On Jul 8, 3:10*pm, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:
"Sharon" wrote in message

...

Is there a rabies vaccination for cats that lasts longer than a year?
I thought there was a 3 or 5 year vaccination. *The local vet says
no. *This is for a feral cat that is really hard to catch on a yearly
basis!
Thanks!

Yes, there is 3-year rabies vaccine (and titer tests show that the vaccine
is actually effective for longer periods). *There are a couple of things to
consider: (1) some states require annual vaccinations, despite the 3-year
availability; and (2) there have been concerns that the 3-year vaccines can
cause even more problems than the 1-year. *I said "even more" because of
concerns about vaccination-associated sarcoma -- but rabies is a dreadful
(and always fatal disease), so outdoor cats really do need the vaccine.http://www.avma.org/vafstf/vafstf01.asp

MaryL

Orion has a vax-associated sarcoma which has mestasized.
He is now doing really well, but losing weight slowly and steadily.
I would really urge anyone to research, and weigh carefully the risks
involved, and
the various types of rabies vax available. Rabies *is* a horrible
disease, but honestly, a housecat doesn't have a big risk factor.
Biskit does not get a rabies vax, because she never sticks her head
outside, and Yoda doesn't get one because the last one, in 2000,
nearly killed him. I know it's the law, but Yoda will
never get another rabies vaccination. And like you said, the rabies
titre lasts much longer than it is labeled. I used to be almost
fanatical about getting vaccinations, the full protection available,
*exactly* on the month they were due. I'm not so much
anymore, and I dread vaccinations when Boots and Frank and Wozzy go
in. AFter
the ordeal with Yoda, it's sure not a routine thing. I worry myself
sick about it every time.
Sherry