About a month ago, I wrote about spaying and neutering cats. My conclusion was that there was no simple answer to the question of when or even whether cats should be altered. A commenter accused me of obfuscation and derided me for not p...
About a month ago, I wrote about spaying and neutering cats. My conclusion was that there was no simple answer to the question of when or even whether cats should be altered. A commenter accused me of obfuscation and derided me for not providing a "clear-cut thesis." Her idea of obfuscation on this cat-health issue was my idea of honesty -- there was no clear-cut thesis because providing one was impossible amongst so much contradictory data.
Today's column touches on an equally difficult concept regarding cats and health: vaccines. If you are looking for a simple answer, prepare to be disappointed. Vaccines are complicated, and no honest and knowledgeable person can make them simple. In fact, in the realm of vaccines, claims of simplicity are a sign of either ignorance or deceit. Anyone who doesn't acknowledge that the matter is complex either doesn't understand it or is lying to push an agenda.
About 25 years ago, vaccines were simple. Give every cat every shot every year and you couldn't go wrong. Or so the thinking went.
But in 1991, investigators at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine noticed that cats were developing aggressive cancers called sarcomas between their shoulders. This area happened to be the spot where cats most frequently received vaccines. Further studies established a probable causal link between vaccines and these so-called vaccine-associated sarcomas.
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Vet immunizing a cat by Shutterstock.">
Vet immunizing a cat by Shutterstock.">
Vet immunizing a cat by Shutterstock.
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This discovery shocked the world of veterinary medicine. It caused a great deal of soul searching in many vets, and it caused a significant rift between the soul-searching vets and the vets (most of whom were older, and most of whom are no longer practicing) who frankly didn't care. I know more than one colleague who quit a job in part because her boss insisted that she recommend every vaccine for every cat every year.
Above all, remember that the subject is complex. I have twice seen leading experts on vaccination nearly come to fisticuffs when debating vaccine frequency in cats. But is there some way to tease out some clarity in this situation? Although there is no simple answer when it comes to vaccines and their frequency, there are some guiding principles that can be used.
1. Some vaccines are more important than others
In my mind, there are really only three vaccines that should be considered for most cats: rabies, FVRCP (which protects against deadly panleukopenia, and also may help to prevent certain respiratory diseases), and leukemia. The coronavirus vaccine (which may offer some protection against feline infectious peritonitis) may be considered for cats in rare circumstances. Other vaccines, such as those against Bordetella, FIV/feline AIDS, and ringworm (which is off the market at this time) appear to offer minimal benefit or efficacy.
2. Even the important vaccines might not be appropriate for all cats
Elderly cats are not at significant risk of panleukopenia. Indoor cats are not at risk of feline leukemia.
3. Timetables have changed
After a lengthy battle, the proponents of annual vaccination for cats are in full retreat. Most reputable organizations (such as the American Animal Hospital Association and many vet schools) recommend vaccination every three years at most. However, this is just a guideline; actual vaccination schedules must be individually tailored.
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Kitten gets vaccine by Shutterstock.">
Kitten gets vaccine by Shutterstock.">
