necessary shots for an inside cat?

Question

Other than rabies which is a given. What shots are really important for an inside cat that never has (and never will) go outside?

Thanks.

just wanted to add yes he will be getting neutered within the next 2-3 wks. Neutering is very important part of pet ownership in our household.

I know that rabies is required by law. Thats why I said that is a given. Its a given because I know that it is required and he will get that.

No we do not have any other animals that go outside.

Answer 1

Homeopathic and holistic vets feel that cats are overvaccinated and that too frequent vaccination can actually cause disease. You should go to www.littlebigcat.com and read Dr. Jean Hovfe's article titled "Vaccinations" before deciding with your vet about what vaccinations are necessary for your cat's lifestyle. Dr. Hovfe's newletter archives also contain updates on vaccinations. The leukemia vaccination is suspect in actually causing the disease The leukemia virus has three known strains and all the manufactered vaccines so far do not contain all three.

We only vaccinate our children with one shot or round of shots in their lifetimes and children are constantly exposed to diseases in their environment. There is no research to show how long pet vaccines are good for and vaccination for them has been a sort of "knee jerk" reaction among vets for far too long.

Answer 2

I think that there are a couple different schools of thought on this. Like old cat lady was saying, my mother went to a holistic/homeopathic veterinarian when she adopted her kitten. That vet felt that if the cat was going to be strictly an indoors only cat, she only needed a rabies vaccine - and I believe to this day, that vaccine is the only one the cat has ever been given. The rationale being that cats are over-vaccinated and certain vaccines can cause nasty reactions and are unnecessary if the cat is not going outside/not at risk.

When my husband and I adopted our kitten, we went to the same vet practice, but saw a different vet who was not holistic and didn't subscribe to the other vet's viewpoint. Our kitten was given rabies/distemper and I believe feline leukemia. Unfortunately, our kitten was one of the few who did have a bad reaction to the vaccines, and the distemper caused her to have siezures, which was not fun at all to deal with and caused us and the poor baby a lot of grief. Our cat is now deaf from the seizures.

It is really something you should think about carefully and discuss with your vet - but as you can see, even different vets will have different opinions depending on their beliefs.

Answer 3

My cats are indoors mostly. They get to stay in an outdoor enclosure brief times during the day and walkies on halter and leash also. They have no "nose to nose" contact with any other animal. My Vet recomended two shots only:
(1) Rabies because that's the law
(2) Panleukopenia (distemper) bec the virus can be brought home in shoes or other items.

Answer 4

Do you have any animals that do go outside then come in? If so, the cat will need all vaccines yearly. If not, most vets will reccommend vaccines every 2-3 years. They do still need all of the normal vaccines though - panleukopenia (feline distemper), rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and chlamydia with feline leukemia along with rabies. I vaccinate my strictly indoor cats every 3 years but since I got 2 dogs this year, they will get them yearly.

Answer 5

well that depends if you have any other animals that tend to go outside. My cats are fixed and I made sure they get their rabies shot as I have a dog that goes outside. It's better to be safe than sorry. It would kill me to see one of my cats dying from rabies or any other animal disease that is out there usually fromstray cats and dogs. I would still make sure the cat gets a rabies shot jsut to be safe. It's really not that expensive, but it also gives you peace of mind to know your cat is protected. Good luck

Answer 6

my cats never go outside. I have given them rabies injections. We have also moved to two different countries and I've had no problems. Personally I don't find any need for any other injections. In all the traveling we've done my cats have never gotten sick because they are not exposed to other animals. I think the biggest risk for a cat is when it's exposed to other animals.

Answer 7

Vaccines: These are important even if the cat never goes out-it could happen-door gets left open

FVRCP-Layman terms Feline Distemper yearly

You can opt to vaccinate your cat for Feline Leukemia provided they have a negative Test.

You can also opt to vaccinate your cat for FIP

Rabies is required by law

Answer 8

Rabies, distemper and feline leukemia. Right now there are a lot of diseases going around with cats. Feline AIDS and Panleukopenia are really bad in certain areas. Ask you vet about any local diseases that may be affecting cats in your area.

Answer 9

My cat gets rabies and distemper for sure. For some reason, feline leukemia stands out in my head, but I'm not 100% sure.

If you're concerned, ask your vet and he/she will guide you on what your cat needs. If price is a concern, voice that to your vet, and they should work with you.

Answer 10

Rabies, distemper and feline leukemia for sure.
I also believe there is a vaccination for Rhinotraceitious...I'm sure that's spelled wrong even spell check couldn't help...but it's the feline herpes virus.
Of course have a feline leukemia/ feline AIDS test run.