RE: Shots for Inside Cat
Vet Tech here - We do not recommend shots for indoor only cats BUT if you let your cat out for any length of time get their shots!
Posted on 08/10/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Shots for Inside Cat
I too have a strictly indoor cat. I've kept up with his shots and he's not due now for another two years. It's not really that expensive when you consider it's only every year or two. I think some shots are every year, and some are every couple of years. Perhaps if you have multiple cats, it is more expensive, but that's why I only have one. I'm a firm believer that if you can't afford vet bills, don't get a pet. As much as I would love to have a dog, I don't have one because I'm not home enough and I think dogs are more expensive and require much more attention (dialy walks, taken out to potty, etc. etc) so I'm holding off until retirement and then only if I can afford it.
I was wondering though, if cats are kept strictly indoors (no patio visits, no outside visits) do they require monthly flea meds? I have no visiting pets either.
Posted on 08/08/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Shots for Inside Cat
I had 4 cats and a dog awhile back. I now only have 1 cat due to moving and my beloved Rocky (dog) passed away this past Valentines Day. We had taken our cats and dog to the SAME vet clinic for about 10 years. They would never let me make payment arrangements no matter how high the bill was. I always had to Pay in Full right then and there. So needless to say, I often they had to go without checkups and shots.
Posted on 08/07/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Shots for Inside Cat
I would like to add something here about kitty leukemia/hiv fear because most don't understand how the virus is spread. It's actually similar to contracting human hepatitis/hiv/aids.
Cats are exposed and become infected with the virus when they come into direct contact with an infected cat. Contact is using the same food and water dishes, using the same litter box, mutual grooming, or it can happen from fighting which causes saliva to be expelled through hissing from an infected cat to a non-infected cat or bite wounds given to an non-infected cat from an infected cat.
Unless someone brings an infected cat in to an indoor kitty's home (or a hissing fight between a screen in an open window happens) or someone stepped in cat poopy of an infected cat and stuck to the bottom of their shoes and then the indoor kiity comes in to contact with the poopy on the shoes there is nil chance of an exclusively indoor cat ever getting kitty leukemia.
Posted on 08/06/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Shots for Inside Cat
Some towns/states have rabies laws and all dogs/cats MUST have up to date rabies shots. I'm sure you wouldn't want any trouble for not complying with the law. Also, I had a friend whose cat got feline leukemia from her tracking something in her house from an infected cat that was in her yard. We don't have cats now but did for many years. We spent many years not taking them to the vet because we really didn't understand the need since they stayed inside, but when teeth problems forced us to take one of them in, then from then on we took them. Aging cats just seem to need more care and there are things you can do to help them in their senior years and extend their lives. A yearly visit to the vet for a check up is a good idea and I'm sure there are vets that will work with the customers on payment.
Posted on 08/06/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Shots for Inside Cat
Just because you don't allow the cat outside does not mean that it won't possibly slip out some day. There are many many ways a pet can pick up one disease or another.
Plus on your vistis to the vet, he does more than just give shots. He also gives the animal a check up and checks for any other problems that may come up.
So yes, definitely give your cat his vaccinations. The one person who wrote that she had raised so many cats with no shots was simply taking chances. Not doing her cats any favors at all.
Posted on 08/06/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Shots for Inside Cat
If you ever have to leave your cats at a boarding establishment (in case of emergency when you need to be away and there is no-one else to look after your cats), they will not be accepted unless they have had ALL the relevant shots and are up-to-date. That way all the cats are protected, not just yours. Hope this helps, cheers from New South Wales, Australia
Posted on 08/06/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Shots for Inside Cat
Absolutely! Cats need their shots to protect them from disease. I have four indoor only cats and they get their annual and rabies.
Remember, they might sneak outside; if you have multi-cat household a annual/rabies can protect them from overly aggressive play bite that can get infected - its happened to mine. If it is the cost, alot of places offer discount shots at pet stores. Check around. Your pet's health, like your own, is nothing to mess with. Just do it.
Posted on 08/06/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Shots for Inside Cat
I've had seven indoor cats (at one time there were as many as four at one time) over the past three plus decades and, except one who died young of cancer, they all lived happy and healthy to or close to and beyond fifteen years of age. They never had any shots beyond their baby shot series and they did not die from virus related disease.
When vets say yearly shots for cats are neccessary even if indoors, guess why? Two of the three vets I've had over all these years (and my babies do get regular check-ups) told me they aren't needed as long as they are an indoor cat and precautions are taken.
As long as you wash your hands after handling other pets who don't live in your home and as long as if you bring a new cat in to live in your home it has been given all of it's first series of shots first the chances are so very, very, very remote that your baby will ever have a problem. Oh and, of course, no visiting cats of friends or family unless you know for certain their shots are up to date.
The only reason my current eight year old baby even had a distemper and rabies shot two years ago is because it was required from the airlines when she and I relocated together by plane across the country.
Posted on 08/06/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Shots for Inside Cat
I adopted my cat 6yrs ago from the Humane Society and I stopped getting her shots last year. My cat goes on the patio and that's as "out" as she gets. A Vet told a friend of mine who has two indoor cats ages 13 & 14yrs that shots weren't necessary for indoor cats. He has had no problems with his cats nor have I. I hope this little tidbit helps. Here is a pic of my little feline friend-Samara AKA Sam.
Posted on 08/06/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Shots for Inside Cat
Even most vets don't recommend distemper shots every year for cats anymore. I have four of the little buggers and I do keep up on their rabies vaccinations though. Rabies is more likely to come to you uninvited than having your cat going looking for it.
Posted on 08/06/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Shots for Inside Cat
Yes, they always tell you to get all the shots. I've got 7 strays. 1st thing I do is take to vet for rabies, other shots, testing, neutering/spaying. After they come in, they never go out again. I don't vaccinate for anything after initial vet visit. One thing though is that if cat needs any grooming, i.e., badly matted hair, groomer will not do without current rabies certification. Just FYI.
Posted on 08/06/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Shots for Inside Cat
My cats do not go outside, but occasionally one gets adventurous and makes a mad dash through the door. (I have also had cats go through screens which I thought kept them in!). What if they came in contact with a sick or rabid animal. Also, lets say a rabid bat gets in your house the kitty gets bitten. And last, but not least, suppose you stop to pet another cat who turns out to have feline leukemia or HIV; you can bring that home to your baby. Those are the reasons why my cats get their shots.
Posted on 08/06/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Shots for Inside Cat
Have you thought about the things that you track in on your shoes that could possible harm your pet? I think you should have a conversation with your vet to find out just what protection an indoor cat needs.
Posted on 08/06/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
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