What are the VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS to bring my cat for surgery?
Kittens are REQUIRED to be fully vaccinated for Distemper/Panleukopenia (also called 3-way or FVRCP vaccine) prior to their surgery appointment. Adult cats are required to have at least one distemper vaccination 3 weeks prior to their surgery. We do not require a Rabies vaccine prior to surgery. We can provide adults with their booster distemper vaccine at time of surgery if it fits in their vaccination schedule.
Below are the vaccination protocols we recommend based on life-style. Definition of fully vaccinated is different depending on if a kitten, adult, pet, feral, shelter cat. If after reading the below information, you are still unsure if your cat is considered fully vaccinated or not, please text us at phone number 715-419-2338 and we will be happy to answer your question. Distemper/Panleukopenia is extremely CONTAGIOUS , FATAL, AND COMMON. Note: there are other necessary vaccines that we do not require for surgery. Please ask your regular veterinarian about those.
*Distemper/Panleukopenia (also called 3-way or FVRCP vaccine) requirements in KITTENS:
1st vaccine at 6-8 weeks of age.
2nd vaccine (booster) at 10-12 weeks of age.
3rd vaccine (booster) at 14-16 weeks of age.
4th vaccine (booster) at 16-18 weeks of age.
6 month booster vaccine at 6 months of age, *1 week after this is when you should schedule your kitten for surgery*.
1 year booster vaccine at 1 year of age.
After this 1 year booster, cats should receive a booster vaccine every 3 years thereafter.
*Modified live vaccine recommended.
*Distemper/Panleukopenia (also called 3-way or FVRCP vaccine) requirements in ADULTS WITH NO PREVIOUS VACCINE HISTORY:
1st vaccine as an adult (over 12 months of age) as soon as possible.* 3 weeks after this is when you should schedule your adult cat for surgery, we can provide a booster vaccine*.
2nd vaccine (booster) 3-4 weeks after this initial vaccine.
1 year booster vaccine-give one year later.
After this, cats should receive a booster vaccine every 3 years thereafter.
*Modified live vaccine recommended.
**Talk to your veterinarian about risks and benefits of vaccination if your cat is pregnant.
*Distemper/Panleukopenia (also called 3-way or FVRCP vaccine) requirements in OUTDOOR CATS:
If these outdoor cats are friendly, please follow above recommendations.
If these outdoor cats are skittish and difficult to handle, vaccinate only if safe to do so according to above protocol. We do not want you getting bit or hurt.
If these outdoor cats are FERAL, which means they are scared of humans and cannot be handled, we do not recommend capturing for vaccination as risk of personal injury is too high. You can schedule for surgery without having these feral cats vaccinated.
*Modified live vaccine recommended.
**Talk to your veterinarian about risks and benefits of vaccination if your cat is pregnant.
*Distemper/Panleukopenia (also called 3-way or FVRCP vaccine) requirements for RESCUES AND SHELTERS:
1st vaccine as soon as you can. Day one of meeting cats is ideal (and necessary) even if still on the farm or at hoarding house.
Give booster vaccines every 2 weeks until they are 5 months old. If already adult, give 2 total vaccines, 2 weeks.
*In the Rescue/Shelter setting, where getting the kittens adopted out as soon as possible is the main goal, we will spay and neuter as early as they have had at least two vaccines, two weeks apart, and weigh at least 2 pounds. Please continue with distemper boosters every two weeks even after the surgery until 5 months old. Adult cats in the Rescue Shelter can be spayed and neutered two weeks after having received the initial distemper vaccine*.
1 year booster vaccine-give one year later.
After this, cats should receive a booster vaccine every 3 years thereafter.
*Modified live vaccine recommended.
**Because of high risk of Distemper/Panleukopenia in the rescue/shelter setting, we recommend vaccinating even pregnant cats in rescues and shelters. Please talk to your veterinarian about the risks and benefits of vaccinating pregnant cats.
*Distemper/Panleukopenia (also called 3-way or FVRCP vaccine) requirements for NEWBORN KITTENS AT RESCUES AND SHELTERS:
1st vaccine at 4 weeks of age.
