After losing one of our cats to a vaccine we later realized she did not need since she was kept indoors, we are VERY selective about the vaccines our babies get.

On the letting the cat outside issue, we have one cat who has a fit if she can't go out now and then. However, (a) after one cat wandered off for two months (story had a happy ending ) and, (b) given that we now live in an area with a lot of wildlife, many of them predators, and (c) as I have several bird feeders out and do not want her killing the birds - we do not just open the door and let her go. But her outside urges are satisfied with a kitty harness and a long chain. One end gets clipped in to her harness, the other wrapped around a post and she is just as happy as can be. When we pull out the harness she starts meowing like crazy and standing on her hind legs trying to reach the harness.

I hope the best for DH's recovery and future health. If it comes to amputation, that does seem drastic, but most animals are amazing at adapting. I think it actually bothers us more than them.