cat shots

I have 2 cats one is 2 yrs old and the other one is 4 yrs old. They are strictley house cats, should I continue with getting both of them there shots?

Re: cat shots

We got our cats shots a few weeks ago but after looking into it (on here and over the internet) I decided we will not be doing it again. They are indoor cats. They'll be fine. In the meantime, seems like some of the shots have risks like tumors at the injections site!

Re: cat shots

our cats are indoor-only cats too and we got them their kitten shots and those will be the only shots they get

Re: cat shots

i am thinking next year no shots for them since they are indoor cats now. I also don't plan on allowing our friendly strays to come inside anymore since it became confusing for them where their home was (they are deli cats and sometimes would stay outside waiting for us to let them in and then be stuck in the rain/cold instead of going to the deli to be locked up for the night)

Re: cat shots

my cat got his first ever set of shots when he was 1 -- and he is strictly an indoor cat and I think we will forgo the shots for the next couple of years.

On the same note.. has anyone gotten their cat's teeth cleaned?

Re: cat shots

when we first got our cat we got her all her shots. she has been an indoor cat ever since and we have not continued with her shots.

Re: cat shots

I do not. They are strictly indoors only and I do not see the need. I would if they were outdoor cats but I don't see the need right now. Kitten shots only.

Message edited 1/13/2011 3:33:21 PM.

Re: cat shots

My indoor cats get their vaccinations every year. Their vaccine program is tailored by my vet to the fact that they are indoor-only cats. Just because the cats live indoors does not mean that they are never exposed to germs and potential illnesses. While the probability of them coming in contact with other cats is low, people and other pets (like the dog) bring germs inside with them.

Additionally, if your cat ever needs to be boarded or treated by a different vet in the event of an emergency, proof of vaccines may be necessary.

Many of the injection risks are lessened by the fact that many of the feline vaccines can now be administered intra-nasally. That is how my cats get the majority of their vaccines.

If you choose not to vaccinate your indoor cats, please at least get them an annual wellness exam. It's so important and can really help catch any issues that might become bigger threats to the cat's health.

Re: cat shots

I get the F4 or F3 shot every year. F3 is for Enteritis, Feline Calici Virus and Feline Rhinotracheitis. The F4 is all that plus Chlamydia. I need to get it every year b/c one cat is a Cat Flu carrier and the other could catch it if he isn't vaccinated.

They have had one rabies shot when I moved overseas. When I went for their one year check up after I moved, the vet said I don't need to renew the rabies shot every year, only if we decide to move to another country in the EU should I get the rabies shot again.