In my experience, it's so hard to find a vet that isn't pushing jabs to you every chance they can.
I adopted a kitten last year from a reputable adoption organization that was even willing to hospitalize him as he fought panleukopenia as a baby. When I adopted, they gave me all the hospital paperwork along with the typical shelter paperwork of when his next shots were due. When I took him to get established at the vet, the vet told me she couldn't trust the paperwork and wanted to re-do all of his vaccines. I said absolutely not and she continued to push. I held my ground as a no even when she said doubling up vaccines wouldn't hurt anything. How frustrating to have to fight in that situation when not only did I have the paperwork that said when his next shots are due, but she also didn't even consider the fact that he could have natural antibodies from surviving the panleuk.
Needless to say, I make sure she's not the vet I'm scheduled with anymore. My regular vet is also heavy on vaccines/antibiotics/meds, but we're at least at the point where we can have a healthy debate on it before deciding on a path forward.
Great article! I agree that most if not all indoor cats don’t need annual vaccines. For many people it can be a challenge finding a vet who doesn’t follow the schedule. Of course you have the option to just not bring in your pet for annual checkups if they require updated vaccines each time. Another option is to find a holistic veterinarian in or near your area.
In my experience, it's so hard to find a vet that isn't pushing jabs to you every chance they can.
I adopted a kitten last year from a reputable adoption organization that was even willing to hospitalize him as he fought panleukopenia as a baby. When I adopted, they gave me all the hospital paperwork along with the typical shelter paperwork of when his next shots were due. When I took him to get established at the vet, the vet told me she couldn't trust the paperwork and wanted to re-do all of his vaccines. I said absolutely not and she continued to push. I held my ground as a no even when she said doubling up vaccines wouldn't hurt anything. How frustrating to have to fight in that situation when not only did I have the paperwork that said when his next shots are due, but she also didn't even consider the fact that he could have natural antibodies from surviving the panleuk.
Needless to say, I make sure she's not the vet I'm scheduled with anymore. My regular vet is also heavy on vaccines/antibiotics/meds, but we're at least at the point where we can have a healthy debate on it before deciding on a path forward.
Great article! I agree that most if not all indoor cats don’t need annual vaccines. For many people it can be a challenge finding a vet who doesn’t follow the schedule. Of course you have the option to just not bring in your pet for annual checkups if they require updated vaccines each time. Another option is to find a holistic veterinarian in or near your area.