Hello,
I’ve lurked the board long enough to know the indoor/outdoor cat controversy, so I’m really hoping to avoid that if possible 
I did a quick search to see if my question had been addressed, and didn’t find anything that directly answered my questions.
I have a nearly-tamed feral cat who lives mostly indoors, but does wander outdoors at least once or twice a day. We’re getting a new kitten in my house who will be an indoor only cat. I called my vet today to find out what vaccinations I needed to get for my guy before the kitten moves in. I was set up on a two-year vaccination schedule after his one year booster, and he’s due in June. However, the vet says that they have now moved to a three-year vaccination schedule, which means Morty wouldn’t be due until next year.
Do you think I need to be overly worried about upgrading my cat’s shots before the new kitten comes home? We’ll be keeping them separate for a while, but I don’t want the kitten to get sick. The kitten will be vaccinated in a week with his first shots. I don’t want to over-vaccinate my cat, and he is currently very, very healthy (afaik).
Tangentially, I was wondering if anyone had an opinion on must-have vet care/ upkeep for outdoor cats… should I be deworming him more often? Anything else to worry about? (I’m thinking about heartworm, but don’t think I’ve every treated it).
my vet has been advising parasite control for all cats in or out. even if a cat is an indoor cat, you could bring in fleas and the ilk on clothing or shoes. or in your case from the outside cat.
i would def. go with one of the parasite meds. advantage, revolution, etc. and keep up on the rabies, fiv, etc. vacs.
Hmmm.
I believe that Broomstick would like a word with you.
I should have been more specific I suppose.
I adopted my cat from a shelter. He spent the first year of his life living on the streets, and came to the shelter after someone kicked him in the face. As a consequence, he is very scared of people except me. He sticks close to home, and I suppose it could be debated whether or not he NEEDS to go outside, but if I keep him locked in, his personality changes dramatically. Letting him out makes him happier, and makes me happier. We don’t live near any gardens (that I can find, anyway), but I can’t guaruntee that he doesn’t get into them if they are around, I suppose.
My cat is microchipped, wears a bright red tag and reflective collar. He won’t go near strangers and is deathly afraid of anything that makes noise. Mostly, he likes to have full control over the small exterior of my home, and to be able to sleep in his outdoor cat tree.
While I sympathise with Broomstick, my specific concern in this instance is to make sure that my cat stays healthy and doesn’t pose a risk to the new kitten, who will be raised indoors.
Thank you, Rocking Chair, for your advice. I think I’ve decided to go with the deworming/heartworm, but I’m still not sure about whether or not I need to get a full vaccine run right away or can wait for a year. I’m hearing conflicting advice from vets about the two-year or three-year period between vaccinations.