Should Cats Be Vaccinated Every Year
Opinion varies on this, even among vets. Vaccinations are a controversial topic in feline husbandry. As a veterinary surgery charge for vaccinations, some consider annual vaccinations to be an unnecessary cash-grab.
Vets will have different policies on vaccination. Some will claim that vaccinations are effective for up to 3 years. Others will insist upon annual boosters. Boosters are cheaper and easier to administer than entirely new vaccines.
Discuss the options with your vet and settle upon a vaccination schedule. Much will depend upon your cats lifestyle. Outdoor cats face a higher risk of contracting a disease as they will encounter various other animals with diseases.
If your cat wanders outside, commit to annual vaccination. This is not profiteering from a vet, cashing in on your emotional connection to your pet. Instead, it is a safety-first approach to hazards that can lead to sickness.
Cats with weaker immunity, caused by age or illness, are also good candidates for annual vaccination. This is because a cats body can become frail, and sickness can take a long-term toll.
Healthy indoor cats can wait for up to three years between vaccinations. Consider the impact that may have on your pet insurance as premiums and excesses can rise if a cat has not been recently vaccinated.
What Happens If Your Cat Has Rabies
Unfortunately, no treatment is possible once a cat begins to show signs of rabies. There is also no test for rabies in living animals. The only way to know if an animal has this dangerous disease is by testing the brain tissue of a deceased animal. Often, if a cat or other animal is suspected of having rabies, vets may recommend humane euthanasia to keep the animal from suffering.
If your pet has been bitten but doesnt show signs of rabies, to help avoid issues your veterinarian may make a few suggestions. If your cat has never been vaccinated against rabies, an immediate dose should be administered. For cats who have been vaccinated, a booster and lengthy quarantine will be the next course of action. Vaccines given before symptoms occur are the best chance your cat has of fighting off rabies if they have been infected.
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Lifestyle Vaccines For Cats
Some cats will need lifestyle/ non-core vaccinations depending on the lifestyle they live. Your veterinarian will let you know which ones your kitty should get. This type of vaccine protects you cat from the following conditions:
- Feline immunodeficiency virus and Feline Leukemia – These vaccines usually are only recommended for cats that are outdoors often and protects them against viral infections which are contracted from close contact exposure.
- Bordetella – A highly contagious bacteria that causes upper respiratory infections. Your vet might suggest this this vaccine if you are taking your cat to a boarding kennel or groomer.
- Chlamydophila felis – This vaccination is often part of the distemper combination vaccine. It protects your cat from Chlamydia which is a bacterial infection that causes severe conjunctivitis.
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Are Cat Vaccinations Necessary
Some cat vaccinations, I would say, are necessary for pretty much every cat. The most important one would be the rabies vaccine required by state law for all cats. Even if they’re inside 100% of the time, it’s a good idea to do it still. Bats can get in the house Anybody that’s got an old camper or an old house here in Maine will know that you get a bat in the house here and there. You don’t always necessarily know if that bat has interacted with your cat or even with you when you’ve been asleep. You can’t tell if you’ve been bitten sometimes, and that’s still a potential vector for rabies. We must keep all of our pets safe so that we keep ourselves safe.
Even for indoor cats, I recommend doing distemper shots every three years until they’re about anywhere between 8 to 10 years old. That’s just to protect them against potential exposure through a screen, or if you decide to get a kitten, to keep them safe. For cats going outside, I also recommend the leukemia vaccine because that is a disease that we can’t cure, and it can cause several health problems. Leukemia is transmitted from cat to cat, usually through an aggressive activity like scratching or biting.
Rabies Vaccinations For Indoor Cats
You asked:I have gotten mixed information about rabies vaccine times. Should you vaccinate an indoor cat once a year after the booster or every 3 years?
Dr. Diaz Answered: Great question! Rabies vaccination is an important and required vaccine for all cats. A common misconception is that indoor cats are not required to maintain updated vaccines as they do not have exposure to the outdoors or other animals. In fact, rabies vaccinations are required by law in all felines.
Kittens are generally vaccinated once around 4 months of age or within their first year of life. This vaccine is valid for 1 year after its first administration. After this, cats are eligible for a 1 year or a 3 year vaccine. Here at Friendship, we like to administer the 3 year rabies vaccine on its own and to cats under the age of 9 years old, to ensure that no vaccination reactions occur due to the mild increase in antigenic stimulation. All vaccines recommendations are made based on each individual patient, their medical history, and physical exams. We always enjoy providing owners with information regarding vaccinations and care for indoor and outdoor cats. Please feel free to contact your Friendship Primary Care Doctor to see what vaccines might be best for you cat!
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Jillian Dara is a fact checker for The Spruce Pets, reviewing articles about pet care and pet products for factual accuracy and consistency. She has more than five years of experience in lifestyle editing and media and has been published in a variety of prestigious outlets.
