So you don't think indoor cats need vaccinations?

Question

I knew distemper was hard to get rid of in an environment, but what I heard at the vets today really is startling.

I was there to get my indoor cat her booster, she was due for her distemper shot.  My vet was talking about a cat they just saw, an indoor one, never vaccinated, never outside, about six years old and in good health.  The owners had a party and two days after that their cat was sick enough she was brought in to the vets--diagnosis was feline distemper.  The virus is so long lived that one of the guests had brought it in on their clothes and the cat had contracted it.  From time of contact to time of death, it was a mere 10 days.  There was nothing that could save the cat.

Do indoor cats need basic vaccinations?  Yes, they need to have that Three-in-one shot that protects against this even if they don't go outside.  It must have been heartbreaking for the owners, they loved the cat.

Unknown.... · Accepted Answer

I agree with doing some vaccinations, but, do they need them every year? NO!
The funny thing is the association of feline veterinary medicine has been recommending a 3 year vaccination protocol for years and yet most vets still use yearly vaccines.. 
I would rather vaccinate every three years for fluke accidents that may happen then vaccinate every year and end up with pets with cancer at the age of 8.. 
I've only vaccinated two of my pets every single year, both dogs, and they both died of cancer very young. Their tumors started on injection sites!. My pets that I have vaccinated every three years have already outlived them and don't have cancer.. 
There has to be a balance with all of it. Vets are afraid to go to a three year vaccination protocol because they're afraid that pet owners won't see any reason to bring them in every year if they don't need vaccinations.. 
I don't need my pet to get cancer from an unnecessary vaccine to feel like I got my money's worth at their annual vet visit.

Pet mom · Answer

Thank you for posting this. It is so vital that people here about these things, cats are so susceptible to certain diseases that can be prevented by vaccination. My latest rescued cat is a strictly-indoor cat, but I have still had her vaccinated, spayed, and microchipped, just in case; if her old owners who either lost or abandoned her (she was found with no microchip or collar, no 'missing report' filed at the shelter) would have given her a simple vaccine she would not have suffered a terrible upper respiritory disorder.

Anonymous · Answer

All pets need to have their shots whether they are indoor or not because they can get sick by being around owners of a sick animal.  It is best to stay on top of vaccinations so your feline companion does not get sick.

Cattitude · Answer

Good Advice.  Thanks for posting this.  We usually don't think of our indoor cats being in danger.  This is an eye-opener.

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So you don't think indoor cats need vaccinations?

4 Answers