Do I Need To Get My Indoor Cat Vaccinated What You Should Know
If your cat is an indoor cat that rarely ventures outside, its chances of injury and illness are likely lower, but does this mean it wont need to be protected against any potential diseases?
Veterinarians recommend all cat get their core vaccines. These vaccines protect cats against widely distributed diseases that have a high mortality rate. A cats core vaccines are feline herpes virus vaccine 1 , feline calicivirus vaccine , feline panleukopenia virus vaccine , rabies, and feline leukemia virus vaccine . Believe it or not, even your indoor cat is at risk of contracting the disease through fomites, this is the term used for third objects that work as a transportation system for a pathogenic virus. Thats right, even if your cat does not have contact with other cats you could certainly bring a virus home in your clothing or shoe soles!
This article discusses vaccines, their pros and cons, and how you can make the best and safest decision for your cat.
Indoor Cat Problems And Diseases
Cats can encounter medical issues at every stage of life, due to lifestyle, genetics, or exposure to illness. Unfortunately, even indoor cats can get sick. Continue reading to learn about the most common indoor cat problems:
- Weight gain and diabetes: With limited indoor space and easier access to food, indoor cats tend to be more inactive than outdoor cats. Leading a sedentary lifestyle can lead to indoor cats that are overweight and at greater risk of developing diabetes.
- Feline lower urinary tract disease: This disease is common in middle-aged, indoor cats. An inactive lifestyle, being overweight, using a litter box, and eating dry food may contribute.
- Behavioral issues: Indoor cats can become bored, stressed, or even have separation anxiety when left alone. Keeping your cat active and engaged can help prevent these issues.
- Indoor hazards: Toxic house plants, poison, or toxic cleaning products are all hazards for curious indoor kitties. Make sure all cabinets with hazardous chemicals are kept locked or secured.
Cat Vaccination Guidelines And Standards
The Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel regularly evaluates and researches cat vaccination developments to make science-based recommendations. The panel comprises dedicated feline veterinarians and scientists and is regarded as a reputable source of cat vaccination standards.
Their guidelines, published by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, are among the most trusted and utilized recommendations in the field.
They divide cat vaccines into two categories:
- Noncore / lifestyle vaccines
Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions. Vaccines that are appropriate for some cats in some circumstances are considered noncore vaccines .
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Extra Cat Vaccination Shots
In addition to the above-recommended vaccinations, you may also want to vaccinate your cat against these diseases:
- Feline Leukemia. This is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats, which often leads to cancer, blood disorders, and compromise a cats immune system. It can be transmitted by infected cats via their saliva and is one of the top causes of cat deaths worldwide.
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus . Similar to human HIV, FIV is a slow-acting complex virus that weakens a cats immune system, which can make it easier to catch secondary, more dangerous infections and certain types of cancer.
- Chlamydophila Felis. A bacterial infection, this disease causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, respiratory problems, and rhinitis in cats.
While some of these diseases are not fatal, all are uncomfortable and fully preventable with vaccinations. As a responsible pet owner, you can help your cat avoid this discomfort by sticking with a recommended vaccination schedule.
Additional Vaccines For Outdoor Cats
While those two vaccinations are the most recommended for indoor cats, if your cat spends any time outdoors, they may need additional vaccinations. These vaccinations can help to protect your cat against other harmful diseases like chlamydia, bordetella, and feline leukemia.
Argyle Veterinary Hospital explains that though your kitten might receive their first round of vaccines at eight weeks of age, they wont be fully vaccinated until they receive subsequent vaccinations at 12 or 16 weeks old. Its important to keep in mind that your cat isnt fully protected from these diseases during this time, so its important to keep your cat indoors and minimize their exposure to any potential risks, like other unvaccinated animals.
If youre undecided about whether to vaccinate your indoor cat, its best to discuss your concerns with your vet. Your vet can provide you with detailed information about the level of risk for certain diseases in your area, as well as about how your cats health might be affected by your decision to vaccinate or not to vaccinate. Diseases like panleukopenia are sometimes deadly, but theyre also easily preventable, and your indoor-only cat might not be as well-protected from these diseases as you might think. Vaccinating your cat is an easy way to protect them against serious health risks, and depending on your cats lifestyle, they might only need vaccinations once every few years.
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Is Cat Vaccination Necessary
All cats should be vaccinated to prevent against harmful and potentially life-threatening diseases. The types of vaccines your cat should be given will vary based on the life style of your cat. If your cat lives in the house and does not come into contact with other cats, only the basic vaccines are necessary.
When Should Your Kitten Receive Their Shots
the ideal age for kittens to receive their first round of shots is around the age of six to eight weeks old. Following this, your kitty should get a series of shots at three-to-four-week intervals until they reach approximately sixteen weeks old.
