I have two cats that never go outside. Their yearly shots are coming up due so I was wondering if its necessary to get their shots since they are not exposed to rabies or other animals. Do indoor cats require all the shots that a cat outside would require?
2007-07-29 07:26:25 · 7 answers · asked by whitney_llove 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Feline leukaemia is the only one indoor cats are really safe from - oh, and FIV I suppose. And that's only if they never, ever go outside, like there's no danger of them escaping!
Hope they're still neutered and flea treated - just as important for indoor cats.
Chalice
2007-07-29 07:32:38 · answer #1 · answered by Chalice 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most shots do give coverage for about 3 years. There is a titer test that can be done to see if the blood still shows coverage, even for a yearly vaccination.
You can ask the vet if you can recieve the 3 year vaccinations, they have them for rabies and some of the others now. That would eliminate the need to take them in for shots every year but they should still be getting their exam once a year.
Unless you have feline leukemia in your area, you probably don't need that vaccine, and the FIV vaccine doesn't protect properly, my vet doesn't recommend it at all. The 3-in-one or 4-in-one will cover a cat more than one year so we don't give ours their yearly on that one.
But by law the rabies has to be up to date, just in case. Rodents carry rabies too, and if you cat gets bit by one he/she would be protected.
2007-07-29 07:34:55 · answer #2 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, first of all the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners does NOT recommend yearly vaccines for cats. Core vaccines should not be done more often than every 3 years.
Indoor cats should not get the leukemia vaccine for any reason.
Vaccines should be something you and your vet decide on. There are risks involved in vaccinating cats frequently, and you will have to weigh the benefits against possible complications. Not every vaccine protocol is right for every pet, although some cities require cats get rabies vaccines.
http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/vmth/clientinfo/info/genmed/vaccinproto.html
2007-07-29 08:17:09 · answer #3 · answered by Lisa 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not all vets give shots to make money. That is like saying your pediatrician gives your kids shots just to make money. What they want to do is protect you and your pet. We give only the shots necessary for the individual pet and their living conditions. An indoor cat would only get a rabies vaccine. It is required by law in every state. If your cat should happen, even accidentally, to bite someone, you would be subject to fines and quarantines regardless of whether the cat was inside or not. Cats have been known to catch bats, a huge source of rabies, inside homes rather frequently.
2007-07-29 07:37:47 · answer #4 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A good vet will ask you if they are indoor or outdoor & have a group of shots needed for outdoor & a smaller group of the things that you still need for an indoor cat. also some state require rabies shots weather the animal is indoors or not. Your vet will know which vaccines are legally required by your state
2007-07-29 07:36:18 · answer #5 · answered by dolthara 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Giving an indoor cat yearly shots just isn't necessary. When it comes to vaccinations, the shots never really change or are adjusted to fight different forms of a certain illness (like ours do with the flu) and are therefore considered good for 3-5 years of coverage. Vets make most of their money from these yearly vaccinations and check-ups, so naturally they're going to suggest them for everyone. While it may be a good thing to do for animals that have contact with many strange animals and places, for your kitties, I wouldn't suggest it because it's just not necessary!
2007-07-29 07:32:42 · answer #6 · answered by oh_shotdown 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Many "enlightened" veterinarians are now aware that yearly vaccinations are not the way to go with all cats and will discuss issues such as "lifestyle" of the cat to determine when and if vaccinations are needed when you take your cats for their annual exam.
Please go to: http://www.littlebigcat.com and read Dr. Jean Hovfe's article "Vaccinations" in her article library (it is at the end of about fifty articles). You can also look in her newsletter archives as there are some updates on the vaccination issue in them.
2007-07-29 07:46:39 · answer #7 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