govt hsg requires I vaccinate my cat -- not going to do it.

[ellenrr]

I just moved into senior housing (govt funded). They require that in order to have my cat, she be vaccinated annually to meet all Local and state laws.

first of all - she is an indoor cat, so she needs no vax.
second- even the veterinary establishment (Colorado School for ex) says that annual vaccinations are unnecessary and may be harmful.
third - last time I had her vaccinated (10 years ago) she almost died from the reaction to the vaccine - no way is she going to be vaccinated again.

So as far as I can see, these are my options:
1. see if I can get a medical exemption. (some states have them, haven't researched yet.)
2. ask my vet (who was called when my cat had a vax-reaction 10 years ago, but I don't know if she remembers or recorded it), to write letter.
3. Get her a titer. And hope they accept that.

Anyone else run into this situation?
Are there any other options I haven't considered?

thanks.

[NV Whino]

1. You might try posting this in the pets group.

[ellenrr]

2. where is there a pets group? thx

[alsame]

3. Here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1161

You can add it to your subscriptions if you want

[veganlush]

4. Titer.

has a nice ring to it...

[LeftyMom]

5. What's legally required? What did she react to?

First of all, you need to consult with a vet and determine which shots your cat needs. She hadn't had any in ten years? Indoor cat or no that's not okay.

At the very least you're going to be legally required to update her rabies vaccine, and I can't imagine anybody is going to let you opt out because it's a liability risk and likely an insurance requirement for the housing complex.

It's also dangerous for your cat not to have it: if she nips the repair person and hasnt had her rabies shot she coud wind up quarantined or euthanized for rabies examination.

Likely few others are legally mandatory, but that may vary wildly by jurisdiction.

[newfie11]

6. Colorado does allow the medical exemption.

Just have your vet or the one that gave her the vaccine 10 yrs ago write out one for you.

My Newfoundland developed Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA) and was treated at VCA near Ft Collins. She did manage to live but was touch and go for months ($7000).
Anyway they did give me a paper stating she was to NEVER have ANY vaccination again. That included the Rabies vaccine.


Do not vaccinate a 10 old cat with a history like that. Good luck to you.

[ellenrr]

7. glad you were able to get the exemption.

I'm in NJ, hope they have this. Thanks!

[ellenrr]

8. Hooray! NJ is one of 17 states that has a medical exemption.

with my cat's history (and age) I'm sure the vet will cooperate.

I know that people who are informed about the dangers of vax fought for this exemption, and I am so appreciative of their work.

for anyone who wants info about dangers of vac and/or medical exemption, do a search.
lots of good information online.

[newfie11]

9. +++++++++++++++++++

Great news!!!

[ellenrr]

10. yes, thank you. :) nt