I know that we are supposed to go to the vet to get our cats booster shots every year. Over here, it is MANDATORY that we get a yearly rabies shot. But what about the other shots? Is it really necessary to give our cats a booster shot every year, ESPECIALLY if our cats live indoors? I have always been up to date with all my cat's shots, but lately I have been wondering if it is even necessary. What do you guys think?
2007-08-21 05:49:49 · 14 answers · asked by moon&stars 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Just to reiterate!! I DO TAKE MY CATS TO THE VET REGULARLY....THEY DO GET THEIR BOOSTERS!! I just wanted other people's opinions on this matter! :)
2007-08-21 05:56:04 · update #1
HI
If they are inside I don't think the booster is that big a deal, However the thing is that then you take the pet to the vet every year and they can tell if there is anything going on with your pet, like diseases or cancers, or worms. You shouldn't have a problem with that as they are inside, but it can happen. So I feel it is worth getting the booster, maybe not necessary...but worth it in the end...mind you if you have to have a yearly rabies shot then you are seeing him once a year anyway....
2007-08-21 05:55:57 · answer #1 · answered by uniqueunicornbc 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would depend on the age of your cats and where you live. If your cats are 14 and stay always in the house and had boosters every year I'd probably quit with the boosters. If they are younger,sneak out once in awhile. I would do it. Even if they don't get out and you live in a area with animals outside you don't know what you could bring in on your shoes. It is kind of a hit and miss. I just quit giving shots every year to my old lady cats who are 14 and 16. My cats are only indoors.
IT IS NOT THE COST that is the reason I quit, as in children they are showing some vaccines are not always so good to keep injecting in to a cat or dog and after so many years of having regular boosters they tend to be immune to some disease these vaccines prevent. I had it vet o.k. to quit.
2007-08-21 06:23:51 · answer #2 · answered by doxie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rabies I would do regardless. My vet is on the fence about the other ones being totally needed. He says if your cat is an outdoor cat, you should consider the others, because some diseases are past between cats and other animals. Cats are not required to have anything in the city where I live, although the company I rent from requires at least a rabies shot.
2007-08-21 06:01:01 · answer #3 · answered by Michelle 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most places have reduced the rabies vaccination to 3 year boosters rather than yearly.
For a cat that is indoors and is never exposed to fleas, other pets (dogs that go outside), dirt, mosquitos, etc., then no - it wouldn't be necessary.
But even for an indoor cat it's nearly impossible for them to 100% avoid the above.
If you want to risk it - then you can save the 13 cents per day it would cost to vaccinate your cat yearly against infectious diseases. (Assuming a vet trip + vaccinations costs about $50)
That way - when your cat DOES become ill with an infectious disease you'll have that saving jar of 13 cents daily to pay for the $400 vet bill you'll see to treat it :)
2007-08-21 05:56:23 · answer #4 · answered by nixity 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats often get cancer since vets OVERDO shots for the money. I can't tell you how many vets I went to to treat my cats, and most don't know anything about illnesses, but just want to get your cat innoculated for everything. Please don't overdo the shots, especially if your cat is inside. I stay far away from Rabies shots. And my cats routinely get good care, I regularly spend as much as $3,500 for treatments for my cats. I avoid shots because I don't want my cats to get sick just because vets want to make a quick buck. Do some online research for background (I know you can't trust everything online, but there are studies out there). Make sure you do the first few years, and then like humans, cats should not need it anymore if you keep them inside and safe.
2007-08-21 06:46:15 · answer #5 · answered by boncarles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An indoor cat is only an indoor cat until it sneaks out. Some diseases might be carried in by guest who are also cat owners. Sometimes not maintaining a regular booster injection regime can have detrimental effects on a cat's health. Better safe than sorry.
2007-08-21 06:03:44 · answer #6 · answered by dm_cork 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes you should take your cat to the vet every year for shots and a check up. This is to prevent it from getting sick or maybe even dying!
2007-08-21 05:56:25 · answer #7 · answered by me 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you cats are indoor cats you really don't need any of the shots. Rabies is always best just in case she scratches or bites someone.
2007-08-21 06:04:23 · answer #8 · answered by Jules 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yup. ur cat could get sick without them.the cost for the shots i s way worth it to frevent the heartache, frustrations, and vet bills that go hand in hand with illness in pets. trust me.
2007-08-21 06:09:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
My cats only got shots when I first got them (shots are not mandatory here) and i assure they are perfectly fine, fat, happy and healthy...:)
2007-08-21 05:58:09 · answer #10 · answered by Ioa 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