Yes, Your Indoor Cats Do Need Vaccines: Here’s Why

15 Aug Yes, Your Indoor Cats Do Need Vaccines: Here’s Why

Vaccines have become a very controversial topic in our country, and not even cats can be excluded from the questioning. It is commonly believed that indoor cats do not need vaccines since they are not exposed to other animals or the wilderness, but experts are trying to spread the word that vaccines are important regardless of where your cat spends his time.

If Your Cat Escapes

Cats are stealthy creatures that have the ability to roam and flee in utter silence. If your cat somehow manages to escape out of the door as you carry in groceries, he’ll end up exploring and coming in contact with an infinite number of strange, new, and potentially dangerous rabid animals. He could even end up in a shelter as you struggle to find him, and catching a new disease in a shelter is all too easy for an unvaccinated cat. By staying current with your cat’s vaccinations, you can rest easy that he has all of the protection he needs if he runs off temporarily.

If Your Community Requires It

All dogs are required to have rabies shots, but you might live in a community that also makes it mandatory for cats to receive the rabies vaccination. This is for your cat’s own safety as much as the safety of the rest of your neighborhood. If your unvaccinated cat bit someone, the law in your community could possibly force him to be euthanized or placed in a six-month quarantine at your expense. All of that heartache can be avoided by simply vaccinating your feline.

If Things Change

Even if you intend for your cat to stay an indoor cat forever, life has a way of causing the unexpected. Perhaps you will move to an area where it feels safe for your cat to roam free, or perhaps you will develop allergies to pet hair and need to give your cat to a different family member or friend. If things do change, your cat will adjust much better if he already has his vaccinations and a strong immune system.