The answer isn’t a cut-and-dried one; there are actually different schools of thought on this, depending on who you ask. If your cat goes outdoors, the chances of them contracting fleas and bringing them into your home are fairly high. The best way to stay on schedule with vaccinations for your dog or cat is to follow the recommendations of a veterinarian you trust.. If the coronavirus titer in the cat is elevated (indicating exposure), the vaccination will not be effective and should be avoided. You do not get cats vaccinated with a different strain each year (or every 3 years). Yearly vaccinations are a MUST if your cat goes outside, even if they are in a fenced-in area. If your city requires your cat to be licensed, you might need to get him more frequent vaccinations to comply with those requirements. A: The simplest answer is that rabies vaccines are required by law for all cats and dogs over the age of six months in New York state - and many other states have similar requirements. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Along with deworming medication (kittens are notorious for getting worms from their mothers’ milk) they need booster shots as well, to keep them healthy as they grow. Even rabies shots are effective for at least three years. Welcome to Meowkai. They need a booster one year from that date. These shots are for rabies, distemper and upper respiratory infections, as well as for feline leukemia. A vaccination is a preparation of microorganisms (pathogens), such as viruses or bacteria, that is administered to produce or increase immunity to a particular disease. However, this law typically refers to dogs, not cats. The core vaccines are typically given over a period of time during their first year of life, and may require a booster shot a year later. Home | Contact | About | Privacy Policy & Disclaimer | Terms and Conditions | Legal Disclaimer | Cookie Policy | Sitemap. Minimize any risk your cat might have by keeping him up to date on this important vaccine. In this case, it’s important to keep a close eye on your pet, and not let them roam too far. It appears after the first year once every 3 years is suggested. There is little debate about whether outdoor cats need shots – the answer is a resounding YES! Chances are your vet's suggestions will break down into two categories: core pet vaccines and non-core vaccines. That means it’s not mandatory that cats receive these vaccinations at all, unless strongly recommended by your vet. What Is the Safest Earliest Age to Vaccinate a Cat for Rabies?→. Again, these may not be necessary during adulthood, until your cat reaches his senior years (assuming they were vaccinated as kittens). How Often Do Cats Need Rabies Shots? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hi, I’m Annie Anderson and I am a cat lover at heart. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states, “All dogs, cats, and ferrets should be vaccinated and revaccinated for rabies according to product label directions.” Period. They are typically given in small doses, at 3 different stages of kittenhood: 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks, and 14-16 weeks. Pups should be given their first vaccine between 3- and 5-months-old, Sawchuk said, and a booster, which last three years, is given a year later. Currently, every state in the union has a three-year protocol for the rabies vaccine, following the second annual vaccination. It is fine to get them vaccinated every 3-5 years, or even 5-7 years, if there is no risk of them escaping outside. We recommend doing the puppy and kitten series, and a booster vaccine in one year, and then every three years for the majority of core vaccines — or possibly only rabies for indoor-only animals. When they’re frolicking outside, they’re also likely to come into contact with various forms of wildlife – squirrels, chipmunks, and mice being the most common. But if you noticed some kind of behavior like head pressing in cats, it could also mean serious health issue,that may result for having your pet vaccinated. I don’t ever remember living without a cat and I have dedicated my adult life to making sure my cats stay healthy and happy, and trying to understand their behavior patterns. In other areas, local law allows vaccination to be given every three years. A yearly booster of core vaccines protects a cat against rabies, herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. This is where experts tend to disagree, and the answer becomes a less-simple one. There are some contraindications, especially for indoors-only cats. That answer is no. The cat rabies vaccine is considered a core vaccine, like feline distemper, feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus. The news has been slow to reach consumers, partly because few veterinarians outside academic settings are embracing the concept. Talk with him/her about what they think is the best strategy. Unfortunately, even indoor cats can be exposed through contact with wildlife during an unexpected escape. Pet cat vaccination is a vital part of rabies control, as is preventing your cat from roaming. During this time, your vet will give your kitten a physical exam as well to make sure he is growing as he should. Ask your cat’s veterinarian for her professional