Vaccinations for Indoor Kitties

[TommyCat]

Hi,
Reading Catlady's thread about Torry brought up a question I had in the back of my mind about vaccinations for senior indoor kitties. My kitty is due for her senior check-up, bloodwork, etc, and I really wonder if it's necessary for her to get any more shots. Of course, I'll ask the Vet his thoughts, but I'm wondering about all of your opinions. My kitty is almost 12 years old and now in remission from feline diabetes. She is totally an indoor kitty. Thanks.

[moosmom]

All my cats are indoors. I do not believe in over-vaccinating. Especially if they do not go out.

The State of CT requires all pets be UTD on their rabies, which is all I do for my cats. I look at it this way...how often are humans vaccinated? Once in their lifetimes?

As my cats get older, I have bloodwork done to see how they're doing internally. I get my cats vaccinated at either Petco or Pet Supplies Plus when they have vaccination clinics. Much cheaper and you're not charged for an office visit like you are at your vets.

[Randi]

I have a senior cat also, but he does go out a little bit. My vet says it's really not neccesary to have them vaccinated more than every two - three years. However, if he is boarded at a cat pension, they require to see the paper for a vaccination within the last year.

[Karen]

I look at it this way...how often are humans vaccinated? Once in their lifetimes?

Some vaccines require more than once in a lifetime for humans, and science is still learning this. For example, a tetanus vaccine needs updating every something-like-ten years, and a couple years ago, I got the updates to my "Mumps, Measles and Rubella" vaccine I got as a child, as they now know its effectiveness does NOT indeed last a lifetime.

So it does depend on the vaccine, and the species, there's no "one rule fits all" about vaccines.

I would ask the vet, as they should have records of when she was last jabbed, and for what, and can take everything else into account.

Give your senior baby a good rubdown from me, okay?

[moosmom]

Murphy, my 15 soon-to-be 16 year old lady will get nice rubdown. I shiver everytime I feel her spine. She is SO thin due to her hyperthryroidism. But she's happy and healthy so far. Hey, let's face it, if I hadn't adopted her when I did, she was due to be euthanized by the end of the week (I got there 2 days prior to her "date with death") because she had been there for over a year and was being passed by. It was love at first scratch for me!!

[Freedom]

I stick with just the rabies for indoor only cats, as well.

If you are really concerned, the vet can do a titer test, to see what level the immunity is at. That will cost as well, but lets you know if the cat has any protection.

Keep in mind that the "every 2 years" requirements are often set by state law, NOT by the need for the vaccine. For years, up until this past March, here in RI, our rabies shots had to be updated every 2 years. Massachusetts and 37 other states give the SAME vaccine, the SAME dose and manufacturer, and it was good for 3 years in those states. It took a HUGE push for us to get the legislation passed, to finally have it recognized as valid for 3 years here.

As Randi mentioned, if you board your cats when you travel, you may need a different response.

Also if you are doing any type of rescue work and regularly bring strays into your home, you should consider being more proactive on the vaccines for your own cats. Most rescue groups will advise you to keep your own pets safe, as a priority, and which vaccines to maintain.

[TommyCat]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and views on vaccinations for cats. I'm in California, so I believe it's every three years. I'll check my kitty's records. I just changed Vets over a year ago. I always get a pet sitter when I'm gone, and fortunately I also have a neighbor as a back-up. I'll keep you posted as to what my Vet recommends.

[TommyCat]

Murphy, my 15 soon-to-be 16 year old lady will get nice rubdown. I shiver everytime I feel her spine. She is SO thin due to her hyperthryroidism. But she's happy and healthy so far. Hey, let's face it, if I hadn't adopted her when I did, she was due to be euthanized by the end of the week (I got there 2 days prior to her "date with death") because she had been there for over a year and was being passed by. It was love at first scratch for me!!

Murphy is one lucky kitty to be adopted by you. Give her a some neck scritches from us. I've found the kitties rescued are so grateful and want to always please. Maggie was a feral kitty almost a year old when I adopted her, and she is so sweet. She has no desire to ever step outside again.

[DriftyAlison0]

We go for our cats shots for the FVRCP - Rabies shot too since they are indoor kitties.

[mrspunkysmom]

All three of mine got vaccinated today for Rabies, Distemper and Leukemia. I usually only get rabies, but after I let Jane in my house with no shots (I did isolate her), I didn't argue with the vet today. Since Spunky will be 10 next year and Same will be 8, they may go to 3 year shots at a clinic. I'm not likely to bring another stray inside. I know my limitations.

Sam is tuckered out right now but he also got a Convenia shot and some medrol for his stomatitus. His gums were irritated and we are trying to minimize his discomfort.

I only did rabies for the longest time because of the epidemic in our area. I didn't want the critters confiscated.

I haven't thought about the rubella-mumps vaccine. I'll ask the doc. I get the dpt (tetanus about every 8 to 9 years. I usually injure myself in a manner requiring a tetanus shot every 8 to 9 years, so I've kept it up.