Indoor Cats Need to be Vaccinated, Too

Many people ask if their indoor cat needs to be vaccinated. It is reasonable to think that because your cat stays inside and doesn’t come into contact with other animals, you don’t need to worry about these vaccinations. However, there are some good reasons why every cat needs to be vaccinated.

Even indoor cats can make their way outside once in a while without us knowing, bringing them into contact with other animals. Your cat could meet up with a neighbour’s cat who is infected, another animal, or feral cats, which can be found throughout the City and can be infected with many different diseases.

Even if your cat never goes outside, a neighbourhood cat could rub them though a screen door or window, or they could enter the house without you knowing. In my neighbourhood, there is a curious cat who sometimes sneaks into our house to visit our two cats! Your indoor cat can also come into contact with other animals who enter your house. Bats are known to transmit the rabies virus, so that bat in your attic could spell trouble for your cat. Although rare, rabies does exist in New Brunswick. Recently in Restigouche County, there was a confirmed case of rabies in a cat.

There are three typical vaccinations that we recommend for all cats, whether they be indoor-only or outdoor cats. Core vaccines are those which are recommended for every cat. Feline leukemia is highly recommended for all kittens by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Kittens and newly adopted cats should get two doses of feline leukemia vaccination four weeks apart. The second core vaccine is FVCRP, which is a combination vaccine against upper respiratory infections. This should be given every 3-4 weeks as a kitten, then every three years or as recommended by your veterinarian. Finally, it is highly recommended that every cat receive a rabies vaccination (core vaccine) for the reasons mentioned above. The city of Fredericton requires a rabies vaccination for all pets.

Remember, you’re trying to protect your cat, but also protect your neighbour’s cat as well. Make sure to talk to your vet to get the full list of vaccinations that are part of your cat’s annual and lifetime health regimen.