Do cats need annual shots?

Question

I've had my cat for about a year and a half now. I am a member of the shelter where I adopted here, yet they haven't sent me anything about my cat needing shots. Anyway, is it recommended, or required, that I take my cat to see a vet every year for a shot?


By the way ...She's an indoor cat, and never exposed to other cats.

Answer 1

Yes, but space them out. Many vets want to give 'all' shots to cats at once each time they need them. This overwhelms the cat and can even make them sick (happened to my cat when she was a kitten).

There are shots you are just required to have, such as rabies. You can't even 'skip' on this one without breaking the law. Other ones are debatable, especially for an indoor kitty. There is debates as to wether these vaccines can actually cause more harm than good. The internet can easily confuse you on this.

I would recommend just doing one series of shots, especially if this is an indoor kitty. Any more and it *may* be a waste of time (just remember if she gets out, then she's exposed to all that is bad out there).

Also, check into Banfield at PetsMart. They offer annual pet wellness plans which includes the vaccines as part of the plan and no charge for visits. This way you can space out the shots without having to pay for the office visits!

Your vet and vet nurses should be able to answer your concerns about some vaccines (they can even show you videos) on wether your kitty really needs them or not. And with the plan, they'll give you an fairly honest answer since it won't cost them anymore either way.

Simple answer: Do rabies. If you do more, space them out to one shot per visit per week or two.

Answer 2

It is the law that every cat have a rabies shot even a indoor cat but when you take to the vet request the 3-year rabies shots-vets will not mention on their own for cats need yearly checkups and some people would not take cats if not required. You will be given tag and paper to send away with the cost to file your cat with board of animal health. Probably do not send you anything for it is your responsibility to find out and shelters have low funds anyway so spend only what they need to. There are other Vaccinations but are a matter of choice . To not give your cat and register that she has rabies can get you a hefty fine if found out.

Answer 3

The rabies vaccination is usually mandated by law and there are no "rabies police" to come to your home to check if your cat is vaccinated for that or not. I have not vaccinated my cats for the last seven years.

Homeopathic veterinarians believe that vaccinations cause more problems than they solve. If your cat is in such a protected environment and never goes out she should not need any more vaccinations than those she received in her first year of life.

I do think an annual exam by a vet is a good routine to get into with your cat. That way you have a relationship with a vet if any problems should develop with her health.

You can go to www.littlebigcat.com and read Dr. Jean Hovfe's article titled "Vaccinations". The articles are in alphabetical order so that is at the end. Dr. Hovfe's newletter archives also have some updates on current research on vaccinations.

Answer 4

Regardless if your cat is exposed to other cats or the outdoors, your cat definitely needs shots, annual rabies shots is a must. Some people don't think this is necessary, but oh it is always a good idea.

Regular check ups too is a great idea to ensure that your cat is as healthy as could possibly be. Humans require regular check ups and so does our four legged companions and friends.

Good luck to you and may you and your pet be the best of friends!

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Do cats need annual shots?
I've had my cat for about a year and a half now. I am a member of the shelter where I adopted here, yet they haven't sent me anything about my cat needing shots. Anyway, is it recommended, or required, that I take my cat to see a vet every year for a shot?


By the way ...She's an...

Answer 6

Indoor or not it is still important to keep your pets vaccinated. There are recently new recommendations for canine vaccines and only vaccinating every 3 years as opposed to every year and this may also be true of cats however it is still important to have at least a yearly examination at the vet to check for any problems that may be arising that the untrained eye can not see.

You should also be concerned about what would happen if your cat ever accidentally got out and has not been properly vaccinated. It can happen and can be very devastating. I would make an appointment and see what the vet says about vaccines.

Answer 7

I have been debating the same question myself. Why do cats (and dogs) need yearly booster vaccinations when we humans recieve a vaccine against a particular disease and we are made immune for life. How come our pets need to be vaccinated EVERY year?

I have read several articles on pet vaccinations... there are conflicting opinions. Some vaccines cause more harm than good and some are not really effective.

After much thought (and many phone calls to various vets), I have just about decided that it might be a good idea to get boosters for rabies and distemper (panleukopenia) for my 2 indoor cats who are allowed to go out only wearing halter and leash or in their special otdoor enclosure.

Answer 8

Most shelters wont have that info unless they gave the cat the shot there. Indoor cats still need shoots. In most states rabies is required by law for cats and dogs. For more details go to http://www.catvaccines.com/feline_vaccination_guidelines.htm
they have a big list of all the ones and when needed. Talk to your vet too. They will know what is best for a indoor kitty in your area.

Answer 9

I would get it done; preventive maintenance is easier than a huge vet bill if something happens. Rabies vaccine is usually a law. My cats are also indoor cats and I get them done every year. Some cat diseases can be passed from cat to cat just by you petting them, which is why many places have hand sanitizers that they ask you to use between cats. (and how many of us cat lovers can resist petting a stray cat at our door or pet a friend's cat) I've seen cats with cat diseases that could have been prevented with a cat immunization...if you love your cat you dont want the possibility of that happening.

Answer 10

I know people that say that you should but we have indoor cats that aren't exposed to other cats. We have taken their front claws out. We don't get them their annual shots. I get them flee med. when I think they need it. Other than that we don't take them to the vet. and they are fine. My Mom has an indoor cat as well and doesn't get annual shots. She only takes her to the vet. when needed. Other than the fact that she is mostly blind do to age she is about 14 to 16 yrs old. I say don't do it unless you bring other animals into the picture. Or you get animals that will have to go in and out such as a dog. Good luck!!