Quick Question - Distemper

[PetitePuce]

I'm very sorry, but I'm in a bit of a rush and don't have a lot of time to research this right now so I thought it might be best to simply ask the question to see if I could get a quick question.

My Kojak is due for his 2nd annual exam and I'm so confused about what is or isn't recommended when it comes to vaccines. I know that my state requires an annual rabies shot but I'm not clear on whether or not it's suggested that we vaccine for distemper on a yearly basis.

Kojak is 1.5 years old and received all the baby vaccines that were needed. Now it's time to go for his annual exam and the vet sent me a notice he is overdue for his distemper.

Is there a specific vaccine I should be requesting and is this in fact a vaccine I should be planning to do on an annual basis? I'm so confused and afraid to do the wrong thing.

I'd also like to throw out the fact that I plan to be traveling to Europe with Kojak on a fairly regular basis so I know that he will always need a current rabies vaccine and is required to be chipped (which he is). If anyone has any suggested tips or advice about the European travel aspect of things, I would be very appreciative. Our first trip won't be until this summer so there's plenty of time to prepare for that.

Thanks so much!

 

[Catzzzmeow]

I am not sure about what is required when traveling to other countries but my breeder states in her contract FIP and FeLV vaccines are the only vaccines NOT RECOMMENDED. Distemper is usually a core vaccination and recommended. My breeder recommends the manufacturer called Merial for vaccinations.

Patti

 

[PetitePuce]

Thanks Patti - that's helpful info.

 

[Lickleone]

When travelling to Europe with you baby for how long would your stay be? It's an awefully long flight for a cat for just short periods and you wouldn't be allowed to have him he'd have to fly in the live cargo. Just a thought it may be worth it if you'll be staying in Europe for a significant amount of time but I'd think hard if it just for a few weeks at a time just my two cents worth

 

[PetitePuce]

My trips to the South of France will typically be for 4- 6 weeks. I've researched the various airline policies regarding flying with pets and I've decided to limit my travel to airlines and flights that will allow Kojak to fly with me in cabin. I will not risk him traveling as live cargo.

Although I haven't yet traveled by plane with him, I'm very fortunate that he travels very well otherwise. If the same does not apply when we attempt our first transcontinental flight, I will make arrangements for him to stay at my sister's house if he can't handle the airline travel well.

 

[Lickleone]

Good luck in finding an airline that allows that, there's none I know of and I live in Europe. It's a lot of stress for a short time and amount of shots needed in order not to be placed in quarantine (quarantine is on average 6 months) so you'd be pretty damn sure you get it right. 4 to 6 weeks seems awfully short for the amount of stress flying can cause but that's my opinion hopefully it will work out fine