Give booster vaccines every 2 weeks until 5 months old.
In the Rescue/Shelter setting, where getting the kittens adopted out as soon as possible is the main goal, we will spay and neuter as early as they have had at least two vaccines, two weeks apart, and weigh at least 2 pounds. Please continue with distemper boosters every two weeks even after the surgery until 5 months old*.
1 year booster vaccine-give one year later.
After this, cats should receive a booster vaccine every 3 years thereafter.
Having kittens at a foster home, where no new cats are coming in and out, will give them the best chance for survival. One family of kittens per house.
*Modified live vaccine recommended.
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Most people get this vaccination done at their regular veterinary office. This is the best option and a way to build a relationship with your family veterinarian and receive valuable information about other important vaccines and keeping your cat healthy. However, you can also buy this vaccine and administer on your own at your own risk. They are often available at Wisconsin-based Farm and Fleet stores and online through ValleyVet.com. Be certain to keep the vaccine refrigerated up until administration.
We do not require the Rabies vaccine in order to schedule your cat for surgery.
We can provide a booster Distemper vaccination (if it falls into your cats vaccination schedule) and a Rabies vaccination the day of surgery.
Purple Cat will be offering walk-in vaccine appointments starting the summer of 2024. Please watch Facebook for an announcement.
What are the Purple Cat locations and drop-off and pick-up times?
Purple Cat offers appointments in Baldwin and Eau Claire.
Baldwin Purple Cat– 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. drop off, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. pick-up (you will be notified on pick-up time after your cat’s surgery is completed)
1570 10th Ave
Baldwin, WI 54002
**Baldwin location is located behind the Feuerhelm Langer CPA building just off of Hwy 63.
Eau Claire Purple Cat–8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. drop off, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. pick-up (you will be notified on pick-up time after your cat’s surgery is completed)
1520 Westgate Rd
Eau Claire, WI 54703
How much does Purple Cat cost?
Prices are as follows and subject to change without notice:
- $95 for cat spay
- $75 for cat neuter
- $20 for Rabies vaccine (must be at least 12 weeks old and weigh at least 2.8 pounds)
- $15 for Distemper booster vaccine (This is a booster vaccination. Your cat must receive the first distemper vaccine at least two weeks prior to your appointment.)
- $70 for farm cats-includes, surgery (male or female), two vaccines, and MANDATORY EAR TIP
- $20-$30 for pregnant cats depending on stage of pregnancy
What if there is a winter storm the day of surgery?
We monitor the weather closely during the winter. We know many clients and Purple Cat staff travel up to 100 miles (or more) to and from the different locations. If there is severe winter weather forecasted, we may cancel the clinic for safety reasons. We often make this decision only 2 days in advance as the weather may change and it is very difficult to reschedule 50 surgeries. Decisions to cancel a day of surgery are not made easily and are relatively rare. When we cancel the clinic, will will do our best to contact you by email and/or phone. We will give you an alternative appointment day. If the alternative appointment day does not work in your schedule, we will offer to cancel your appointment and wave all cancellation fees-your appointment will be refunded in full. Again, we only wave these cancellation fees WHEN PURPLE CAT CANCELS ON YOU AND NOT WHEN YOU CANCEL ON US DUE TO WEATHER.
If the weather is questionable and you are uncomfortable driving, but Purple Cat did not cancel the clinic, we will allow you to have a late arrival. Examples include needing to wait to be plowed out, or slippery roads that will melt by mid-morning, or light snow. Please text Dr. Angie at 715-419-2338 if needing a late drop-off time due to this type of delay. If you are uncomfortable driving in the winter, please arrange for a friend or a relative to drive with you. We only refund all surgery fees if Purple Cat cancels due to weather and not because you are uncomfortable driving. Alternatively, you can cancel for any reason 48 hours or more in advance of your surgery and only forfeit the $5 per surgery fee.
When will the next month’s schedule post?
