The uncertainty among pet owners about whether house cats need vaccination stems from multiple factors. Because you treat your feline as family, you want to be sure the procedure isn’t unnecessarily stressful or likely to cause side effects. So, each time you hear about cat vaccinations, you start searching for: Is it necessary to vaccinate indoor cats?

Yes, it is necessary to vaccinate indoor cats. Veterinarians recommend cat vaccinations to protect them against many contagious diseases. If indoor cats aren’t appropriately vaccinated by a certain age, they’re more vulnerable to deadly viral infections that can spread during outdoor exploration or visits to grooming facilities.

Instead of relying on myths, you should seek guidance from a licensed veterinarian, like one at Pet First Clinic, to determine the vaccinations your furry friend may need. This guide will address your questions about the importance of vaccinating cats and outline a suitable vaccination schedule.

Which Cat Vaccines Are Absolutely Necessary?

According to the guidelines published by Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA), core vaccines are considered essential for all cats, including indoor ones. These include the FVRCP vaccine, which protects against Feline Distemper Complex consisting of three different viruses:

Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus
Calicivirus
Panleukopenia Virus

Since the disease is also transmissible through contaminated surfaces, unvaccinated indoor cats are at high risk of contraction.

Additionally, feline herpes and rabies vaccination are also core vaccines, often required by cats. These vaccines help shield felines from potentially deadly diseases they might encounter through indirect exposure, such as contact with a visitor’s pet or at the vet.

Are Rabies Shots Necessary For Indoor Cats?

Yes, rabies shots are necessary for indoor cats, as rabies is a highly contagious and fatal disease. Even if your cat doesn’t go outside, it can still be at risk if exposed to a bat or other infected animal that accidentally enters your home.

Rabies is also a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread to humans. This risk is one of the reasons rabies vaccination is legally required in many states, even for indoor cats. When your cat receives a rabies vaccination, the vet provides an official certificate as proof of vaccination.

Does My Indoor Cat Need A Feline Leukemia Vaccine?

The Feline Leukemia (FeLV) vaccine is generally recommended only for cats with potential exposure to other cats, such as those that go outdoors or live in multi-cat households. If your indoor cat is the only pet and doesn’t have contact with other cats, this vaccine may not be necessary. However, if your cat could occasionally be around other cats (like at grooming facilities), your vet might still suggest it.

What Happens If I Don’t Vaccinate My Cat?

If you don’t get your cats vaccinated, they have an increased chance of contracting deadly viruses, leading to serious complications that are are otherwise preventable. Unvaccinated cats may also have a reduced lifespan due to a weakrr immune system.

If your household has more than one cat or multiple animals, the risk increases. One pet could unknowingly act as a carrier of disease, potentially exposing other pets, including unvaccinated cats, to infection. Vaccinating all pets helps prevent the spread of diseases within multi-pet homes.

How Often Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccines?

Indoor cats generally need vaccines less frequently than outdoor cats. Kittens start receiving vaccinations at around 6-8 weeks of age, with a series completed by 16 weeks. After this, they generally receive a booster at one year of age. Following the first-year booster, adult cats typically need core vaccine boosters every 1-3 years depending on their health and exposure risks.

At What Age Do You Stop Vaccinating Your Cat?

There’s no specific age to completely stop vaccinating cats, as it depends on their health and lifestyle. Generally, after completing the kitten and first-year booster series, adult cats continue receiving core vaccine boosters every 1-3 years. For older, low-risk indoor cats, your vet may suggest fewer or no non-core vaccines if exposure risk is minimal.

Is It Illegal To Not Vaccinate Your Cat?

In most places, it is not outright illegal to skip vaccinations for your cat, but failing to vaccinate may be subject to local regulations, especially for rabies. Many states and countries have laws that require all cats, including indoor ones, to be vaccinated against rabies. In such cases, not vaccinating your cat can result in fines or legal penalties. Always check local laws to ensure compliance with vaccination requirements.

Final Words

While domestic cats may spend most of their time indoors, they can sometimes sneak outside for mating, exploration, or be exposed to other animals when taken to groomers or boarding facilities. These situations increase their chances of coming into contact with other cats or contaminated surfaces, potentially leading to illness.

As a responsible pet owner, it’s essential to ensure your cat’s vaccinations are up to date as a precautionary measure, safeguarding their health and well-being.