Some cats develop cancer at the location of their vaccination sites. In researching the incidence of vaccine-induced sarcoma in cats, I saw estimates ranging from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000 cats. And yet only one cat owner of several I spoke to had been warned about the dangers of vaccinating their pet. Of course the dangers of not having certain vaccines may often outweigh the risks of sarcoma. However, our vet in California has a policy to recommend against certain immunizations for indoor cats since they are less likely to come in contact with cats carrying disease. Cats who do receive vaccinations should not be vaccinated between their shoulder blades, as was the previous practice. The new recommendation is to vaccinate as far down the shoulders and back limbs as practical. Also, the vaccines are to be given in a recommended pattern (see the chart on the previous link), which could help narrow down, over time, which vaccines cause the most problems.

Give your kitties a periodic rubdown, behind the neck, down their shoulders and hips to check for lumps. Ours is getting a lump removed today. Needle aspirate tests came back benign, but it’s at an injection site so we are not taking any chances. And she won’t be getting any more vaccines unless there’s a life threatening reason.