Shots for Indoor cats?

Question

I have 2 cats that are age 5 & 6 - they are strictly indoor cats and have had all their shots up until about a year ago. I have a big problem getting one of my cats in a carrier and he is a lot of trouble at the vet (bites, scratches, etc). We had a bad experience at the vet before and I don't think I can get him back there so I haven't brought either of my cats in for shots in a year. My question is how necessary is it for them to get annual shots? It seems like the trouble to get them to the vet for one shot and for them to weigh them isn't worth it and the price for a vet visit is often very high.

Answer 1

Yes, it is worth it and very necessary, you can bring diseases in on your shoes from outside and you cat can contract it. As much work as it is, you need to take the cat to the vets office for their shots for their own safety. Maybe you could call your vet and get a tranquilizer for you cat so he is more calm at the office. Good luck!

Answer 2

It's important if for nothing else having your can looked at annually to be sure there's nothing wrong with them.

My vet does not give the leukemia vaccination to strictly indoor cats, but they do get their annual rabies and FVRCP vaccinations.

A vet can tell A LOT from the weight of the cat. Weight loss or gain can indicate medical problems such as diabetes, hyperthyroid, etc.

They should have their teeth checked annually to make sure there aren't abcesses, decaying teeth, gum problems. Issues with the teeth can lead to other problems such as heart and kidney ailments.

As you can see, it's not just about the vaccinations. But the call is yours. If your cat is too hyper, you can give them a sedative before you go to the vet to make the trip easier. Usually acepromazine is prescribed and a 1/2 or whole tablet is given about 1 hour before the appointment. It just helps to take the edge off of the pet so that they can have an easier time of it. Check with your vet.

Answer 3

I have the same promblem with my cats at shot time, some one is always missing.So I did some research and got a vet who does home visits for shots and basic needs. Yes even though they are strictly indoor cats we carry things in on our shoes etc. from the ground. Plus if they ever did get lose better safe than sorry. Oh my home visit vet has the same prices as the local vet at hospital

Answer 4

Please get your cats their shots. It is important for them to see the vet at least once a year. If your Vet is like mine, she does an exam on the cat before giving the shots. This way any problems can be found early and taken care of. One of my cats developed a thyroid problem that the Vet discovered while doing a routine exam before giving the shots. Cat is now on meds for this and doing great because it was caught early. Get the shots.

Answer 5

Studies have shown that the effectiveness of vaccinations, like rabies, actually last a lot longer than recommended. Since your cats are indoors, then getting them vaccinated every year really is an unnecessary expense. Distemper though, does need to be done every year. Discuss with your vet if there are any other options. Some will come to your house, but can be costly. You may be able to buy the vaccination (not rabies, though; it has to be given by a vet) and administer it yourself. It may actually be cheaper. The two websites tell you the necessity of vaccinations and also where you can buy them for self administration.

As an add-on, I'm not saying that you need to totally forgo the vaccines. They are still needed in an indoor cat. My indoor guys are vaccinated as well. I'm just saying that studies have been done on doing titers of their blood that show that immunity can last longer that one year in most cases. So if you are a little late in getting the shots, there is no need to panic. The same goes with us and our immunities to vaccines, although I still will get my son vaccinated when the times come.

Answer 6

definite. that's important flow on your vet to debate the pronounced pictures for an indoor cat. even nevertheless you do not expecy her to get ailments from different cats, issues can take place. constantly think of with regard to the worst case scenerios - what if she slips out the door into the huge extensive international, misplaced and afraid. If she grows hungry, her immune equipment will weaken. additionally, she will then very nearly particularly come into touch with different animals. case in point, a raccoon or squirrel with rabies bites your cat. Had you given your cat a rabies shot, she may well be effective. yet another occasion, what in case you may take your cat to the vet at the same time as you flow on trip? Vaccinations will help preclude ailments transmitted from animal to animal in the kennel. superb of success alongside with your little ball of fur and exhilaration!

Answer 7

My cat is 9years old, she had her shots when I first got her, now she only needs a Rabies shot if I'm going to board her when I go on vacation. My vet hasn't told me to get her any other shots. She's always in doors never goes out side. I also have trouble getting her in her carrier, my poor baby has been through so much illness, she's diabetic, one good thing she doesn't need insulin only a special diet. So I wouldn't worry about extra shots it's only costing more money.

Answer 8

Your cats do not need any more vaccines. They have all the immunity they're ever going to get. I would strongly suggest joining the following group http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/TruthAboutVaccines/


Edit: I am editing my post to add some links for your consideration. I'm seeing a lot of misinformation and outdated opinions being posted. It's a good idea to read up on this subject. They are finding that most vaccines create immunity for life, especially given how many your cats have already had. Annual vaccines are absolutely not necessary, this has been proven and is already accepted by the AVMA, the protocol changed last year, it should be ammended even further, but you can read plenty about that in the links that I have provided. In addition to the fact that your cats don't need any more vaccines, giving them again increases their risk for complications exponentially. Vaccines can be very dangerous when they are over used. I've been through this with one of my cats already. Vaccines have destroyed her immune system and given her a number of other physical and neurological problems. Please do your homework.

http://www.wpxi.com/family/2045487/detail.html

http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/

http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/DODDS-CHG-VACC-PROTOCOLS.HTM

http://www.holisticat.com/vaccinations.html

http://web.archive.org/web/20040605103824/bullovedbulldogs.com/vaccines.htm

http://www.thinktwice.com/

http://www.austinholistic.com/articles/FW001.html

http://www.austinholistic.com/articles/FW002.html

http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/VACCINE1.HTM

Answer 9

It is very important. What if one of your cats bites a visitor or gets out? If you do not have their shots up to date, they’ll be put to sleep, or they can pick something up.

Try covering your cat with a towel to get her in the carrier. Your vet can also prescribe a mild sedative to help you get her into the office. Once in the office your vet will know all of the tricks to get her the shots and exam she needs.

Answer 10

I don't know about all shots--but I do know of one indoor cat that got distemper.
So definitely they need distemper shots to be up to date.