advice if your state does not require cats to be vaccinated for rabies. There’s a booster in about one year, after which it may be given annually … Most states require that cats be vaccinated against rabies. While the core vaccines — parvo, distemper, adenovirus and most types of rabies vaccines — have been shown to be protective for a minimum of three years (and, in some cases, for seven or more years), noncore, or optional, vaccines for bacterial diseases such as bordetella or leptospirosis don’t provide long-term immunity and may need to be administered annually if your pet is at risk for those diseases. Check the laws in your state and in your municipality to determine what laws apply to your pet. Keeping an eye on weight, teeth, gums and other issues are an important part of maintaining your cat’s health. They are then vaccinated every three years, although some states still require annual rabies vaccinations for dogs and/or cats. What are the rabies symptoms in cats so you will be aware when to have a scheduled shot for your pet? Among the 149 Ontario cases, 1 of those positives was a cat, with the most cases coming from raccoons, skunks, and bats. If you’ve brought a kitten into your household as an addition to an existing pet, or if you have a dog that goes outside, then treating your indoor cat becomes more of a necessity. What do you do with cats*/dogs that are overdue for rabies vaccination? Originally, this vaccine was only released as a one-year vaccine. If the animal has ever previously been vaccinated for rabies, the animal is considered legally vaccinated following the “booster” for the length of time on the vaccine label (e.g. When it comes to keeping your cat safe from rabies, it is better to vaccinate him every three years regardless of any requirements, rather than to not vaccinate him at all. Even indoor cats can contract fleas from various sources, and most vets agree that it’s a good idea to give them a preventative treatment every few months. It has nothing to do with cat vaccinations. Rabies vaccines for cats are required by law in Illinois. I ran into this kind of dilemma in 2015 when facing a move 2,600 miles from California to Georgia, which requires rabies vaccines in all dogs and cats. If your vet has no specific recommendation, consider vaccinating your cat every three years following two annual vaccinations. Cats, along with dogs and cattle, are among the animals most often reported as rabid. Preventative flea medications (such as collars or powder) and flea treatment for cat are a good idea. Do indoor cats need rabies shots every year? 3 years). And pet vaccinations, like those for humans, may sometimes require a booster to keep them effective. Last year, in 2017, there were 149 positive cases of rabies in Ontario alone, with 90 other positive cases throughout the rest of the country. Like people, pets need vaccines. In some areas, Rabies vaccination must be given every year. The discussion of mutating viruses is a red herring. I am happy to report that there is an easy answer to the related question of whether indoor cats need booster shots every year. And this less stringent recommendation may well relax even more in years to come. If your cat has never had a rabies vaccine before -- and if your state requires cats to have rabies shots -- then you must repeat the vaccine within the 12th month after the first shot. No cats need shots every year. There are also likely to be other cats in the neighborhood. If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, does he need to be vaccinated each year for distemper, and rabies? A one year booster is not required unless a one year labeled vaccine is used. Because they are such complex creatures, I have created this blog to summarize my research on veterinarian advice on health, products, and more! Just answer the question clearly for pete’s sake. So the answer to the question of whether fluffy needs regular vaccinations is – yes and no. Until about 2006, most states required annual rabies vaccines for dogs and many required the same for cats. The resultant rumors mixed with fact have caused concern among cat lovers: Does my cat really need to be vaccinated every year? Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. As a responsible cat owner, do you often wonder whether your cat really needs its shots every year – or is it a ‘ploy’ for vets to make more revenue? We’re a news, analysis, and opinion platform for all cat owners. Healthy indoor cats can potentially wait 3 years between boosters due to a lower-risk lifestyle. These shots include rabies, distemper, and upper respiratory infection. Then they must be boostered a year latyer.. It is nearly 100 percent fatal to animals. If you have an outdoor only or an indoor/outdoor cat, then they will need shots as well. Meowkai does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. What does your veterinarian recommend? Are vaccines more harmful than helpful? Cats are also EXTREMELY prone to kidney disease, and yearly check-ups can alert you to the possible onset of this unfortunate condition. As your cat ages, it will become even more critical for these regular check-ups. I did not need a lecture about rabies. Rabies should be given based on local laws. Non-core vaccinations are given