Rabies shoot

Question
QUESTION: Hello, Ali I have a quick question about the rabies shoot. An expection came to my house since my mom has a adult family home, and the state had to see our cat to make sure he is healthy. he is 8 monthes old is it ok if he can have his rabies shoot at 8 monthes old? But the bad part is we havn't even gave him his first cheakup yet! should we have our first cheakup? we adopted him nuterd, with luckimia testing and vaccanations so i have never went to the vet with my cat before.  Thanks so much!

ANSWER: Jennifer,

I would check his vaccination certificates just to make sure that he hasn't already received his rabies vaccine. I would suggest that he does go to the vet just for a physical to make sure that his growth patterns are healthy and that his bones are strong. I do not know what your kitty's vaccine history was when you brought him home, but as kittens cats generally require 2-3 sets of vaccines depending on the area and the vet involved. It would be wise to book an appointment with your veterinarian within a week or so just to make sure that your kitty is healthy and get him his rabies vaccine. My cats are generally vaccinated for rabies when they are 12-16 weeks old depending on their health, and the rabies vaccine really is smart to have and offers peace of mind in the unlikely event that your kitty happens to bite someone. In terms of the other vaccines you can look at research regarding cycling vaccines and see if your vet is aware and if that is the right choice for your kitty's health. If your kitty is an indoor kitty you might very well find that he just needs a proper first series and that cycling is all that is needed, but again, that is for your vet and you to decide. I hope that this information helps. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me again.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey ali, I am jennifer who asked about the rabies shoot. I do not have a vetranarian yet because i have not went to the vet. I don't know how to get a vetranarian, do you just go to the vets office and ask? what do you say? i really appresiate your help

     - Jennifer

Answer
Jennifer,

Choosing a veterinarian should be done with care. Try to set up times when you can go in and see the clinic and meet the doctor(s). You want to make sure that you are comfortable with your pet's doctor because this is a long term relationship...Cats can be quite long lived, in fact I recently heard of one kitty who was 25 and still healthy. I would suggest calling vet clinics in your area, seeing who seems to be fairly pleasant on the phone and then asking if it would be possible to come in and meet the doctor and tour the clinic. You will have to make a judgement on who you are the most comfortable with. The vet you choose has to be willing to answer questions and listen for subtle changes in behavior that may mean your kitty could be ill. You also want a vet to treat your cat kindly and with respect. If you are uncertain about a vet ask if they are willing to provide references, I refer folks to my vet constantly. Bottom line is that you need to be comfortable, your cat needs to be comfortable and your vet has to be willing to take the time it takes to find out what is happening if your animal is sick. I hope that I was able to help. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me again.