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Dear Porky & Buddy: I just got back from my vet with my cat, Isabella, and I am so confused. I thought that every cat always got the same vaccine on the same schedule and it was pretty cut and dried how that worked. She said it was not so simple--there are four "core" vaccines (FPV, Rabies, FHV and FCV) that almost all cats should have, with a few very rare exceptions but there are six more that they can have depending on their "lifestyle." Then she asked me a lot of questions about my cat, whether Isabella is indoors or out, whether I ever board her or travel with her. I ended up just having the core vaccines, I guess because they an indoor cat and never travels or gest boarded, but when did it get so complicated? Should I go on the internet and try to figure out for myself whether she is right about the vaccinations she gave? Signed, John

Dear John,

Let's think about this. Should you trust what your veterinarian, with her eight years of specialized education, recommends, or should you reach out to the internet and a cacophony of babbling fools? What do you think? Seriously John, pet vaccinations have indeed become more complicated over the years as more have become available and and more research has been conducted about what is necessary and safe. And recommendations about what should be given and how often do change periodically. That is not a reason to be all upset. It is a good thing. Trust you vet. Her goal is to protect you Isabella from common life-threatening diseases and from any unnecessary side effects of vaccinations. It's a balancing act, based on up to date research, but we have to tell you that the scales are tipped heavily toward those core vaccinations. Ask her for some written material that explains all of this in more detail or for her recommendation about a veterinary school website that provides reliable information. (Yes, that is technically the internet, but with credentials.) And thanks for taking such good care of Isabella.

The Oswego County Humane Society is adopting its kittens for an adoption fee of only $50 each if you take two. That includes up to date veterinary care and spaying or neutering. You can see them on our website at www.oswegohumane.org (along with very cool grown up cats too). And you can meet some of our pets for adoption at the PetSmart Summer Adoption Day on Saturday, July 18th from 10 to 4 at the PetSmart Store in Lowe’s Plaza, 104 East in Oswego. We’ll post the animals that will be there on Facebook as the time gets closer.

The Oswego County Humane Society provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County. Located at 110 West Second Street, Oswego, New York. Phone (315) 207-1070. Email: ochscontact@hotmail.com Website: www.oswegohumane.org

Because People and Pets Are Good for Each Other.