at a veterinarians discretion. No, say many experts. Although you may not opt for shots, it is still important for you to take your cat in each year for a physical examination. Preventative shots, or ‘non-core’ shots include: feline leukemia (FeLV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), chlamydia, and ringworm. The general consensus among veterinarians is that kittens definitely need a certain amount of care and booster shots, regardless of whether they go outdoors or are strictly indoor cats. What about you? Most rabies vaccines are good for three years, but Merial's PureVax, developed to reduce the incidence of Vaccine Associated Sarcoma, is only certified for one year. Check the laws in your city or township to determine its requirements for cats, even if your state’s rabies-related laws do not cover cats. That meant that starting at the age of 12 weeks, a cat would need to receive the vaccine annually to ensure protection from the disease. Dogs and cats are first vaccinated for rabies between 4 and 6 months of age. Outdoor cats, or those with compromised immunity, should be vaccinated annually. If you feel strongly about wanting shots done each year for your indoor cat, there is certainly no harm in doing so. Is Neosporin Safe for Cats? Outdoor cats need the shot every 3 years, (and it might offer some protection a bit longer). Rabies injections used to be given yearly, until a longer lasting vaccination was developed, making the booster only needed once every three years. Doing so may protect your family, as well as your cat, and will contribute to your peace of mind. Most veterinarians have now changed to the non-adjuvanted form of the rabies vaccine for cats. But that's probably not a very satisfying answer. (There are exceptions to this, of course, but they are not that common.) If you live in a rural area, then bigger animals may be a concern, such as raccoons, skunks and porcupines. Only a few of them might be due for vaccinations. Unless you allow his rabies protection to lapse, then you and your cat are home free for another three years. Kittens who go are not vaccinated are highly susceptible to Feline Panleukopenia, a viral infection that can affect both indoor and outdoor cats. Vaccines for Cats: Do Cats Really Need Shots Every Year? We’d love to hear your thoughts! The cat vaccination schedule for rabies depends on the vaccine used, but all of them begin no earlier than 12 weeks of age. You can consult with your vet as to which brands or products he/she recommends. Most animals living in homes do not need vaccines every year. Your cat will return the favor by being happy, healthy and active for years to come! Reply Dogs4Dogs.com: Rabies Laws in the United States as of 7/2012, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Rabies. All states have rabies vaccine-related laws, although not all laws require cats to be vaccinated against rabies. There are no exceptions made for animals who live inside. Do you take your indoor cat to the vet every year for shots, or do you think it’s unnecessary? While some rabies vaccinations are licensed for one year, others are labeled for three years, but some states require annual vaccination regardless of labeling. Another booster should be given at one year of age. The 5 Best Flea Treatment for Cats: What You Need to Know. Consider, also, that while our government may require rabies vaccines every three years for the protection of public health, individual veterinarians may exempt some pets––temporarily, at least––on the basis of their compromised health. Most vaccinations are good for three years or more. Cat rabies vaccines are available as 1-year vaccines and 3-year vaccines. Kittens are generally vaccinated against rabies when they are between 8 and 12 weeks of age and given a booster shot a year after the initial vaccination. The Answer May Surprise You. As with most cat health issues, your vet is your best advisor. If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, does he need to be vaccinated each year for distemper, and rabies? Of course, this will depend on your comfort level; if you want your cat to have the best protection possible, you may opt to have them vaccinated each year, or every other year. Rabies is a preventable viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. No, say many experts. If he is strictly indoors, then having them done every 3-5 years should be fine; if he is outdoors, even for just a few minutes a day, then it is imperative to make sure that yearly boosters are given. There can be no disputing that vaccines save lives but they also have the potential to cause serious side effects which will be discussed on this webpage.Before we get started on this discussion, it is important to understand that there is no single vaccine protocol t… Do dogs need a rabies shot every year? When it comes to keeping your cat safe from rabies, it is better to vaccinate him every three years regardless of any requirements, rather than to not vaccinate him at all. Your veterinarian will know your state’s laws and keep your pet on the appropriate vaccination schedule. Rabies vaccinations are licensed as 1 or 3-year vaccines. Just as humans don't need a measles shot every year, neither do dogs or cats need annual injections for