We try to have the next month’s schedule posted 4-6 weeks in advance.
Where can I find the required forms?
Surgery/Anesthesia Consent, Before Surgery, and After Surgery instructions can all be found on the APPOINTMENTS page, FORMS page, and in the reminder emails sent to you.
What if I have questions after scheduling an appointment or need to cancel my appointment?
You will receive an email with an order receipt that also includes all surgery forms and a phone number to TEXT if you have questions that can’t be answered here or need to cancel.
When can I expect a refund if I have to cancel?
Purple Cat Mobile Vet Clinic will process your refund as soon as possible and then you will need to allow 5-7 days for it to appear back on your credit card. Please note that there’s a $25 PER CAT NON-REFUNDABLE fee to cover surcharges and administrative fees associated with scheduling. You do not get your credit card fees returned. You will receive any payment minus this $25 fee per cat back to your original form of payment.
Do you offer any other services?
On the day of your cat’s surgery, you can purchase the following services for CASH or CERTIFIED CHECK only:
- Rabies vaccine-$20 (cat must be at least 12 weeks of age and weigh at least 2.8 pounds)
- Distemper booster vaccine-$15 (your cat must have received their first distemper vaccine at least two weeks prior to your appointment)
- Ear mite treatment-$10
- Flea treatment (selamectin)-$15
- Nail trim while anesthetized-$5
How do I vaccinate my kitties myself?
We highly recommend you take your kitten to a veterinarian for vaccination. This way to start building that important relationship as well as get all the needed information about raising a kitten. However, we know that costs of vaccinating your cat vary widely and can be high. You can purchase the Distemper vaccine and administer yourself. You can often find the vaccine at Wisconsin based Farm and Fleet stores or online through ValleyVet.com. There is a small risk of a vaccine-associated allergic reaction which has the potential to be serious. You are vaccinating your pets at your own risk.
How do I get copies of my records?
Please send your first and last name (the person whose name is on the surgical consent form), your phone number, name of the cat, the exact date of surgery, location of surgery, $10, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Dr. Angie Ruppel, Purple Cat Mobile Vet, 366 26th Ave. Cumberland, WI 54829
How do I trap a colony of cats?
Please check out our blog with step-by-step instructions for trapping a colony of cats for TNR.
What if the drop-off time doesn’t work for me?
In rare cases, we may be able to allow an alternate drop-off time. Please text the number provided to you in the order receipt email.
When do I pick my cat up after surgery?
You will receive a text message or phone call stating that your cat is ready to return home when they are ready to go. This is a same-day process. There is no overnight stay for your cat. You will pick them up later in the afternoon (typically between 1:00-3:00 p.m.) on the same day of their surgery. Please make certain you are available to pick up before 3 p.m. If you arrive after 3 p.m. to pick-up your cat there is a $30 charge per 30 minutes late.
Can I schedule more than one cat for the same clinic date?
Yes! Simply select a second product to add to your cart. Please note that we need to have spays and neuters ordered as separate products to plan the timing of the clinic.
How old does my cat need to be to be spayed/neutered?
Kittens should be at least 6 months old and FULLY vaccinated. Any cats scheduled for SPAY or NEUTER must be less than seven years old. BARN/FERAL does not have this requirement as it’s often hard to know their age. Please note that any cat over seven years old is considered a senior cat and should ideally have bloodwork done before any surgery to look for underlying diseases. We do not provide laboratory services at Purple Cat.
What if my cat is in heat?
Cats will go in and out of heat all spring and summer until they are bred and pregnant. It is very difficult to catch a time when they’re not in heat. Dr. Angie has done thousands of spays in cats in heat and rarely has had complications related to heat. Yes, the blood vessels are a little bit more pronounced and uterine tissue thicker but the surgeon will take precautions with extra ligatures to make sure there’s not a complication related to this.
How soon after giving birth can I get my cat spayed?
We generally like to wait until the mom is 5-6 weeks after she had the kittens to spay. Female cats will still produce milk after being spayed. So this will not affect nursing kittens. Waiting this time allows the uterus to shrink making the surgery safer.