First visit
- Review nutrition and grooming
- Blood test for feline leukemia
- Fecal exam for parasites
- Vaccinations for chlamydia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia
Second visit
- Examination and external check for parasites
- First feline leukemia vaccine
- Second vaccinations for calicivirus rhinotracheitis, and panleukopenia
- First feline leukemia vaccine
Third visit
- Second feline leukemia vaccine
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Why Does My Indoor Cat Still Need Core Vaccinations
Outdoor cats do have a higher risk of picking up disease, such as Infectious Enteritis and Cat Flu, but does that mean an indoor cat has no risk? No, unfortunately not. When we come and go from our homes, there is a very real possibility of us bringing infections back to our beloved cats. Viruses survive different lengths of time in the environment.For example, Feline Herpesvirus only last around a day but Feline Panleukopenia can last between 6 months and a year! There is no way of telling if you have come into contact with a virus so keeping them up to date with their vaccines is the safest way to protect your cat.
It is important to consider that although you may choose to keep your cat indoors, there is a possibility of them developing the skills of an escape artist. It is stressful enough if your normally indoor cat is on a big adventure without having to worry about them catching a preventable disease.
What Vaccines Do Indoor Cats Need
All cats, whether they live indoors exclusively or go outside, need the core vaccines, which are panleukopenia , feline herpesvirus , calicivirus and rabies. In addition to these shots, the FeLV vaccine is recommended for all cats less than a year old. Your veterinarian may also recommend certain non-core vaccines for your indoor cat depending on her health history and the health of any other pets living in the household.
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Should You Vaccinate An Indoor Cat
Owning cats in residential or metropolitan areas within Melbourne such as Geelong or Richmond usually means that you will keep them indoors for their own safety. Proximity to traffic as well as other cats is best avoided for most felines, and many cats are content as long as they are exercised and stimulated sufficiently. As an owner of a cat, you make sure your cat eats correctly and has toys to keep him or her occupied and fit. What you may not have considered when it comes to their well-being is cat or kitten vaccination. After all, do cats who dont go outside need to get vaccinated?
The Australian Veterinary Associations has several guidelines in place when it comes to feline vaccinations, and you may not be aware that it considers several vaccination shots as mandatory core vaccines that should be administered to all cats. These include affordable vaccinations against feline parvovirus , feline calicivirus and feline herpes virus, all three viruses that can be contracted by housebound cats.
Feline parvovirus
This viral infection is spread through contact with an infected animal’s bodily fluids, faeces, or by fleas and can be carried long distances through contact with bedding, dishes, or even by clothing and shoes of handlers of infected animals. Fortunately, it is not contractible by humans.
Feline parvovirus can be transmitted by dogs, is capable of living outside a host for a long time and is resistant to common household disinfectants.
Feline calicivirus
How Much Are Cats First Shots
Depending on where you live, the individual veterinarian’s prices, and the type of vaccine, the cost of your new kitten’s first vaccination may cost around $20-$45 per shot. Veterinarians will also want to perform a physical examination of your kitten before administering what shots your kitten needs.
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Does My Indoor Cat Need A Rabies Shot Everything You Need To Know
Like humans, cats are susceptible to several diseases that can be deadly. Theres good news, however, as there are vaccinations for most of the worst cat diseases. When vaccinated, your cats immune system will be prepared to handle all of them like a champ, which is why getting your cat vaccinated is so important.
Unfortunately, one misconception about vaccinations in the cat community could put your cats health at risk. Many cat fanciers believe that because indoor cats stay in the house 24/7, they dont need a rabies vaccination. This misunderstanding couldnt be further from the truth. Not only is a rabies vaccination vital for an indoor cat, but in the United States, they are required by law in most states.
In other words, when you dont get your kitty vaccinated, you put their and your health at risk and put yourself in legal jeopardy. To discover more about the importance of the rabies vaccine for your feline, read on.
When Will Your Cat Be Considered Fully Vaccinated
Until they have received all of their vaccinations , your kitty will not be fully vaccinated. After all of their initial vaccinations have been completed, your kitten will be protected against the diseases or conditions covered by the vaccines.
If your cat loves to go outside then you should ensure that they stay in an enclosed area outdoors where they will not be in contact with other animals.
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How Do I Tell If My Cat Has Rabies
What Are the Symptoms of Rabies?
Why Else Is My Yearly Booster Important
Whilst the vaccination itself is a particularly important reason for a visit to your veterinary practice, it also gives your vet an opportunity to check your pet over. The earlier the signs of an illness are picked up, the more your vet can usually do to support you and your cat. As an owner, you know your cat best. Your vet will be able to add to your observations with a thorough clinical exam, picking up on things that are not obvious.
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Core Vaccines For Cats
You cat should be given core vaccinations to keep them protected from the following list of common, severe feline illnesses:
- Rabies– rabies kill lots of mammals every year, even humans. This vaccine is mandatory for cats in the majority of states.
