I got an indoor cat that never goes outside and has no interaction with any other animals.Why give it shots?

Question

Distemper and rabies shots?Why bother...don't animals have to come in contact with infected animals to catch these afflictions?

Answer 1

you dont know what disease may have been lying dormant in your cat when you got it...some diseases can be virtually invisible then all of a sudden show up in your cat...once you get the first set of shots for prevention then you can eliminate any further shots as long as your cat stays indoors 100% of the time...thats what i do

Answer 2

distemper is important because like someone else said u can track it inside if u come in contact with infected soil. Rabies is just the law, and depending upon your state some vets are required to give the shot before they can work on the animal.
rabies is inesxpensive, u can useally have them done at the local animal shelter for between $5-$10.
It's just the smart thing to do. also if u ever have an angry landlord/neighbor or friend who calls animal control they can seize your kitty friend for not having rabies. I have had that happen and although my kitties were otherwise spoiled, the shelter gave me 3 days to get everyone rabies shots, they would have taken any after that 3 day period not vaccinated, regardless of their healthy happy indoor home.

Answer 3

There are a few diseases such as feline leukemia and feline distemper that you can actually carry into the home if you had contact with an infected cat or stepped on an infected cats droppings. An indoor pet is pretty much safe from rabies. You also have to consider the possibility of your cat ever getting outdoors..it may one day escape and would not have any protection against disease. Talk to your vet to see what he/she suggests.

Answer 4

Because some things can be brought in on the shoes. Also, Rabies shots are required by law where I live. That said, I have one senior cat - 10 yrs old. This year I only got the rabies (3 yr) because it is required. I had his antibodies levels tested for the distemper and calcivirus. They were low, so next year I might get them. But only if he's remains in good health.

I discontinued getting the Leukemia vaccine years ago.

It's your choice. You choose to do what you think best.

Answer 5

Because some of these things YOU can bring into the house on your body/hands/clothing. The rabies shot is needed because bats get indoors and are one of the most commonly rabid animals in the USA. The rabies vaccination will also keep your cat from being destroyed should he bite someone.

Answer 6

You honestly do not have to. However, the rabies shot is a good idea in case by some odd happening the cat got out and interacted with another animal. The shots are insure your pets safety as well as your own.

Consider it.

Answer 7

I am in total aggreement with you.They can do more harm then good. The only reason to get a rabies shot would be because a vet gets bitten by your cat. if it isn't given, a vet can euthanise your cat for tests but I don't think that would be done.
While on this subject for others, boosters do not boost or make shots last longer. If anything they can weaken the original shot and as said before can do much more harm then good

Answer 8

All of my cats only had their shots when they were young. I've never bothered with booster shots. They are never outside, ever. I don't track dirt in my home. I live on the 2nd floor of my building and any dirt that would have been on my shoes (not that I EVER have dirt on my shoes) would have come off long before I stepped in my home. My cats aren't suddenly going to contract rabies and I don't see the point of stressing them out by taking them to the vet, only to have them feel sick from the shot that they didn't need in the first place.

Answer 9

the single responder that stated rabies photographs for indoor cats in Canada is optionally available is largely remarkable; yet vets right here even have the remarkable to refuse therapy for a cat that hasn't been vaccinated. There has not been a documented case of rabies around right here in over 22 years yet my cats are vaccinated besides. not too sparkling on the guidelines interior the States yet i could never for my section save an animal that had not been vaccinated.

Answer 10

I agree with you! I thought vaccines were really important but turns out they can do more harm than good! My 3 cats are indoor cats. One is 14 years old and had his vaccines when he was a baby! My 2 other cats are 2 and 1and a half. I was supposed to get them vaccinated this year and I will not get it done! Vets are there to make money and that's about it! Your animal is just a number to them!

Answer 11

Many veterinarians (particularly the holistic and homeopathic ones) consider that too frequent vaccination is not good for pets.

You can go to http://www.littlebigcat.com and read Dr. Jean Hovfe's article titled "Vaccinations". Dr. Hovfe also has information on vaccinations in her newsletter archives.

I do not vaccinate my cats. Rabies is usually mandated by law and you still have a right to skip it (for cats). Dogs of course must be licensed with proof of rabies vaccination.