Seeking info...kittens need shots?

[moonswallow]

Hello,

I have two healthy, happy brother kittens who have not had any shots.
I don't really want to give them shots.....I don't like vaccinations for
people, so don't see why I would need to give them to my cats.....but
I would like more information on holistic cat care.

Does anyone else have cats they have not given shots, or have any
information about it?

I don't know if its really dangerous to, say, NOT give them a rabies shot?
They are about 3.5 months old...but haven't yet been outside much.
We are moving this weekend, so they'll get to be outside a lot, hunting and stuff.

Just seems like everyone gives their pets shots just because that's what
everyone does.....just like everyone gives their kids shots because that's
what everyone does and tells you you have to do except you don't-- and
my mother didn't for me and my sister and I were always very healthy.

I feed my cats raw food almost every day, so they have a nutritious diet
that keeps them healthy. Shouldn't that be all they need? A strong immune system supported by proper nutrients? not sure.....

So I just want to make an informed decision, if anyone else has any
experience with this sort of situation, please share. Thank you!:):

[tdavis]

Well, if your kitties never go outside and you always take your shoes off in the house then they won't be at risk. Outside there is the risk of rabies and distemper and even leukemia. I personally wouldn't send my cats out the door without vaccinations but perhaps you should consult your vet?

[ChristineL]

I have noticed that my indoor cats live longer if I don't give them shots for their entire lives, I do however have them vaccinated for the first three years. I also never bring in a new cat that has not been given a full physical, been leukemia and feline aids tested and given vaccinations. Years ago, I lost my four cats to feline leukemia by adopting an apparently healthy cat...at that time the test and vaccines did not exist yet. I would not ever want to go through that experience again. Yes, I do take my shoes off.

If you're going to let them outside where they will encounter other cats, some of them feral, I would vaccinate.



Well, if your kitties never go outside and you always take your shoes off in the house then they won't be at risk. Outside there is the risk of rabies and distemper and even leukemia. I personally wouldn't send my cats out the door without vaccinations but perhaps you should consult your vet?

[jesswolfe]

I understand your hesitation to a point. The thing is that if they are going to be going outside they will come into contact with other animals. Rabies and distemper are very painful ways to die. Also, they can become in contact with feline leukemia which is very contagious. My mom had about 20 cats at one point. All outdoor cats. The whole colony was wiped out by feline leukemia because she didnt get them shots.

I would go ahead and get the shots. Especially if they will be outside a lot.

[ChristineL]

Moonswallow, you say you feed your kittens raw foods. How well have you researched cats' nutritional needs? Cats do have specific nutritional requirements for the maintenance of their health and will easily go blind from lack of specific nutrients. You're probably right that a raw diet is healthier, but you do need to make sure it contains everything they need.

Christine