Paulus Rusyanto / EyeEm / Getty Images
While many pet owners are preferring more natural, holistic methods of caring for their furry friends, vaccinations should still be given in accordance with state laws and veterinary guidelines. Preventive medicine is the single most important thing you can do to ensure your pet remains happy and healthy, and appropriate vaccinations are a crucial part of that.
Since rabies is such a serious, fatal disease, and vaccination is the only way to keep you and your pet safe, most states have laws and regulations regarding rabies vaccines in pet dogs, cats, and ferrets. Without a current rabies vaccination, your pet may need to be quarantined or even euthanized for biting someone or being bitten by a potentially rabid animal.
You may ask why a test cant be performed to see if an animal has rabies, rather than quarantining or euthanizing. And, while there is testing available to determine if an animal is carrying the rabies virus, it cannot be performed on a live animal, as brain matter is sampled for testing.
Are Cat Vaccinations Required By Law
This depends on the state in which you live. Many vaccinations against infections that impact cats are optional but recommended. Failing to vaccinate a cat, especially an outdoor feline, opens it up to needless risk.
A rabies shot is a legal requirement in some states. Michigan State University provides a list of laws by state about rabies vaccinations. Ensure that youre legally compliant to avoid getting a fine and quarantine for your cat.
This legal requirement applies to rural states with larger populations of wild animals. Wild animals cannot all be checked and vaccinated against rabies. This means that cats must be protected.
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How Effective Are The Different Feline Vaccines
It is important to note that, whereas the rabies and distemper vaccines produce excellent protection against these diseases, the vaccines against the two respiratory viruses are not 100% effective. Cats still become infected, but the vaccine decreases the severity of the associated clinical signs. Both viruses are harbored for varying periods of time by infected cats.
Calicivirus is usually carried for a few years at most, but feline herpes virus remains in the cats nervous system for life. Periods of stress can reactivate this virus many years after the initial infection.
Why Should I Get My Indoor Cat Vaccinated
Though you may not think your indoor cat requires vaccinations, by law cats must have certain vaccinations in many states. For example, a common law requires cats over the age of 6 months to be vaccinated against rabies. In return for the vaccinations, your veterinarian will provide you with a vaccination certificate, which should be stored in a safe place.
When considering your cats health, its always prudent to be cautious, as cats are often curious by nature. Our vets recommend core vaccinations for indoor cats to protect them against diseases they could be exposed to if they happen to escape the safety of your home.
Cat Vaccines
There are two basic types of vaccinations for cats.
Core vaccinations should be given to all cats, as they are essential for protecting them against the following common but serious feline conditions:
Rabies
Rabies kills many mammals every year. These vaccinations are required by law for cats in most states.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia Typically known as the distemper shot, this combination vaccine protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.
Feline herpesvirus type I
Non-core vaccinations are appropriate for some cats depending on their lifestyle. Your vet will provide advice about which non-core vaccines your cat should have. These offer protection against:
Feline immunodeficiency virus and Feline Leukemia
Bordetella
Chlamydophila felis
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What Documents Do I Need To Bring My Kitten To Canada
The only documentation youll need is proof of your kittens age. Proof of Rabies Vaccination If youre traveling to Canada with a cat that is at least three months old from the United States, Mexico, or any other country not considered rabies-free, youll need your cats rabies vaccination certificate.
How Do Cats Contract Rabies
There are several ways cats can contract rabies. Coming into contact with other cats or a domesticated animal that is already infected is the most common. This contact is usually through a bite, but simply coming into contact with the saliva of an infected animal is enough to possibly make your cat sick. In saliva, rabies can live up to 2 hours after leaving the body, making it possible to infect other animals that may come into contact with open wounds or mucus of an already infected animal.
Outdoor cats are in extreme danger when it comes to rabies. This virus is known to infect other animals that cats living outside come into contact with. Bats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons are often the culprits resulting in a cat becoming infected during its outdoor travels. The quick incubation period of rabies is what makes it so deadly. In most cases, it is almost impossible to begin treatment before the symptoms appear.
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Can I Take My Cat On A Plane With A Certificate
Most states require an up-to-date of Veterinary Inspection from an accredited and licensed veterinarian before traveling. A USDA health certificate endorsement indicates that your kitty is free from diseases or other illnesses and is ready to travel. Most airlines require this certificate before you fly within the continental US.
Rabies Vaccines Every Year Seriously
Heres a question I often get: Why do pets have to be vaccinated every year for rabies? Is there really a medical reason for this, or is this regulatory overreaching at the expense of our pets?
After all, humans are often vaccinated only once for certain “bugs” and remain immune to the particular disease they cause for life. Why is it not the same for animals?
