Alternatives for a Cat Vaccination
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) issues guidelines concerning cat vaccinations and other issues that are aimed at benefiting cats. In 2006, the association noted that veterinarians had brought to their attention their concern about some feline vaccines. They felt that some of them were risky and should only be administered in high-risk situations. They recommended that those cat owners who chose to vaccinate should use alternative vaccination and prevention methods.
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Indoor cats are safer than those that spend most of the day outdoors. Vaccinations are often necessary for cats with high-risk lifestyles, including those that play and roam around the neighborhood. These cats are more likely to pick up infections. Indoor cats can contract diseases like feline herpes and distemper. It is important to weigh the benefits verses the risks.
Types of Vaccines
Some vaccines are considered core vaccines and are recommended for all cats. The AAFP has classified the vaccines against feline parvovirus (FPV), feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), feline rabies and feline calicivirus, as being core vaccines. These vaccines are often given in combinations. They are either given as injectibles or intranasals. The vaccine against rabies can be given annually or after 3-years depending on the type used.
Virus Protection
Vaccines such as those against the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), bordetella bronchiseptica and chlamydophila felis are considered non-core vaccines. The AAFP recommends using these vaccines only for cats in high-risk situations. These should be done in specific circumstances. Some vaccines like the one against feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIP) are not recommended.
Alternatives
Nosodes are popular alternatives to vaccinations with many cat owners using them. Nosodes are oral substances made from tissues from infected animals. The nosodes do not have side effects and have no drug interactions. Many veterinarians however are not fully convinced that nosodes work effectively. They feel that these products cannot replace vaccinations completely and should be used with and not as alternatives to vaccinations.
Tests
Antibody tests are a good alternative to annual vaccinations. Holistic veterinarians note that the tests are able to establish the presence or absence of antibodies in the cat’s bloodstream. The absence of antibodies indicates that the cat is not protected from disease and may require vaccination or other prevention measures. A cat that has antibodies is protected and vaccination may not be necessary.