My cat's vaccinations lapsed. Is she safe with an unvaccinated kitten?

I would worry a little more about the new kitten passing on diseases to the older cat - viral upper respiratory infections in particular are common. I'd recommend vaccinating both cats with the FVRCP combo and rabies vaccines. If the cats are going to continue to be outdoors then the FeLV vaccine would also be recommended, and I actually usually recommend vaccinating all kittens for FeLV since you never know if their lifestyle might change.

Hello, chronic rhinitis and stomatitis tend to be from inflammatory autoimmune disease. However, some infectious organisms may cause this as well. In general, you kitten as an older cat may have adequate immunity against the viruses which she was vaccinated for. One way to prove this would be to check her titers. Make sure that the cat you are adopting is FeLV/FIV negative as these can still be transmitted to Mittens and significantly affect her quality of life. Once you have confirmed the adequate immune status of both cats either through titer testing or vaccination, then you may then introduce them slowly for the best success. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding the kittens. I would also check to see that they have been tested for FeLV (feline leukemia) and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). They need a fecal sample tested and to have been dewormed prior to introducing them to each other. If they have had these tests done, then they certainly would likely enjoy some companionship. I hope this information helps!

Because Jiji hasn't been vaccinated before, she will need at least two rounds of vaccines given four weeks apart in order to have full immunity. Vaccinating her on Monday will not be enough to protect her. Make sure your dad fully cleans the room, and bring your own food and water bowls as well as litter box so that she doesn't share anything with his cat. Keep your kitten in the room, and allow her to have no contact with the other cat. I do recommend getting her vaccinated, so have her seen by the vet on Monday to start the process. Best of luck!

It's not the litter box sharing that I would be worried about. It is the direct contact between the two cats that would make me nervous. He could transmit to her any number of diseases: rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, herpes virus, panleukopenia, feline leukemia, FIV, etc..........The most Ivy would "get" from the other cat by sharing the litter box would be roundworms or hookworms and chances are she already has those. Both cats need to be dewormed and vaccinated as soon as possible. Ivy is old enough now and the other cat is way overdue. You can check VETCO clinics in your area and get them both in for vaccines and deworming ASAP. VETCO operates out of Petco clinics across the country. Here is a link to their website. https://www.vetcoclinics.com/services-and-clinics/clinic-locations-and-schedules/?zip=60901 Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Oh no! That is very frustrating to not be told the truth, but it is a good thing you know now. It is a little difficult to assess risk if it is uncertain if your kitten was raised by its mother. If so, and she was vaccinated, she could have passed some maternal antibodies on to your kitty. The biggest risk for kittens is through exposure to other cats. If your kitty is an indoor kitty with no other contact with other cats this significantly decreases his risk. What is most important now is to start his vaccinations with your vet, to have him tested for the kitty viruses (feline leukemia and FIV), and to have him checked for intestinal parasites (if not already performed/dewormer given). Just because he is older does not mean he can not get his vaccines, he will just need less vaccines than a younger kittens. Typically we vaccinate with FVRCP (for kitty upper respiratory viruses and panleukopenia) and rabies. If your kitty will eventually be going outside then vaccination for feline leukemia (after a negative test) is important. Your family vet can set up a schedule for Chase at his first visit. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Jimmy. I do recommend that he is current on all his vaccines before bringing a new kitten into the home. Personally, I have not seen vaccines cause kidney problems in cats. So I do not believe this is a reason not to vaccinate him. However, his veterinarian will know his complete medical history and can give you more detailed advice. I hope this information helps!