Finding The Right Vet

Community cats are often a mix of stray and feral cats. If you've been caring for them for a while, some of the ferals may not regard you as a threat. But they definitely aren't lining up to get their immunizations updated. Immunizing an entire colony can be time-consuming, but it helps when you have a system in place for catching the cats and ferrying them to their appointments. These tips can help make the job easier on you and the veterinarian.

Use a Trap if You Have To

Some community cats are perfectly willing to spend some time in a carrier, but others may have serious doubts about the entire process. You may even have to use a trap to capture the truly reluctant cats. Don't feel guilty about trapping the cat because you're likely to be headed straight to the pet immunization clinic as soon as possible. Make sure to line the trap with newspaper and if you're keeping the cat overnight, make sure he has plenty of food and water.

Cover the Carrier or the Trap

Often cats are more nervous about the things that they can see than they are if their vision is obscured. This is often why some cat owners use a pillow case to snag their own pet. One way you can make the trip for shots easier on your community cats is to cover the carrier or the trap with an old sheet. Make sure that the cover comes down over all four sides of the carrier or trap and cut a small hole for the handle. That way you're less likely to lose your grip on the handle through the cover.

Watch the Cats Carefully

During your trip to the clinic and after the shots, keep an eye on the cat as much as possible. Most cats don't have reactions to their vaccines, but some can. If the cats are acting different than they normally do, or stop eating or drinking, you may need to take the cat to your veterinarian. Ask when you're getting the cat immunized if there are specific reactions to watch for with the shots that the cat is receiving. That way you'll be prepared in case something happens.

Call your local mobile vet clinic to find out when they'll be visiting your area. Keeping your colony cats immunized helps to keep the entire colony safe and happy.

For a pet immunization clinic, contact a clinic such as Moon Mobile Veterinary Services LLC.