The main reason people ask this is because theyve heard or read of negative reactions to rabies vaccines in some pets. They assume this product is less safe than theyre led to believe by veterinarians and regulatory agencies, and theyre worried for their petsparticularly those who might suffer from chronic conditions or at very low risk of actually coming across a rabies infected animal.
Truth be told, rabies vaccines are considered very safe. Nonetheless, the reality is uncomfortable: more pets actually die of the consequences of being vaccinated than come down with the virus.
Having said that, you might wonder how its possible for me, or any veterinarian, to defend the use of this vaccine. But if you think about it, this scary-sounding reality is likely the case with all successful vaccines. After all, the goal of a vaccine is to render a disease so rare that very few animals are ever even exposed to it.
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Do Cats Get Sleepy After Vaccinations
It is common for a cat to be sleepy in the immediate aftermath of vaccination. This is rarely anything to worry about. In fact, a burst of hyperactivity is more likely to be cause for concern.
Being vaccinated is a frightening experience for a cat. It will visit a veterinary surgery, and a stranger will handle the cat. It will be prodded and poked, experiencing a short, sharp burst of pain from a needle.
Also, the vaccine will involve administering a dose of a virus. Even if this virus is no longer active, it may have mild side effects. Most cats will want to sleep off any feelings of discomfort.
Once it is safe to do so, your cat will need a nap. When it gets home, offer your cat a treat for its bravery and leave it be. The cat will then find somewhere quiet and cozy to recover from its ordeal. Then, it will quickly bounce back.
How Much Does It Cost To Take A Cat To The Vet
Taking your cat to the vet can vary in price based on the veterinarian, location, and schedule. However, some commonly quoted veterinary fees for a routine visit include:-An examination fee of $30-$50-A preventive health check including rabies shots for an average cost of $45-$75-A dental cleaning or esthetician service ranging from $30 to $100
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Do Indoor Cats Need A Rabies Vaccine
Yesâindoor cats should be vaccinated against rabies too, says Whittemore. For one, there’s a good chance it’s already mandated by the state in which you live. But more importantly, while an indoor cat’s chance of coming in contact with the rabies virus is low, it isn’t zero. Your cat could escape out the front door or a member of your local wildlife community, such as a bat or raccoon, could make its way in through an open window or door. One hallmark of rabies is that it can cause animals that are normally shy and withdrawn to lose all fear of other animals and become highly aggressive. Given the seriousness of the disease, it isn’t worth the risk.
Can The Rabies Vaccine Cause Any Side Effects In My Pet
All vaccinations can create side effects in your pet, so monitor her after each vaccination appointment for the following signs of a vaccine reaction:
- Mild discomfort or swelling at the vaccination site
These signs are mild and relatively common, appearing within a few hours after vaccination and resolving within a day or two.
But, if you notice the following signs, a more serious reaction is occurring and you should return to your veterinarian:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Swelling of the muzzle, or around the face, neck, or eyes
- Severe coughing
- Difficulty breathing
Serious reactions can occur within mere minutes of vaccination but can take several hours to appear. These more severe reactions often require emergency treatment. Although vaccine reactions can be alarming, watching your pet succumb to rabies is a much worse scenario.
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Do Indoor Cats Need To Be Vaccinated Against Rabies
You might think that if your purry pal is an indoor cat, they dont need to be vaccinated, especially against rabies. However, we all know that accidents happen, and if your little furry Houdini were to get out, they would be at risk. Therefore, its a good idea for indoor and outdoor cats to get regular rabies shots. In fact, in some US states, it is the law for all cats to be vaccinated against the deadly disease, regardless of whether they live indoors or out.
Rabies Vaccination Rule For Dogs Cats And Ferrets
Washington State rule, WAC 246-100-197, says: An owner of a dog, cat, or ferret shall have it vaccinated against rabies and revaccinated following veterinary and vaccine manufacturer instructions. An “owner” is any person legally responsible for the care and actions of a pet animal.
All dogs, cats, and ferrets in Washington must have up-to-date rabies vaccines. Rabies is a deadly virus that can affect people and animals. Any mammal can get rabies. However, bats are the only animal in Washington known to carry rabies. In other states, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes are known to carry rabies.
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Potential Side Effects Of The Rabies Vaccine
Side effects of the rabies vaccine are rare in cats but if symptoms are present, they are typically limited to fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and localized swelling at the site of the vaccine. In very rare cases, a cat may have an allergic reaction to vaccination but this occurs in fewer than 0.001 percent of cats.
Cat Vaccinations Are Required By Many States
In addition to helping to protect your cat from diseases, theres a second important reason to give your indoor cat vaccinations: Its the law. Many states require that pet owners give their pets certain vaccinations, like the rabies vaccine. These vaccines can help to prevent these preventable yet deadly diseases from spreading, especially if your cat ever escapes from the house.
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