Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Had a question?
My cats get Rabie shots as required and distemper. They are indoor cats so I don't do anything for worms,FIV,FIP as what I understand they aren't exposed to them.

I also have a dog who also gets her yearly shots & Heartguard.

My question is I also foster dogs/pups and was wondering is there any common diseases that can pass from dogs to cats that I should step up my protection for my cats?
My biggest one which is to common in pups would be Parvo which we all know is fatal. If I recall the distemper is the booster with Parvo protection, right?
Worms wouldn't they have to come in contact with the contaminated stool?

Thanks,
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Cheri,Shelby,Lily & Lucy

Things that immediately come to mind that would pass are probably obvious -- ring worm, fleas...

I had always thought true "diseases" like Feline Aids, etc., can't pass between humans and cats and cats and dogs. Stay within the species.

However, I would think worms might if they are near each other's food dishes or are close and licke each other, etc.

I don't think "Colds" pass. Kitty URIs, Dog Kennel Cough, etc... I think this is probably species dependent.

You will likely have to really watch the worms (ringworm and otherwise) and fleas if you foster.

Others will have a better answer for you.
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Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

I figured worms would be a pretty high up on the list of possiblities. But don't animals have to come in contact with the contaminated stool to pass worms? We make sure we pick up out door stools up right away and in the home foster pups are handled in puppy pens & crates with newspapers. Except during play time which we keep the accidents undercontrol.

We have an appointment tomorrow for cats yearly check up I will ask much more of the vets on the whole diseases.

I've heard before that shots are not required every year but how do you know which ones are necessary and not. And then when to give them again?

Thanks for the information & responses I really appreciate it!
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Cheri,Shelby,Lily & Lucy

Please let us know what your vet says. I asked many years ago and my Swiss Cheese memory tells me that I was told many were species dependent (didn't pass between humans, cats, dogs, etc...) But worms/fungal (particularly ringworm) can...

It is pretty commmon to stop all but Rabies for indoor only cats when they are "Senior" (8 or 9 yrs old). Many shots are very harsh on their kidneys. It really depends on whether they are indoor only or indoor with contact with other "new" animals (such as yours) or indoor/outdoor.

Around age 9, my vet stopped all vaccinations except Rabies. After Pookey lost his leg to a cancerous tumor caused by the Rabies shot at age 12 1/2, both cats stopped Rabies for good (they are 15 now).
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Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

Well things went well at the vet got alot of information!
First off our vets here are now starting to change shot schedule to every 3 years. Good news!

She made me feel pretty good that I'm not risking my girls to diseases. Very similiar as said here that what areas of concern would be fleas & worms. Worms were even very slight since cats are not the type to walk into poop and then groom that what it would take for that to spread. Fleas she said with the new topical like Revolution if I even see one an immediate treatment is very effective. She didn't even insist that I do that regularly unless I see something. Which I don't like chemicals on the girls unless its necessary. She said Parvo is strickly dog and my Shelby is up to date there. Kennel cough she had mixed opinion on that one, some people have claimed possibilties there but she wasn't convinced.

So I'm much more relaxed that my girls are safe cause Hubby and I really really enjoy the fostering. Since May of this year we have fostered 22 dog/puppies! Its very rewarding and alot of work but worth every second of it!

Thanks to everyone for you're feedback. I may not be here as often as I usto since I have been busy fostering but its sure is nice to know you're always here when I need ya all!

Be well & Hug a Kitty Cat TODAY!

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Cheri,Shelby,Lily & Lucy

I immediately hugged Stanley and Pookey (my shadows) as soon as you commanded me to in your post. They were both very vocal and purry about it.

Thanks for the update. It has been many years since I asked about it w/my vet...
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Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

Hi There,

You are very welcome and thanks for the update!

I think it's wonderful that you have been able to foster so many puppies and dogs. Not many people would have the time and the same commitment. Keep up the good work!

Regards,
PHKitkat

Hi There,

Mainly what you need to be concerned about are parasites, such as some worms, and ringworm, which is actually a type of fungus. You can also get ringworm from a dog or cat, so you need to do all you can to disinfect yourself if you have an animal with this problem.

I believe that it is possible for very young kittens to contract kennel cough from dogs. An adult cat wouldn't be prone to this as they have a much more advanced immune system than baby kittens.

Yes, I would think that almost all dog vaccines that protect against canine distemper would also give protection against Parvo. Please keep in mind that some breeds of dogs (such as Rotties and Pits) are prone to parvo even if they are fully vaccinated.

Tapeworms come from eating fleas, so if fleas are present, any animal is likely to get tapes. Other worms would require direct contact with, or eating of stool. I'm sure you know that pups are often born with worms.

BTW, yearly vaccines for both cats and dogs are no longer considered necessary. I realize that in some areas Rabies is required, but some vaccines have caused cancer in some cats and very serious anemia in some dogs. It may be advisable to vaccinate your dog for Parvo yearly because you take in fosters, though.

Regards,
PHKitkat

Hi Cheri,
Glad the fur babies are doing well. It is nice to see you on the boards. I am not on much any more either. To busy correcting a bizillion papers.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker

Glad to hear from you too Jamie!
Correcting papers?? Are you a teacher??
A Bizzilion sure is alot hope you're getting paid for it,LOL!

Yeah I just pop in from time to time not as much as I usto any more not much time with the fosters but nice to see how everyone is doing from time to time.

Hope all is well with you too!
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Cheri,Shelby,Lily & Lucy