They are then vaccinated every three years, although some states still require annual rabies vaccinations for dogs and/or cats. The 5 Best Flea Treatment for Cats: What You Need to Know. Reply No, say many experts. 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. The news has been slow to reach consumers, partly because few veterinarians outside academic settings are embracing the concept. Originally, this vaccine was only released as a one-year vaccine. In some areas, Rabies vaccination must be given every year. This is where experts tend to disagree, and the answer becomes a less-simple one. 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. Outdoor cats, or those with compromised immunity, should be vaccinated annually. Vaccines for Cats: Do Cats Really Need Shots Every Year? So the answer to the question of whether fluffy needs regular vaccinations is – yes and no. If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, does he need to be vaccinated each year for distemper, and rabies? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Home | Contact | About | Privacy Policy & Disclaimer | Terms and Conditions | Legal Disclaimer | Cookie Policy | Sitemap. Dogs4Dogs.com: Rabies Laws in the United States as of 7/2012, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Rabies. Welcome to Meowkai. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. They are typically given in small doses, at 3 different stages of kittenhood: 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks, and 14-16 weeks. 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? Most animals living in homes do not need vaccines every year. If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, does he need to be vaccinated each year for distemper, and rabies? However, this law typically refers to dogs, not cats. Most states require that cats be vaccinated against rabies. 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. As your cat ages, it will become even more critical for these regular check-ups. Non-core vaccinations are given at a veterinarians discretion. In other areas, local law allows vaccination to be given every three years. 3 years). During this time, your vet will give your kitten a physical exam as well to make sure he is growing as he should. 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. 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. Until about 2006, most states required annual rabies vaccines for dogs and many required the same for cats. Minimize any risk your cat might have by keeping him up to date on this important vaccine. 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. Dogs and cats are first vaccinated for rabies between 4 and 6 months of age. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Chances are your vet's suggestions will break down into two categories: core pet vaccines and non-core vaccines. What Is the Safest Earliest Age to Vaccinate a Cat for Rabies?→. Healthy indoor cats can potentially wait 3 years between boosters due to a lower-risk lifestyle. What do you do with cats*/dogs that are overdue for rabies vaccination? 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. The answer isn’t a cut-and-dried one; there are actually different schools of thought on this, depending on who you ask. There are also likely to be other cats in the neighborhood. No cats need shots every year. If your cat goes outdoors, the chances of them contracting fleas and bringing them into your home are fairly high. That means it’s not mandatory that cats receive these vaccinations at all, unless strongly recommended by your vet. 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? 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. How Often Do Cats Need Rabies Shots? Do you take your indoor cat to the vet every year for shots, or do you think it’s unnecessary? If the coronavirus titer in the cat is elevated (indicating exposure), the vaccination will not be effective and should be avoided. 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. Keeping an eye on weight, teeth, gums and other issues are an important part of maintaining your cat’s health. Cats are also EXTREMELY prone to kidney disease, and yearly check-ups can alert you to the possible onset of this unfortunate condition. A one year booster is not required unless a one year labeled vaccine is used. 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. Check the laws in your state and in your municipality to determine what laws apply to your pet. Kittens who go are not vaccinated are highly susceptible to Feline Panleukopenia, a viral infection that can affect both indoor and outdoor cats. Then they must be boostered a year latyer.. If you feel strongly about wanting shots done each year for your indoor cat, there is certainly no harm in doing so. A yearly booster of core vaccines protects a cat against rabies, herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. If you live in a rural area, then bigger animals may be a concern, such as raccoons, skunks and porcupines. 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. Most vaccinations are good for three years or more. Another booster should be given at one year of age. Because they are such complex creatures, I have created this blog to summarize my research on veterinarian advice on health, products, and more! 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. 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. Do indoor cats need rabies shots every year? They need a booster one year from that date. Cat rabies vaccines are available as 1-year vaccines and 3-year vaccines. Just answer the question clearly for pete’s sake. Rabies injections used to be given yearly, until a longer lasting vaccination was developed, making the booster only needed once every three years. Even rabies shots are effective for at least three years. These shots are for rabies, distemper and upper respiratory infections, as well as for feline leukemia. Like people, pets need vaccines. There are some contraindications, especially for indoors-only cats. There is little debate about whether outdoor cats need shots – the answer is a resounding YES! In this case, it’s important to keep a close eye on your pet, and not let them roam too far. The one-year vaccination is required for the first rabies shot, after that we recommend the 3-year vaccine. Unfortunately, even indoor cats can be exposed through contact with wildlife during an unexpected escape. 