We only use killed virus vaccines and we have a large colony of felines, so we vaccinate much more frequently. The first vaccine is a three in one killed virus vaccine against Panleukopenia, Calici and Rhinotracheitis. We prefer the Fel-O-Vax PCT by Ft. Dodge and order it by overnight mail from Omaha Vaccine for about $2.00 including the syringe and needle. At eight weeks we give a five in one, which also protects against Chlamydia and Feline Leukemia. We prefer the Fel-O-Vax LV-K IV also by Fort Dodge, for a cost of about $7.00 including the syringe and needle. We vaccinate again at 10 weeks with this same vaccine and then every six months for life. Too many cases have been reported of felines contracting rabies from live and modified live vaccines, for us to chance their use. If we must vaccinate a pregnant female, then we use a three in one vaccine that does not contain the Chlamydia, such as the PCT. We don't vaccinate for rabies because there are no rabies vaccine approved for use in exotic felines and Veterinarians have told us that there is no proof that the vaccines do not cause rabies in the exotic cat. Our cats are at very low risk for rabies otherwise so we feel that failure to vaccinate is the lessor of the two evils. In the United Kingdom rabies has been eliminated and it is illegal to vaccinate an animal for rabies there, for fear of reintroduction of the virus. You know if your cat is more likely to come in contact with a rabid animal and that call is up to you. There are killed virus rabies vaccines available and would be the only safe version for an exotic. Interstate and Intrastate transportation of exotic felines does not require a rabies vaccine, however certain states require proof of the vaccination, including a tag and registration. If you give your own vaccines even the receipts will probably not suffice as proof.

We don't have too many cats, not even the tamest ones, who will allow us to walk up and stick them with a needle. Your method of vaccinating will depend on your cat's size, temperament and type of vaccine. The ones we use can be injected Subcutaneously (under the skin) or Intramuscularly (IM or in the muscle) so if I find a 450 pound Tiger sleeping against the side of her pen, I will take advantage of the opportunity to insert the needle, quickly, but gently enough so as not to even wake her.

We make our own nets out of welded steel and use netting that has the consistency of rope. We make the hoop large enough to slip down over an entire 250 pound Cougar or Leopard and the netting long enough for the entire cat to fit in the net with room left over to fold the net over, so that the cat cannot back out. There is a quick release drawstring in the end, so that after we have treated the cat, we can pull the rope and the cat can run out forward, rather than risk getting tangled and agitated trying to back out. Once the cat is securely in the net, we either use gloved hands or a second net to hold the head forward. Gentle pressure is all that is required. Try to move slowly, and quietly and make this as painless as possible for the cat, both physically and emotionally.

With the feline, thus restrained, we pull a section of skin up through the netting into a little "tent". With the needle parallel to the cats body we insert the needle into this "tent" being very careful not to push all the way through to the outside. Draw back the syringe slightly to insure that you are not in a vein (blood will fill the syringe if you are) and then inject quickly and steadily. If you act like you know what you are doing, you can probably fool the cat. Even if your Veterinarian gives all the shots, he or she will appreciate you coming well prepared and being able to help. It is not good for the cat to have to be sedated every time the least little thing needs to be done. In fact, I have known of several cats who have died from the tranquilizers or have choked to death because they were unconscious and sleeping with their air passage blocked. With all of our cats and all of our years, we have only sedated one Cougar, one time for anything other than surgery.

We have never used dart guns or blow pipes to give injections, because of the fear that the needle may break off in the cat, or he might chew the needle and eat the syringe. Even with a hand given injection we have seen the needle come off and remain in the cat. It was a death defying act to reach in and snatch it out of the hide of the three year old male cougar who was determined to chew it out. Things always have the potential to go wrong so you have to stack the deck in your favour wherever and whenever you can.

There is no evidence that the use of more than one cc of vaccine is beneficial in larger Felids. Some individuals may exhibit reactions to a vaccine such as a small knot or swelling at the injection site, a rise in temperature, melancholy or temporary loss of appetite or even lameness. At least one case of death by anaphylactic shock has been reported in a Jaguar within 24 hours of being vaccinated.

We vaccinate every six months, but in a smaller colony with less exposure, you can probably get by with an annual program. Often a sick or stressed cat cannot mount an adequate response to a vaccine, so it must be given again when the feline is in better condition.