What happens if I dont vaccinate my indoor cat?

It’s a really good question, and one we’re asked quite often. As usual, of course, there are a couple of caveats… firstly, it does depend to some extent on the pet. And secondly, it depends how “indoors” an indoors cat is (we’ve seen people with “indoor cats” that are allowed out on special occasions before!). However, as a general rule, yes… and here’s why.

Vaccinations

The vaccinations we recommend as routine for cats are against Panleukopenia (also known as Feline Infectious Enteritis), Cat Flu (Feline Calicivirus and Feline Herpesvirus), and Feline Leukaemia (FeLV). Now, these diseases are primarily spread cat to cat, so you might think that indoor cats would be entirely safe, but unfortunately that isn’t the case.

While the Feline Leukaemia virus breaks down rapidly in the environment, the Herpesvirus can last a day or so, the Calicivirus a month or so, and the Panleukopenia virus for over 6 months (possibly even over a year). As a result, when you come in and out of your house, there is a very real possibility that you’re bringing in active and infectious virus particles that will infect your cats – whether or not they ever go outdoors.

The only effective way to protect cats from these diseases are either by making them live in a hermetically sealed bubble (NOT good or nice for them, we think!) or by vaccination, to protect them – wherever they live.

Flea treatments

Similar problems exist with fleas. Once in a house, fleas can lie dormant for months or years as pupae in the dust, in the carpet, or between the floorboards. However, even if they aren’t in your home (or you’ve rooted them all out!), invasion of the house by fleas being carried on vermin (mice and rats), or even on your clothing is quite possible.

Now, for most cats, the few that will enter the house this way are unlikely to be a major problem – but of course it only takes 1 pregnant flea to infest an entire house when her 3,000 or so eggs start to hatch! More of a worry, though, are those cats unlucky enough to have a flea allergy (Flea Allergic Dermatitis, or FAD). This is very common in cats, where their immune system goes into overdrive when exposed to flea saliva after a bite. Unfortunately, it only takes one bite to set them off scratching, causing self-harm and hair loss.

We think that, in general, you and your cat are both better off safe than sorry!

Worm treatments

Cats are subject to a range of different worms – including roundworms and tapeworms. Now, it is indeed true that many cats become infected with worms by eating live prey (especially the Taeniafamily of tapeworms); so, cats who don’t hunt are at much lower risk.

And of course, mice and rats do occasionally invade even the nicest of homes, and even the gentlest of cats are prone to supplement their diet with a nice crunchy morsel if available…

However, more importantly, many cats are in fact infested with worms within a few hours of birth, which they contract through their mother’s milk. So, we must remember this possibility – of roundworms hiding away in the muscles until the cat is sick or old, and then reactivating. Even more importantly, though, the common tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) is spread by fleas… so even one flea in the house could mean a tapeworm infestation!

Are there risks from regular preventative treatment?

Significant harm from use of appropriate medications, at the right dose, in the animals they are prescribed for, is very, very rare. However, the harm from parasitic infestations, even in indoor cats, is very much greater. On balance, then, in most indoor cats, most of the time, we strongly recommend regular preventative treatments.

Want to know more? Want to see what’s the best answer for your cat as an individual? Make an appointment to have a chat with one of our vets!

I have many owners whose cats never set foot outside. They are not “flight risks” and have no interest in going outside. Ever. These owners often prefer not to continue vaccinating their adult cats. Some vets insist on it, every year. What to do?

There are two main vaccines that are generally recommended for all cats by the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners), a national organization of veterinarians with a particular interest in feline medicine. These shots are the FVRCP (AKA “feline distemper”) and rabies. I strongly recommend the kitten series and young adult (of both vaccines) for all cats, to establish immunity when we’re still deciding if they will be “door dashers” or not. The AAFP also recommends giving kittens the Leukemia vaccine, because at that young age, we still don’t know if they will be the type to charge out the door or not. The AAFP does not recommend the Leukemia vaccine for indoor only cats beyond the kitten shots, so that’s an easy decision. But what about the FVRCP and Rabies vaccines for your middle-aged couch potato?

