Do I have to get my indoor only cat vaccinated?

Do I have to get my indoor only cat vaccinated?

This is a great question and a hot topic right now as studies show vaccines are lasting longer.  At MAC, we continue to monitor the latest research to make the best medical decisions for your pets.  As a result of that, our vaccine protocols are modified accordingly.  Let’s start with Rabies vaccine.  First, it is required by law.  The protocol has changed so that after they have their initial one year vaccine (given after 12 weeks of age), vaccines are only needed every three years.  Indiana has bat Rabies and occasionally bats get into our houses.  It is often difficult to catch the bat in your house to have it tested.  If you pets are not vaccinated, you may be required to quarantine them for a specific period of time to ensure they didn’t get exposed to Rabies.

Cats are also vaccinated for numerous other upper respiratory diseases.  The protocol for this vaccine has also been modified recently to be given every three years as well after their kitten vaccine series and one year booster.  Even if your cat doesn’t come into contact with other cats, you can bring home germs on your clothes and shoes from other cats that can cause illness in your cats.  Plus, you just never know when that cute kitten is going to show up on your doorstep and you let it in for the night before bringing it to the veterinarian for a check up.

If you have multiple cats and some cats go outside and other stay inside, the cats that stay inside are exposed to everything that the indoor/outdoor cats are exposed to.  It is important to vaccinate those cats for Rabies, the upper respiratory viruses and Feline Leukemia.

If you have questions or concerns about vaccinating your  pets, we are happy to talk about it and go over all of the options.