who had already vomited everywhere and was howling like crazy), I've decided that putting him through the extra stress of another vet visit so soon is more than either of us can handle.

On a longer term note, are there any ways anyone can think of that might reduce his stress levels when he does have to go in his carrier and in the car?

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Do you happen to know what vaccine they have changed to? As Puindoors said, we've heard about the possibility of a new strain of calicivirus in the USA which seems resistant to current vaccines. I've recently had a litter of kittens vaccinated with my usual vaccine and my vet never mentioned the possibility of better protection from changing. They carry most vaccines and we always discuss anything new.

Poor Timothy

While my kitty didn't like going in the carrier on thursday she is fine in the car, except for a couple of little cries. But can't imagine what a stressfull journey yours must be.

I registered with a practice in P@H which is about 8 miles away but I would definitely go to a practice nearer than that if cookie didn't like the car.

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Hi havoc - I can't see from the paperwork they gave me what vaccine they're using, but I'll give the vets a call on Monday and ask for you. It's the first year I've done Timothy's vaccinations, as last year he was with Cats Protection

Cookieandme - This is the closest vets practice to me, (but is also one I was recommended several time) so is only a mile away, but that seems like forever when I know Timothy is so distressed. He's been curled up on my lap having a snooze for the last 45mins, and has just about decided he's ok to wander off elsewhere. I know I need to get him to the vets sometimes or his own good, but I do feel incredibly guilty about it at the time.

Jacqui

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Thank you. I really appreciate it.

If it's only for an injection, and not for anything that needs technical equipment, you could find out how much it would cost for your vet to come to you and do it. Since your vet is only a short distance away, the extra charge might not be very much. I know the vet my brother uses only charges a few pounds extra for home visits within town.

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Proud Mummy to:

Sam (born June 1999, found August 1999)
Milly (born May 1999, adopted September 1999)
Eva (born 2010, adopted us August 2011)

Hi lulabel - that's a fantastic idea and had never occurred to me. I'd certainly be prepared to pay a little extra to not have to have a morning like this one again in a hurry!

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