Cats and their jabs

Amanda65

Hi all

I have 2 cats and they are due for their annual boosters. My vets, although excellent, are quite a bit dearer than other local pratices and whilst I would only take them to my regular vets for treatment diagnosis, I am wondering whether they could have their jabs elsewhere, more cheaply.

My questions are:

1) can I take the cats to another practice without jeopordising future
treatment at my vets?
2) what jabs do they actually NEED (particularly in relation to going into a
cattery? From memory I think I usually have 2 lots of jabs done, but
only one is essential
3) has anyone else done this?

I really do not want to put my cat's health at risk but if essentially they are getting the same jab, but cheaper, in the current climate it seems to make sense.

Thanks

Edit - just phoned my vets and they are saying they need 2 jabs each, flu, enteristis and feline leukaemia and it's £47.13 per cat

simontheiceman

There is a big thread on this further down if you dig hard enough, but... in essence your cat needs the vaccinations that are appropriate for its age and lifestyle. We vary this on a year by year basis. For instance after initial vaccination, boosters for leukaemia are maintained for 6 years and only continued if the cat is living a high risk lifestyle. Flu and enteritis vaccine intervals can be lengthened considerably based on the vaccine used. The annual health check is almost more important than the vaccination itself. Shopping around for vaccine price will not compromise safety and may protect your pocket. I deliberately price myself below the local competition for this purpose and as you have found there is considerable variation in price.

rita-rabbit

You will get a certificate once the jabs are done so I don't see why your current vet can argue (or stop treating you with a strop) - if he/she asks you can say you went elsewhere to save money! It maybe worth asking if you can get a discount for getting both done @ same time though & that you have seen the jabs cheaper elsewhere - yr current vet may do you a special deal!

Good luck

simontheiceman

Discounts are worth asking for - I give them for 3 boosters or more at one appointment, but no-one has to ask, I just do it and tell them.