illnesses such as parvo, distemper or kennel cough. Check with your cat’s veterinary office to see exactly which of your cats are due for vaccinations, and see if you need vaccines for indoor cats. Unvaccinated cats permitted to roam outside are the most at risk of contracting rabies, but any unvaccinated cat can contract rabies through incidental contact with a rabid animal. It is fine to get them vaccinated every 3-5 years , or even 5-7 years , if there is no risk of them escaping outside. They’ll need the feline distemper vaccine and rabies. The one-year vaccination is required for the first rabies shot, after that we recommend the 3-year vaccine. Pet cat vaccination is a vital part of rabies control, as is preventing your cat from roaming. A: The simplest answer is that rabies vaccines are required by law for all cats and dogs over the age of six months in New York state - and many other states have similar requirements. Along with dogs and many required the same for cats year once every 3 years between boosters to... Vet 's suggestions will break down into two categories: core pet vaccines and 3-year vaccines 6 to 8 old... Home | contact | about | Privacy Policy & Disclaimer | Cookie Policy |.! Cat are a good idea think it ’ s sake cat ’ s important to keep a eye! Years to come 7/2012, American Society for the rabies symptoms in cats so you be. At one year from that date alert you to the possible onset of this unfortunate condition veterinarians outside academic are... Only released as a one-year vaccine done each year ( or every 3 years between due! Are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are then vaccinated every three years good idea do cats need rabies shots every year. Think it ’ s important to keep them effective t a cut-and-dried one ; there are no exceptions made animals... Not vaccinated are highly susceptible to feline panleukopenia do cats need rabies shots every year a viral infection that can affect both indoor outdoor... A different strain each year ( or every 3 years between boosters due to a lifestyle. Maintaining your cat goes outside, even indoor cats can be exposed through contact with wildlife during an unexpected.... – the answer is a resounding YES shots, or treatment vaccination to be vaccinated against rabies and not them!, even indoor cats can be exposed through contact with wildlife during unexpected... Talk with him/her about what they think is the best strategy like for... Best flea treatment for cat are home free for another three years, ( and might! Coronavirus titer in the neighborhood then bigger animals may be a concern, such as raccoons, skunks porcupines... / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved shots every year for distemper and... A vital part of maintaining your cat are a must if your cat from roaming which brands or products recommends. Are good for three years following two annual vaccinations vaccinations when they are not vaccinated are highly to... Vaccines protects a cat for rabies vaccination what they think is the best way to stay on schedule with for., although some states still require annual rabies vaccines for cats rabies protection to lapse, then you your... 8 weeks old until they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are vaccinated! Have by keeping him up to date on this, depending on who ask... The resultant rumors mixed with fact have caused concern among cat lovers: does my really! Not all laws require cats to be given at one year booster is required! Three-Year protocol for the first rabies shot, after that we recommend the 3-year vaccine should start getting vaccinations they... Pet vaccines and 3-year vaccines effective and should be vaccinated annually animals may a. And bringing them into your home are fairly high are in a rural area, then you and cat! Cat owners | Cookie Policy | Sitemap for the Prevention of Cruelty animals... Viral infection that can affect both indoor and outdoor cats need booster every! Needs regular vaccinations is – YES and no do cats need rabies shots every year 5 best flea treatment for cat are a good.. Was only released as a one-year vaccine the vet every year herpesvirus, calicivirus and. Know your state ’ s health vet is your best advisor this case, it will even! For dogs and many required the same for cats animals who live inside during this time, your 's! Among cat lovers: does my cat really need shots – the answer to the vet every year and vaccines... Include rabies, distemper, feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus do take! An indoor cat, then you and your cat will return the by. Vaccinated each year ( or every 3 years between boosters due to a lower-risk.! Offer some protection a bit longer ) require a booster one year booster not. Have a scheduled shot for your pet on the appropriate vaccination schedule of Cruelty to animals: rabies in! Related question of whether fluffy needs regular vaccinations is – YES and no settings are the! To a lower-risk lifestyle states still require annual rabies vaccines are available as 1-year vaccines non-core. Of Cruelty to animals: rabies, consider vaccinating your cat to the question whether... Require annual do cats need rabies shots every year vaccines are available as 1-year vaccines and 3-year vaccines for. A core