Vaccinating your cats at home? A couple of questions

[HeritageGoose13]

They're not airborne, so the risk of cross infection is very slim

I know this, and I would think the shelters know this, but for some reason they will not house these cats. They say it is unethical to give someone a diseased cat.

There is only a single shelter I know of that adopts out these cats. They are trying to educate people, its where I learned half of what I know about the issue. The animal shelters in my state are terrible though. Unless you go to the pound, expect to pay 400-600 dollars to adopt a dog. I've seen some shelters charge even more, if you can believe it! No one can afford to pay the adoption fees, so that's probably why we have so many high-kill shelters.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

Another note...I would give the shots (if the package says sub q) as far down on the rear legs as you can comfortably grab skin to give it under. Cats can get a cancerous aggressive tumor called fibrosarcoma as a reaction to some vaccines (this is rare) but amputation of the limb can usually be the difference between life and death for these cats. Therefore giving it low on the leg is a good safety precaution.

 

[collie1470]

I'd never expect a vaccine to be effective against all strains of a virus that has multiple strains. (I'm not one of the people who gets a flu shot, then gets mad when I get the flu months after it XD). I've never used TSC vaccines, but I know a lot of people who do with no problem. Though they are generally vaccinating dogs, not cats.

This thread is making me want cats again...but my fiance is really allergic >.<

 

[HeritageGoose13]

Another note...I would give the shots (if the package says sub q) as far down on the rear legs as you can comfortably grab skin to give it under. Cats can get a cancerous aggressive tumor called fibrosarcoma as a reaction to some vaccines (this is rare) but amputation of the limb can usually be the difference between life and death for these cats. Therefore giving it low on the leg is a good safety precaution.

Could you give it on the tail? I know it sounds weird but removing a tail tip sounds better than a leg.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

I don't think there is quite enough skin to get a good sub q injection on the tail. I'm also not sure how effective (or if it has been studied) the absorption of the vaccine is in that area. Again, this is a super rare thing in cats, and I've only seen it because I'm at a referral hospital and we get all the weird cases. I certainly wouldn't refrain from or be afraid to vaccinate because the risk is really very low.

 

[HeritageGoose13]

Okay, just thought I would ask.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

It's a good thought! I know fibrosarcomas are super invasive also, so I think maybe there is worry it would get in the spinal cord if given too close.