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia – Often called the distemper shot, this is a combination vaccine that guards cats from feline viral panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus.
- Feline herpesvirus type I – This ubiquitous virus is highly contagious, and is a leading cause of upper respiratory infections and can infect cats for life. It spreads when food bowls and litter boxes are shared with other cats, through direct contact or by inhalation of sneeze droplets. Sometimes cats will shed this condition where persistent cases of FHV can create eye problems.
Good Reasons To Vaccinate Your Indoor Cat
Rabies Shots
Although you may not think your indoor cat needs vaccinations, many provinces and territories across Canada require that kittens receive their first rabies shot by 3 months of age, and that protection against rabies be kept up to date with regular booster shots throughout the cat’s lifetime. Once your cat has their shots your vet will provide you with a certificate showing that your cat has been vaccinated as required.
The rabies shot is important for all cats because even within your home your cat come into contact with an infected bat, and should your cat escape there is a chance that they could meet up with other infected mammals.
Core Vaccines
Beyond the need for your indoor or outdoor cat to be vaccinated against rabies, there are other ‘core vaccines’ that are recommended for protecting your cat’s health. Core vaccines work to protect your kitty against highly contagious diseases they could be exposed to if they happen to escape the safety of your home, visit a groomer, or need to stay at a boarding facility while you’re away.
Core vaccinations should be given to all cats, as they are essential for protecting them against the following common but serious feline conditions:
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Why Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccinations
If your cat lives exclusively indoors, they will still need to be vaccinated against cat flu and panleukopenia, but may not need the FeLV vaccine. This is because FeLV only usually spreads between cats in close and regular contact, but cat flu and panleukopaenia are very infectious and can spread on clothes, shoes, and other surfaces. If you have an indoor cat, discuss their vaccinations with your vet to find the best schedule for them.
Is There An Indoor Cat Vaccination Schedule
The recommended schedule for vaccination is the same for all cats. When it comes to the differences between vaccinating indoor versus outdoor cats, the question is really that of which vaccines are the best for your individual cat’s lifestyle. Your vet will advise you as to which vaccines your cat should have.
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How Do Cat Vaccinations Work
A cat vaccination works by triggering your cats natural immune response to a serious illness. Often this is accomplished by exposing the cat to a small amount of the bacteria or virus, often in an inactivated state that cant make the pet sick.
This stimulates the immune system to recognise the germ and produce the proper antibodies to kill it. In the future, if your cat faces the real germ, the body will respond properly and your pet will not get sick.
Injection Site Sarcomas In Cats
Vaccines are more controversial in cats.
The reason for the controversy boils down to one word:
Sarcomas.
Its a tumor of the connective tissues that are created from where your vet injects your cat.
Injection sites for these are normally located between your cats shoulder blades, their back legs and in their hip area.
How are injection-site sarcomas diagnosed?
Your vet will most likely have to do a biopsy via surgery to be certain thats what it is. Ive read that sometimes these issues are thought to be a vaccine reaction or granuloma on aspirates.
So, its best to take the route that will be definitive.
How are they treated?
Surgery.
Not to be super detailed but this basically entails that the removal of the tumor to be wide and deep, because ss the tumors grow by sending root type pathways of tumor cells within the tissues.
They need to cut out everything for a, what they call, clean margin surgery.
Again, this may not solve the issue as the tumor can grow back. In this case, your cat will probably be prepped for radiation treatment and chemotherapy.
Many suggest doing this upfront after the surgery to prevent a regrowth.
These are just a very difficult thing to treat.
Note: Cats that have been treated for an injection-site sarcoma should not receive any future vaccinations.
How can you prevent these?
In my opinion, and my suggestion is to reduce the frequency of your cats vaccinations.
Beyond that
Or even better.
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Indoor Cats Need Vaccines Too
You may not think your indoor cat requires vaccinations however in many states all cats must have certain vaccinations by law. For example, many states require that cats over the age of 6 months be vaccinated against rabies. Once your cat has their shots your veterinarian will provide you with a certificate showing that your cat has been vaccinated as required.
Another important reason to have your indoor cat vaccinated is that indoor cats often manage to sneak out the door when their owner isn’t looking. Just a quick sniff around your backyard could be enough for your kitty to contract one of the very contagious viruses that cats are susceptible to.
If your indoor cat visits a groomer or spends time in a boarding facility while you are away from home, vaccines are very important for protecting your pet’s health. Wherever other cats have been, there is a chance of spreading viruses – make sure that your indoor cat is protected.
There are 2 categories of vaccinations that are available for pets, ‘core vaccines’ and ‘lifestyle vaccines’. Our Montecito vets strongly recommend that all cats – both indoor cats and outdoor cats – receive core vaccinations to protect them against highly contagious diseases they could be exposed to.