#Middlebury #Cats
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My two cats, Sandy and Frankie, are indoor cats who never go out and never even try to escape. I last took them to the vet about three years ago. A friend said I’m supposed to take them every year and get their rabies shot, but I don’t see the point. If they never get out, how could they get exposed? Also, vaccinations are expensive. – Terry H., Buffalo, New York
DEAR TERRY: I know it can be tough pulling together the funds to vaccinate your pets every year, but it really is critically important that they stay up to date on their shots.
In addition to rabies vaccination – which is required by law in most municipalities – your cats need to be vaccinated against feline distemper – a group of three viruses that are easily spread (they can even be tracked into the house on your shoes) and can cause severe illness and death in cats. If your cats have never received an FLV (feline leukemia virus) vaccination, they need to be evaluated and given this shot, too.
Getting up to date on their shots gives them an umbrella of protection against these illnesses, because you never know what may happen in the future. What if they are spooked by a storm or a volley of fireworks, and dart outside? That’s dangerous enough without them potentially crossing paths with an infected cat.
Call around for a better price on veterinary exams and shots. Low-cost clinics are held in many cities and counties, but you have to look online or check notices at the pet store or city hall. Community newspapers are another source to find out about these clinics.
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© 2020 King Features Synd. Inc.
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