Yes, in very rare situations, there are injection site sarcomas that have been linked to vaccinations. They're rare, occurring in about one out of 100,000 vaccinations, but they are called injection site sarcomas.

Cat vaccinations are a medical procedure, and vaccine reactions can happen, although they are rare.

If you have a young kitten going through their booster series, they may not be fully protected yet. It is not advisable to have them around adult cats with active diseases or upper respiratory infections until the kitten is completely immunized. Typically, a kitten is considered protected two weeks after their final booster and can be around other cats. Adult cats that receive vaccinations are generally just boostering their protection and can be around other cats. However, when in doubt, keep them separated.

If you miss one of your cat's vaccine due dates, don't panic. The amount of time that has passed since the last booster will determine whether your veterinarian needs to start the series over or simply give a booster and advise you on the next vaccine date.

Yes, cats need boosters. The common kittenhood series begins when a cat is 6 to 8 weeks old, with boosters given every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 to 20 weeks old. After that, a one-year booster is given, followed by boosters every three years throughout their adult life.

Yes, it is safe to get multiple cat vaccinations at the same time. It's not uncommon for a cat or a kitten to receive multiple vaccines during a single visit to the pet hospital. However, the number of required vaccines and any concerns from the pet owner or veterinarian may lead to staging the vaccines and spreading them out more.

Yes, healthy cats should still be vaccinated. Vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious diseases that cats can contract. In Middle Tennessee, where rabies is still present in the community, it is especially important to protect both your cat and the community by keeping your cat vaccinated according to its lifestyle and age. If you have specific questions about your cat's vaccinations, reach out to your veterinarian or consider visiting Blue Oasis Pet Hospital if you are in the Mount Juliet, Tennessee area.

The only core cat vaccination that is required by law is the rabies vaccine. Upper respiratory or FVRCP vaccines, which protect against pathogens like rhinotracheitis, calice, and panleukopenia, are not legally mandatory but are still considered core vaccinations. These diseases can cause upper respiratory infections, ocular issues, diarrhea, and oral ulcers, so it is important to discuss your cat's lifestyle with your veterinarian and follow their recommendations for vaccinations.

Yes, the vaccinations that we recommend for cats or kittens are necessary. These include FVRCP, rabies, and leukemia for kittens. As a kitten grows into an adult cat, the vaccine recommendations may change depending on the cat's lifestyle. However, we do vaccinate all cats for these common diseases.

Age is not a disease, but diseases can come with age. For older dogs, it's essential to ensure their heart, kidney, and liver functions are in good shape before dental cleaning. Veterinarians will run an ECG and check laboratory work (usually within three months) to ensure the safety of the procedure. If the dog's organs are functioning properly, age should not be a problem for dental cleanings.