My cat might be pregnant. Will you still spay her?
When faced with this possibility, the first thing to ask yourself is: do I want kittens? Can I and will I be responsible for ensuring the kittens find a loving home? If you can be responsible for the kittens being placed in a home that will provide food and shelter and vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery, then yes, let her have the kittens and do not bring her to be spayed.
However, if you are not prepared to raise kittens, then you should consider having them spayed. Your pregnant female cat will be spayed and have her uterus and ovaries removed, along with any kitten fetuses. There is an increase risk for surgery complications if spaying while pregnant.
Sometimes, we do not know that a female is pregnant until we start the surgery. Because the anesthesia will potentially harm the kittens, we will go ahead and spay her. This is clearly stated on your surgery consent form. All pregnant cats will be charged a fee of $20-$30.
Cats are pregnant for about 62-63 days. If you think she might be pregnant and want her to have the kittens, then wait on her surgery for two months. During this time, keep her inside exclusively to determine if she is going to have kittens or not. In the third trimester, there’s an extra $30 charge to spay your pregnant cat and increased risks of anesthesia and surgery complications.
I think my cat has fleas. Can I still bring her?
All cats, whether they are indoor exclusively or indoor/outdoor or feral, have the potential to have fleas. All cats should be on a flea preventative. Please place a Frontline, Revolution, or Bravecto on your cat 24 hours or more before his/her surgery if you think there are fleas present. Frontline can often be purchased without a prescription at stores like Farm and Fleet.
To remove and prevent all fleas from affecting pets in your house, the following procedure must be strictly followed:
- All cats and dogs should have a high-quality flea treatment monthly for three months minimum. (Best brands include Frontline and Bravecto).
- All bedding (human and pet) and rugs should be washed in hot water and dried at high temperatures.
- All hard floors should be mopped with hot water.
- All carpet needs to be vacuumed, and the vacuum cleaner bag is thrown away. Canister-type vacuums should have the canister contents tossed, and filters cleaned.
- Consider the outdoor environment where rabbits and other small animals could be hiding/sleeping and dropping flea eggs. These areas are a continual source of re-infection and should be blocked off from your pets. Treatment of these areas with insecticides is ideal.
Can you be my regular veterinarian?
Purple Cat Mobile Veterinary Clinic is exclusively a low-cost spay/neuter cat-only clinic at this time. To keep costs down, it is necessary that the clinic only perform cat spays and neuters and select vaccinations.
This surgery is so much less than what my regular veterinarian charges. How do I know this is a quality surgery?
Our surgeries are most undoubtedly high quality and comparable to what your regular veterinarian would do. In fact, in some ways our surgeries are better due to extremely small incisions. We use the same anesthesia drugs. There are several reasons we can charge less than your regular veterinarian.
The biggest reason we can offer low-cost surgery is that we specialize in cat spays and cat neuters. Working with only one species with just the need for sterilization surgery allows us to become very fast and proficient. This reduces the time needed to perform the surgeries, and therefore we can perform more surgeries in a given time for less cost.
The other most important reason we can offer low-cost surgery is that we function with a very low number of paid staff members. We rely on word of mouth, Facebook, and the area shelters and humane societies to advertise for us.
Since you are not a regular veterinary clinic open six days a week, what do I do if my cat has a surgery complication?
If you are concerned about your cat following his or her surgery at our clinic, and you think it is related to the surgery, please TEXT the Purple Cat Mobile Veterinary Clinic phone number on your surgery discharge instructions. Dr. Angie will return your text, or call you, within a short period of time including the evening up to 9 p.m. If you have a concern in the middle of the night, or if you have not received a response from Dr. Angie in a timely fashion, please contact your regular veterinarian or the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic. This includes Allied Emergency Veterinary Service in Eau Claire, WI at (715)529-5900, Affiliated Emergency Veterinary Service in Duluth, MN at (218)302-8000, and Animal Emergency and Referral Center in Oakdale, MN (651)501-3766.