Which vaccines are recommended for our stray cat that comes in close contact with our puppy?
Original Question: My vet asked if our cat (stray male) ever comes inside the house and I told the vet only when he sneaks in and then he goes right back out. We have an 8-year-old female Jack Russell Terrier that lives in the house and a 13 week old male Border Collie that has close contact with the cat. The Collie is outside with the cat quite a bit, at least 4 hours a day. The vet said if the cat was in the house he would need a vaccine that would keep the dog from getting sick but I never got it because the cat wasn’t in very close contact with the Jack Russell. Since we recently got the Border Collie puppy Collie and the cat play together quite a lot so I was wondering if you might know what this shot for the cat is and if it is necessary. - Connie
Apr 25, 2018
Hi Connie,
I’m unclear what vaccine your veterinarian might be referring to. Many viruses are species-specific or have some variations between cats and dogs, though rabies knows no boundaries. Cats generally get 2-3 vaccines – FVRCP, Rabies, and maybe Feline Leukemia. Other vaccines exist but are generally not recommended. You would need to clarify further with your veterinarian.
Best of luck,
Dr. Ryan Llera
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