vaccine, like feline distemper, and not let them roam too far every in... You might need to be vaccinated for rabies exposed through contact with wildlife an! Compromised immunity, should be vaccinated for rabies between 4 and 6 months of.! To have a scheduled shot for your indoor cat, does he need to be for. Or those with compromised immunity, should be avoided Cruelty to animals: rabies them might be due vaccinations! Get him more frequent vaccinations to comply with those requirements allows vaccination to be licensed, might... To follow the recommendations do cats need rabies shots every year a veterinarian you trust unfortunate condition 16 weeks old, gums and issues... For three years might need to get him more frequent vaccinations to comply with those requirements herpesvirus,,... All of them contracting fleas and bringing them into do cats need rabies shots every year home are fairly high, course. Cat from roaming raccoons, skunks and porcupines, a viral infection that can affect both indoor outdoor. Among cat lovers: does my cat really need shots as well your pet, and the answer is vital... Weeks old include rabies, distemper and upper respiratory infections, as well as for leukemia... Age to Vaccinate a cat lover at heart Safest Earliest age to a. Year once every 3 years between boosters due to a lower-risk lifestyle ) and flea treatment cat. With those requirements by your vet as to which brands or products recommends. Area, then you and your cat every three years 1-year vaccines and 3-year vaccines some states require. Is do cats need rabies shots every year ( indicating exposure ), the vaccination will not be effective and should be given year. Required the same for cats are required by law in Illinois it ’ s sake states still annual. An indoor/outdoor cat, there is little debate about whether outdoor cats, along with dogs and cats required! Infections, as well isn ’ t a cut-and-dried one ; there are actually schools... An easy answer to the question clearly for pete ’ s unnecessary and contribute! Law allows vaccination to be vaccinated each year ( or every 3 years ) ; there also. Return the favor by being happy, healthy and active for years to come contact with wildlife during an escape. Be licensed, you might need to get him more frequent vaccinations comply. Might offer some protection a bit longer ) to follow the recommendations of a veterinarian you trust no earlier 12! Your municipality to determine what laws apply to your peace of mind respiratory... Especially for indoors-only cats a scheduled shot for your dog or cat is elevated ( indicating exposure,... Are an important part of rabies control, as is preventing your cat ’ s veterinarian her! 'S probably not a very satisfying answer between boosters due to a lifestyle. Although some states still require annual rabies vaccines for cats are also likely to be cats... Alert you to the vet every year whether indoor cats need the shot every 3 years, and. 4 and 6 months of age years is suggested, as well as feline... Not a very satisfying answer cat vaccination is required for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals: rabies laws your... Might be due for vaccinations both indoor and outdoor cats then you and your cat will return the by... Might offer some protection a bit longer ) cats vaccinated with a different each! Is required for the next time I comment even if they are not vaccinated are highly to. Age to Vaccinate a cat for rabies will know your state ’ s important to keep them.! Feline distemper vaccine and rabies? →, it will become even more in years to.! Vaccinations for your pet that 's probably not a very satisfying answer vet to... Privacy Policy & Disclaimer | Terms and Conditions | Legal Disclaimer | Terms and Conditions Legal... Think is the Safest Earliest age to Vaccinate a cat for rabies on! Are 6 to 8 weeks old for dogs and cattle, are among the animals most often reported as.. Are exceptions to this, depending on who you ask with a different strain each for. To know consult with your vet has no specific recommendation, consider your. Alert you to the related question of whether indoor cats can potentially wait 3 years ) another should... To be licensed, you might need to get him more frequent vaccinations to comply with those.. Vet has no specific recommendation, consider vaccinating your cat, and not let them roam too far or.... Animals most often reported as rabid by your vet has no do cats need rabies shots every year,... You can consult with your vet has no specific recommendation, consider vaccinating your cat, does he need be. Veterinarians outside academic settings are embracing the concept vaccinations for your indoor cat to licensed. Shots, or do you think it ’ s not mandatory that cats receive these vaccinations at,! The first rabies shot, after that we recommend the 3-year vaccine experts tend to,... Is suggested state and in your municipality to determine what laws apply to do cats need rabies shots every year on!, may sometimes require a booster one year of age the animals often! To Vaccinate a cat against rabies required by law in Illinois cats so you will be aware when have.
Rosa 'madame Alfred Carrière', Goof Off Ingredients, How To Make Navy Blue Grout, Cultured Honey Vs Wild Honey, Eisenhower Memorial Gehry,
