is it true a kitten does not need shots as long as you keep it indoors and it had a healthy mother?

Answer 1

Hi there...no here's a list of reasons why below:


http://www.placervillevet.com/feline%20sarcoma.htm

Veterinarians have learned that the vaccines we use to protect cats from infectious diseases occasionally cause cancer. The risk is small and this does not mean we should stop vaccinating cats, but it does mean we should reduce the risk as much as possible. New guidelines suggest giving only the most important immunizations, no more often than necessary.

Vaccinations for indoor cats

Cats that never go outdoors do not usually need leukemia or FIP immunization. Test every cat in the household for leukemia and FIV so we do not have to worry that they will catch these diseases from each other. Test new cats before bringing them into the household.

Rabies

Because it protects people from a disease that is highly fatal and frequently diagnosed in local skunks, rabies is the most important immunization for cats and dogs. If an unvaccinated cat bites a person, even an indoor cat, the Health Department often insists that the cat be euthanized so its brain can be examined. All cats need rabies shots. Immunize once in kittenhood, a year later, and every one three years after that, depending on the vaccine used.

Distemper

Distemper vaccination protects against panleukopenia (FPV), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1). Panleukopenia is rapidly fatal. The other two are common respiratory diseases that are seldom fatal but usually incurable. All are easily transmissible - your visiting friend can carry the virus from her own cat to yours. Kittens are usually given a series of two distemper vaccinations at around 9 weeks of age and a booster shot one year later. After that, some veterinarians give boosters every year, most every three years. The vaccine companies recommend boosters once a year, the Association of Feline Practitioners recommends boosters once every three years. We give boosters once every three years.

Feline Bordetella

Bordatella is mostly a problem where cats are kept together in an enclosed area. It is usually not a serious disease, and unless you are going to have your cat boarded, or bring a home a cat from an animal shelter, you probably don't need to worry much about Feline Bordatella. We do not recommend Bordatella vaccinations for cats and do not stock the vaccine.

Leukemia

Experts disagree about the effectiveness of leukemia vaccine and about how frequently it should be given. Recently published guidelines recommend annual revaccination of all cats with potential exposure.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

FIP is not a common disease. Recent work at U. C. Davis (Peterson) suggests that FIP vaccine is pretty much useless, and if your cat already has the disease, may even be worse than useless. FIP is an important problem, but we don't have a worthwhile vaccine, and based on the most recent work, we aren't likely to have one any time soon. FIP is best avoided by adopting cats that have not had direct contact with large numbers of other cats.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

FIV is similar to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in that it attacks the body's immune system, eventually making the patient unable to deal with common infections. The disease is spread by contamination with saliva when cats bite each other and is another excellent reason why it is safer for cats to live exclusively indoors, with only one or two other cats. An FIV vaccine is available and used by many veterinarians. We don't use it and don't recommend it. There are serious doubts about its effectiveness against the variety of FIV most prevalent in the US. Also, vaccinated cats test positive for FIV afterwards. When vaccinated cats are picked up as strays and tested, they are likely to be immediately put to sleep. Unless you live in an area where FIV is a serious and common problem, vaccination is a bad idea. FIV is best avoided by adopting cats that have not had direct contact with large numbers of other cats.

Giardia vaccination

A killed Giardia vaccine has been marketed for use in cats. Giardia is uncommon and infected cats seldom show symptoms. Although vaccination can reduce shedding or the organism, it does not create immunity and has the potential to induce vaccine-associated sarcomas. We do not recommend giardia immunization and do not stock the vaccine.

Answer 2

You should still be vaccinating your kitten and keeping them on heartworm preventative medication. Many diseases that kittens and cats are vaccinated with can be transmitted via mosquitos or other insects, such as heartworm. Other diseases can be transmitted from the owner having contact with an infected animal and transmitting it to their pets, such as feline distemper (feline panleukopenia).

