Question:
Several years ago I took my two healthy 12-year-old cats to the vet for checkups. They received booster vaccinations. One cat immediately developed diabetes and was dead from renal failure in three months.I'm concerned about geriatric care for my now 14- and 15-year-old cats. But, having moved to a new neighborhood, the vet I interviewed insisted on treating my cats as feral, if at all, unless they had rabies boosters first.I want my cats to continue to live in comfort as long as possible and die dignified natural deaths. Am I being unreasonable to think that elderly, strictly indoor cats do not have rabies and do not need booster shots? They had shots as youngsters.
S.L., Falls Church, Va May 23, 2004
Answer:
The veterinarian only has your word that your elderly cats are "strictly indoor cats" and is perhaps being unduly cautious. Even so, a sick kitten was found recently wandering around Betlsville, Md., and tested positive for rabies. Several people who had contact with the cat had to be given rabies antiserum treatment.I would take your word, consider the age of your cats and take blood tests to determine if they really do need "booster" vaccinations. Why not find another veterinarian who is a bit more accommodating?
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