Cat Vaccination Advice, Please.

nerdycatlover

After losing one of our 13 yr old cats, the remaining one pined. It`s a house (and quick visit to the flowerbed) sort of cat. Never been ill in 12 and a half years. Not vaccinated, apart from the first shot and booster.

I had the bright idea of getting some company for her, and got two apparently healthy brothers (7months )from a Rescue. They have been fully vaccinated.

They all get on fine, and we love them to bits. However.....

2weeks later, the original female cat becomes poorly.Eventually diagnosed,( £300 later !)with Calicivirus. She was walking stiffly, and had mouth ulcers.Antibiotic shots, steroid shots, and tablets later,,,,,she seems almost back to her old self.

Now, assuming one of the Rescue cats, is a carrier (one had mild symptoms the week after the other one went down with it...now recovered) Do we get the original cat vaccinated?

If they now have all had the virus, is there any advantage to getting it done., other than lining the vet`s pockets? They must all have antibodies, surely?

I am very mistrustful of vets, since our deceased cat was misdiagnosed and suffered terribly from a mystery illness/ wrong medication / inappropriate vaccine, which cost us an absolute fortune.(£1400+) Then had to have it put to sleep. Not too keen on the current vet, either....but running out of options.

I know we have quite a few posters on here with expert knowledge.Please can anyone explain Calicivirus? I am confused about this "shedding live virus" business,and its practical implications.

The cat will need a check up shortly, when tablets run out.

juliebunny

Hello

I have 9 cats, at least 3 of whome came to me already with the calichi virus.

Your original cat may have already had the virus, or may have picked it up. Stress tends to bring it out if it's dormant (arrival of new cats, loss of companion).

Only one of my cats really shows any signs of the virus - she gets very cold in winter and her eyes look sore. I have done loads of research on this condition and there is basically nothing you can do about it. I still get them vaccinated but I don't get my older cats done, as I think they get more natural immunity as they get older (personal choice I guess). I am told that eventually she may need to have most of her teeth removed but I've had other cats with NO teeth who get along just fine.

All you can do is to ensure they have a good quality food, keep them warm and treat any symptons arising such as eye problems.

I was told the virus is a left over from cat flu but I had 2 kittens come with it - also they were rescue cats their mum never got ill - I knew them from the day they were born. They must have had it passed on by their mum.

PS don't get them tested if you want to take out pet insurance as it will then be classed as pre-existing!

Do a google search and try some of the big cat sites like FABCATS.

nerdycatlover

Thanks, juliebunny.

We are finding things so expensive at the Vets these days, we have been seriously considering insuring the youngsters.Too late for Misty( the older one) now, as she has already been diagnosed. These vets, they do love to talk you into all the tests, nowadays. Rarely seem to get you anywhere though. By the time the test results come back, it`s either recovered or Too Late.

juliebunny

yes, you are right, the vets are milking us.

When they asked if I wanted to test my other cats I said 'why, can you do anything to treat them if they do have it'. That shut them up, LOL!!

I've read about interferon to boost the immune system, but it's unproven. My wonderful vet (who I totally trust and tells me which products to buy online not from the surgery!) advised it just wasn't worth it.