Vaccinations

[pevsfreedom]

Hi,

I am curious if my cats need vaccinations. They only got what the shelter gave them (basic set I suppose) and I haven't gotten them any others. They are inside only cats. I am worried vaccinations do more harm then good but am not sure if they need them or not. The reading on the issue is kind of divided between good/bad.

Typically I am of the opinion that less is more when it comes to this type of thing... I don't know if it's worth the risk for inside cats to get these shots?

 

[Asrael]

Hi-
My thoughts are if they don't need them don't get them. Especially since they are inside.

I do know in some states that if there is any worry about Rabies and the cat isn't vaccinated that they have to be isolated (example a bat in the house) for a long time. But the chances of that are slim... Mine were vaccinated for travel (moving from Canada to the US, and then back) but other than that they have been left alone. Now with their age and health issues I wouldn't do them. On the other hand, I have worked at a vets office before and most cats do ok with the basic vaccinations- especially if you get the 3 year ones... with the exception of the Feline Leukemia Vaccination- that had more problems.

All respect to those that do get them- its a choice- and we all do what is best for our babies You could also look at homoepathic nosode vaccinations- those seem to work quite well. Not sure if the Rabies one would get it a certificate but you could check

 

[BJM]

Check your state law regarding rabies. Some states may allow a rabies titer (measure of antibody level) in lieu of repeated vaccination.

Also consider if you could bring anything infectious home - if you volunteer or work with animals outside the home, it is possible to bring infectious material home on your skin or clothing (called fomites). If you have occasional exposures to ill animals (ex friend's pets), remember to change clothes and wash immediately upon getting home.

Infectious disease is the gift that keeps giving!

 

[granadilla]

Marshmallow hasn't had a rabies shot in years. She did get a 3-year distemper shot a while back. I think in CA we're supposed to keep up rabies shots but the vet said he doesn't give them to indoor-only cats. So maybe the rule is relaxed in CA?

 

[Cat Ma]

Neither of my cats have been vaccinated in years and are indoors only. The last time both got vaccinated, they got very sick, especially Bonnie.

If you ever have to board your cats, most boarding facilities will require proof of vaccination(s).

Rabies rules by state : https://www.avma.org/Advocacy/StateAndLocal/Documents/Rabies state law chart.pdf

Very handy info about vaccinations: http://www.catinfo.org/?link=vaccines

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Here is a lost of the rabies vaccination requirements by state. California does not require then from cats
https://www.avma.org/Advocacy/StateAndLocal/Documents/Rabies state law chart.pdf

 

[Asrael]

Also- where I live there are some boarding places that will also take a note from the vet saying its in good health Or that it has health problems but is vaccine free as well

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

I do not like duplicate vaccinations for pets. Here's a link that interviews Dr. Schultz, a pioneer in animal immunology. I read some of his work a few years ago and decided then, no more booster vaccines. He claims that the first ones most animals receive are all they need for their lifetime and the vets make a lot of $$ of vaccinations. If you are concerned, have titers done instead which is what I have done. The titer might be twice the amount of the vaccine but then you will have peace of mind that your animal is still protected and the $$ you spend on the titer will be a drop in the bucket for what you'll spend in treatment for cancers.

http://healthypets.mercola.com/site...about-all-those-puppy-and-kitty-vaccines.aspx

IMHO

 

[Squalliesmom]

In my state, rabies vaccinations are a requirement, so I do get them (also have the occasional "jail break," lol, where my Bengal sneaks outside), but those are the only ones I do. My cats are all indoor-only cats, and almost never exposed to anything outside their own environment. My vet says that's fine for my guys.

 

[Cat Ma]

Also- where I live there are some boarding places that will also take a note from the vet saying its in good health Or that it has health problems but is vaccine free as well

Some will not, even with a note from the vet, because of concerns if the cat escapes from the cage. But some will. It helps to call around.

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

I have had to get a pet sitter that comes into the house just for that reason of no current vaccinations.

 

[Cat Ma]

I have had to get a pet sitter that comes into the house just for that reason of no current vaccinations.

Keeping pets at home is the best option.

 

[AliciaG]

I get the basic and make Sure my rabies are Up to date. My babies are all indoors but I'm always worried about something i might accidentally bring home with me or one of them escaping which he does try consistently and manages once in awhile. one off my males likes to trying adventuring.

 

[BJM]

And you'd be surprised where you can encounter a bat ... there was one that managed to get into the Ohio Department of Health the first or second year I was there, working on the top (9th) floor. The poor thing was terrified and no one was willing to try catching it until I asked for a wastebasket and a sheet of cardboard. I placed the can over the bat, which had flattened itself to the ground, crying, and slowly moved the cardboard underneath until the can was on the cardboard, then we took it outside and released it. That bat, I hope, ate several thousands of mosquitoes so they wouldn't eat me!