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My old cat needs a rabies shot. Is a smaller dose safe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 17 years and 11 months old | 5 lbs

Willow will be 18 years old this month. She is hyperthyroid and treated daily. She is doing really well for her age! She eats, drinks, and uses her litter box regularly. Our vet stopped giving her rabies shots 3 years ago after she was diagnosed. We are moving to a new retirement apartment community that requires a rabies certificiate. If pleading our case does not work, can she be given the shot, possibly in a smaller dose? She is a little cat and only weighs 5 pounds. Thank you!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 7th, 2020

If pleading your case does not work, unfortunately no you cannot get a small dose of the shot. This is not allowed. Willow would have to get the rabies shot fully, but she should be ok. Speak with her vet to see if you can get their support with the retirement home requirements. Best of luck.

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