If you do not encounter cats in your daily life, new cats are not coming into your home, and your cats are not leaving, they are in a relatively “closed system.” The chances of your cat actually encountering a virus are slim to none, so we might make the decision to skip the FVRCP vaccine (on a case by case basis). That said, if you are a vet tech, interact with stray cats often, or work or volunteer in a shelter (then you’re awesome), keeping your cat protected against FVRCP is still recommended. Even if your cats do not set foot outside, you can bring viruses home on your skin, shoes, and clothing. The FVRCP is available in a 3-year vaccine, so ask your vet for that version if your cat does have some risk.

What about rabies? You’re right, your indoor only cat who runs AWAY from the door when it’s opened has virtually no chance of getting rabies. Why vaccinate? It’s required by law, so I have to tell you to follow the law. I often tell my clients the rabies vaccine has little to do with your cat actually getting rabies – it’s all about the paper trail!  It only takes one person to accuse your cat of biting them to make your life really un-fun. Even if your cat does not really bite them, a simple accusation can mean fines and even worse, depending on the mood of your animal control officer and the ordinances of your locale. I usually recommend 3 year vaccines as opposed to 1 year, to keep it reasonable, yet keep everyone legal.

So no, you are not a terrible person if you don’t want to vaccinate your indoor-only cat annually. Many veterinarians these days carry 3-year vaccines of both the FVRCP and Rabies. They are willing to discuss the risks to your individual cat, and you both can make the best decision. If you choose not to vaccinate your adult cat every year, it is still very important that he or she be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year for a physical exam and general check-up. For senior animals, twice yearly exams, perhaps even with blood testing, are recommended. So no, the trip to the vet is not about the shots, but keeping your cat healthy!

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If you are a caring cat owner, then routine vaccinations can do a lot for keeping your pet healthy and safe against a variety of harmful diseases. Although cats who spend a lot of time outdoors are understandably at higher risk for dangerous infection, indoor cuties are sometimes vulnerable, too.

By getting your indoor cats regularly vaccinated, starting during the wee kitten years, you essentially get their immune systems ready to protect against organisms that could trigger unwanted diseases -- not a bad deal at all. Shots can defend felines against a wide array of ailments, including feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus, panleukopenia, giardasis and rabies.

According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, although a vaccine can be extremely helpful in preventing disease, full defense is never a guarantee. Because of this slight uncertainty, it is always vital to keep your cats as sheltered as possible against potentially infectious animals and areas.

When it comes to cats that either live outside full-time or part-time, the need for vaccinations is pretty clear. However, indoor cats also may benefit greatly from vaccines. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine mentions the chances of an indoor cat getting lost outdoors. As secure as you may believe your home is, there always is the chance of a mischievous cat slipping out, even if by accident. If your precious pet gets loose, he could easily encounter an ill animal and come back home sick and infected himself -- no, thank you.

Apart from an indoor cat getting loose, simple encounters with other pets could also bring upon dangerous disease. Say a close friend of yours decides to bring her fluffy Persian cat over for a meet and greet with your kitty. If by any chance the Persian cat is infected, your cat probably will be soon, too -- yikes.

If one of your indoor cat gets infected with an infectious disease like rabies, he could experience everything from paralysis and convulsions to, ultimately, death. Feline herpesvirus also can be unpleasant, with consequences from eye inflammation to severe exhaustion. The negative effects are seemingly endless, and because of that, it is very important to speak to your veterinarian about all of the appropriate and necessary vaccinations for your fluffballs. One vaccination could mean the difference between healthy living and death.

In some situations, you may have no choice in the matter regarding whether your indoor cats get vaccinated. All states have different policies regarding pet vaccines. Within the state of New York, vaccinations against rabies are required for all pets over a certain age. If you are unsure of the rules in your state, speak to your veterinarian. A vet will also be able to tell you which vaccines are particularly necessary and helpful for each and every single one of your cats. After all, not all felines have the exact same medical needs. Many factors can come into play, from age to vaccination history.