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.
Wow—thank you for sharing this. That must’ve been incredibly frustrating, especially after everything your kitten had already been through. 💛
It’s tough when you walk in prepared, with records and a real concern for your cat’s well-being, and still get pressure to go against your gut. You're absolutely right to question unnecessary vaccines—especially for a cat who likely has natural immunity after surviving panleukopenia.
I’m really glad you’ve found a vet who’s at least open to discussion. That’s a huge step in the right direction. More cat parents like you standing firm (and informed!) is exactly how change happens. 🐾 You’re doing an amazing job advocating for your cat—and setting an example for others, too. 🙌
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.
It can be really challenging to find a vet who doesn’t automatically follow the standard schedule, even when your cat’s risk is incredibly low. I love that you mentioned finding a holistic vet as an option—such a game-changer when you want a more collaborative, individualized approach.
And yes, it’s 100% okay to pause annual visits if they come with pressure to over-vaccinate. Your cat’s health—and your comfort—come first. 🐾 Thanks again for adding your voice to this important conversation!
That’s so encouraging to hear—thank you for sharing! 🐾
It really speaks to how powerful a low-toxin, low-stress, indoor environment can be for long-term health. Once those initial issues are addressed, many indoor cats truly don’t need ongoing flea treatments or repeat vaccinations—and your story is a beautiful example of that.
Glad your two are thriving! 😺💛 Keep doing what works for them—and thanks again for being part of this conversation.
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.
Wow—thank you for sharing this. That must’ve been incredibly frustrating, especially after everything your kitten had already been through. 💛
It’s tough when you walk in prepared, with records and a real concern for your cat’s well-being, and still get pressure to go against your gut. You're absolutely right to question unnecessary vaccines—especially for a cat who likely has natural immunity after surviving panleukopenia.
I’m really glad you’ve found a vet who’s at least open to discussion. That’s a huge step in the right direction. More cat parents like you standing firm (and informed!) is exactly how change happens. 🐾 You’re doing an amazing job advocating for your cat—and setting an example for others, too. 🙌
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.
It can be really challenging to find a vet who doesn’t automatically follow the standard schedule, even when your cat’s risk is incredibly low. I love that you mentioned finding a holistic vet as an option—such a game-changer when you want a more collaborative, individualized approach.
And yes, it’s 100% okay to pause annual visits if they come with pressure to over-vaccinate. Your cat’s health—and your comfort—come first. 🐾 Thanks again for adding your voice to this important conversation!
That’s so encouraging to hear—thank you for sharing! 🐾
It really speaks to how powerful a low-toxin, low-stress, indoor environment can be for long-term health. Once those initial issues are addressed, many indoor cats truly don’t need ongoing flea treatments or repeat vaccinations—and your story is a beautiful example of that.
Glad your two are thriving! 😺💛 Keep doing what works for them—and thanks again for being part of this conversation.