You should have your kitten tested for Feline Leukemia (feLv), and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). This is especially important if you have other cats at home, and should be done before you introduce the new kitten as these are highly contagious and fatal diseases. Your kitten should be vaccinated against feLv, FIP, chlamydia, feline calicivirus, rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia as well as being dewormed. If the kitten is over 4 months of age, they will also need a rabies vaccination, which is typically required by law.

Answer 3

Firstly, it is great that you want to allow your cat outside , and especially if he is used to it at your old home he will be desperate to go out again. Cats are after all naturally outdoor creatures. But I would recommend you do the following :- 1. Wait at least a couple of weeks before letting him out. 2. The first couple of times he wants to go out, take him on a leash. make it a long leash so he is free to explore a bit, but at least this way you are still ultimately in charge. You have already started doing this which is fine. 3. You should be far enough from your old home so no real worry there. 4. I assume he is microchipped just in case he gets lost. Then when you finally want to let him on his own:- 1. Do it during the day so you can watch him. 2. Follow him where you can. When my first cat went out, I ended up trespassing into several peoples gardens so I could follow him, but I was very worried. I don't recommend breaking the law :) 3. Do not feed him before he goes out. better to do it late in the afternoon before his evening feed. That way he will come back quite soon when he's hungry. 4. When he comes back at the beginning, pick him up and check him for any injuries. That way you can tell if he is fighting or just doing silly things. Most adult cats know their limits with jumping/exploring etc so should be ok. 5. Reward him with treats for coming back. 5. For the first while make sure you close the cat flap at night. After he has been out a few times during the day and comes back you can decide for yourself whether he can go out at night.

Answer 4

Very true.

Do NOT get yourself or your cat vaccinated.

A vaccinated cat or person is MORE likely to get a disease than a non-vaccinated cat or person. The whole theory of vaccination is flawed. It causes a weakening of the immune system thus making those who are innoculated more susceptible to disease.
There are so many awful side effects to vaccination that it should be considered extremely dangerous.
Just sit back and think for a while.
Is there any sense in injecting a disease directly into your body.
We have been subjected to an awful mind control program to enable the drug manufacturers to make a fortune.

The Vaccination Hoax
http://www.whale.to/b/hoax1.html


If you want to study the history of vaccination, see
http://dgwa1.fortunecity.com/body/vaccination.html

Answer 5

A kitten definitely needs basic kitten shots and then next year it can be discussed with your vet as to what shot regimen you should follow.

Go to www.littlebigcat.com and read Dr. Jean Hovfe's article titled "Vaccinations". It is at the end of her list of articles.

Answer 6

NNNOOOO!! Indoors cats don't require vaccinations as often as outdoor cats but if you have another animal that goes in and out, they will need vaccinations as normal. Cats should be vaccinated yearly, same as dogs, for boosters but strictly indoor cats with NO animals coming around from outside or going in and out generally only need vaccinated every 3-4 years because of the lack of exposure. If there is ANY chance they could get outside, vaccinate yearly. Hope this helps! (Kittens require vaccines at 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age to build up the immunity to start with plus deworming meds)

Answer 7

no it is not true. you need to get the kitten its' shots. no matter if the mother is healthy, the mother should be getting her shots as well. they both can get sick if they are not vaccinated even though they are indoors. if you go outside and pet another animal that is sick but showing no signs you can get your cat sick. the mother still can get sick even if she is inside. the best thing to do is to get them both vaccinated to prevent them from getting sick. good luck.

Answer 8

Wow did you get some great answers on this one. Animals need shots...cause lots of stuff is airborne...and keeping them indoors is not 100% cats can be pretty sneaky!!! Also need to be neutered too!!!

Answer 9

No.

Rabies vaccinations are probably a required element where you live if you own a cat or a dog.

FVRCP is a disease that can be brough into the house by you on your clothing or your shoes. In order to protect your animal, they need to be vaccinated.

Kittens get pediatric vaccinations, then their vaccinations should be once a year. Call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment for a physical and to begin the vaccination protocol.

Answer 10

Hi well it shouldn't get anything if it is an indoor cat but if you want to go away & the cat needs to be boarded you will find they won't take your cat unless it's had all it's shots...Regards Jake