I have two female cats that I received that are both from the same litter. Their mother was an indoor cat also, from a very clean, household. They both seem to be very healthy. Since they dont go out side and have no chance of coming in contact with anything, do they really need to get any shots or get anything else from a vet?
2006-09-18 05:56:35 · 12 answers · asked by derrick b 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
My motto is better safe than sorry. It isn't so much that your cats won't be coming into contact with anything, is YOU may come in contact with something and bring it home to your cats.
It is very expensive to fix animals with these diseases if at all. There is no guarantee and the cost is quite high. Also, what if one of the cats was bitten by an infected animal...... say a bat got into the house and bit one of your kittens..... with no rabies shot it is a death sentence.
Good luck
c
2006-09-18 06:01:07 · answer #1 · answered by anniesgran 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Though I don't read it in your question I am assuming that they are kittens. The first series of kitten shots are necessary and will give them a lifetime of protection. The rabies vaccination is arbitrary at best. I have not given my cats any shots for seven years now. They do have access to my back garden and as I have cat fence-in they cannot leave my property to have contact with any other animals. Yes, a rabid bat could fall into my 1/32 of an acre back there and I don't really consider it a risk. I live in "earthquake" country and have for 35 years. Life always has its risks and I think you can safely play the odds on the rabies vaccine.
Holistic and homeopathic veterinarians firmly believe that over-vaccination is the cause of many cat health issues.
My five cats go for an annual exam and some need their teeth cleaned every year. My fourteen year old male had somewhat elevated kidney numbers from his blood work this summer and he will be checked for that again in January.
2006-09-18 06:28:55 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the health of the animals it's best. You said their "mother" was an indoor cat as well? Did the owners have her bred or did she get out once????
The thing is, it only takes once. A thorough health check up once a year even on an indoor cat can save it from developing major health issues. Just because they never go outside doesn't mean they can not or do not have or develop health issues. They should still be tested & vaccinated for feline aids & feline leukemia, with a rabies vaccination thrown in for good measure. Animals, like people should visit a vet/doctor at least once a year as a preventative measure. To assure they are still healthy, have their teeth checked, etc. It would also be wise to have them spayed, just in case they do get out!!!
2006-09-18 06:19:09 · answer #3 · answered by More Lies & More Smoke Screens 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They need to get their shots and to get fixed.
There are diseases that you can pick up from outside cats and give to your cats, without even knowing it.
Making sure your vet knows that your cats are indoor only will help your cats get the right shots, also if your cats ever have a medical condition knowing what is normal for your cat can help your cat get the right treatment quickly.
I have 2 indoor cats and they go to the vet every year, I would rather pay $100 a year than have to pay $1000 or more because I didn't give them a shot.
2006-09-18 06:02:38 · answer #4 · answered by Lady 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My cats are indoor also, but cats can still not only develop worms, but need to maintain shots for a healthy lifestyle, once they have had all initial shots, you only have to maintain them once a year, some vets offer the 5 year shots. The shots are important cause cats can develop distember, which is not curable once developed. I guess over all it's your choices, but I would ask a vet for a list of pros and cons. Good luck.
2006-09-18 06:03:22 · answer #5 · answered by Michelle Lynn 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they do need their shots. My cats are strictly indoors and I still get them their shots every year. Distemper is one. And what if you would come in contact with another cat that has feline luke? You could give it to your cats. They should have the shot for feline luke also. Be a responsible and caring pet owner and have them taken to get their shots.
2006-09-18 07:06:27 · answer #6 · answered by November 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A bat got into my sisters house and her cat tried to catch it. After contacting animal control to get the bat she had to pay to have her cat put into quarantine for a week at her expense since it didn't have a rabies shot.
2006-09-18 06:06:15 · answer #7 · answered by Barkley Hound 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, all of my cats have also been indoor but to ensure the best health and happiness for them it is best to make sure they still get consistent medical attention.
2006-09-18 06:04:05 · answer #8 · answered by Martin523 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
absolutly, there is no house that is inexcapable to a cat, and if that cat gets out then theres a whole mess of problems it can get into. also keep in mind other animals have the abbility to get in.
ALWAYS give your mammal animal a rabies shot.
feline distemper wouldnt hurt either.
2006-09-18 06:05:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes they do, just because they are inside doesnt mean they cant come incontact with anything, like say your walking through the grass, and you get a small piece of dirt on your shoe...and that piece of dirt has a trace of dog poop in it, and that dog poop has a parasite...you walk in the house, it falls off your shoe and your cat eats it and gets sick, now what? a vaccine could have prevented that...or a misquito bites your cat, i suggest a yearly vet visit!
2006-09-18 06:18:27 · answer #10 · answered by sassy2sloppy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