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. Although you may not opt for shots, it is still important for you to take your cat in each year for a physical examination. And pet vaccinations, like those for humans, may sometimes require a booster to keep them effective. Are vaccines more harmful than helpful? Rabies vaccines for cats are required by law in Illinois. All states have rabies vaccine-related laws, although not all laws require cats to be vaccinated against rabies. 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. These shots include rabies, distemper, and upper respiratory infection. Pet cat vaccination is a vital part of rabies control, as is preventing your cat from roaming. There’s a booster in about one year, after which it may be given annually … No, say many experts. Your cat will return the favor by being happy, healthy and active for years to come! As with most cat health issues, your vet is your best advisor. 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. If your vet has no specific recommendation, consider vaccinating your cat every three years following two annual vaccinations. 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. 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. If you have an outdoor only or an indoor/outdoor cat, then they will need shots as well. 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. The resultant rumors mixed with fact have caused concern among cat lovers: Does my cat really need to be vaccinated every year? Hi, I’m Annie Anderson and I am a cat lover at heart. 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. 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. It appears after the first year once every 3 years is suggested. 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. 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. The best way to stay on schedule with vaccinations for your dog or cat is to follow the recommendations of a veterinarian you trust.. You do not get cats vaccinated with a different strain each year (or every 3 years). Unless you allow his rabies protection to lapse, then you and your cat are home free for another three years. I am happy to report that there is an easy answer to the related question of whether indoor cats need booster shots every year. What does your veterinarian recommend? Cats, along with dogs and cattle, are among the animals most often reported as rabid. That answer is no. Preventative flea medications (such as collars or powder) and flea treatment for cat are a good idea. Ask your cat’s veterinarian for her professional advice if your state does not require cats to be vaccinated for rabies. What are the rabies symptoms in cats so you will be aware when to have a scheduled shot for your pet? 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. The cat rabies vaccine is considered a core vaccine, like feline distemper, feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus. The cat vaccination schedule for rabies depends on the vaccine used, but all of them begin no earlier than 12 weeks of age. Among the 149 Ontario cases, 1 of those positives was a cat, with the most cases coming from raccoons, skunks, and bats. Currently, every state in the union has a three-year protocol for the rabies vaccine, following the second annual vaccination. Your veterinarian will know your state’s laws and keep your pet on the appropriate vaccination schedule. (There are exceptions to this, of course, but they are not that common.) 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. 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. Rabies is a preventable viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Only a few of them might be due for vaccinations. While some rabies vaccinations are licensed for one year, others are labeled for three years, but some states require annual vaccination regardless of labeling. Meowkai does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The discussion of mutating viruses is a red herring. There are no exceptions made for animals who live inside. The Answer May Surprise You. 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. 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. 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. Preventative shots, or ‘non-core’ shots include: feline leukemia (FeLV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), chlamydia, and ringworm. Outdoor cats need the shot every 3 years, (and it might offer some protection a bit longer). We’re a news, analysis, and opinion platform for all cat owners. What about you? Again, these may not be necessary during adulthood, until your cat reaches his senior years (assuming they were vaccinated as kittens). You can consult with your vet as to which brands or products he/she recommends. 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. I did not need a lecture about rabies. And this less stringent recommendation may well relax even more in years to come. Rabies should be given based on local laws. It has nothing to do with cat vaccinations. 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. They’ll need the feline distemper vaccine and rabies. But that's probably not a very satisfying answer. Talk with him/her about what they think is the best strategy. 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. 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. Is Neosporin Safe for Cats? It is nearly 100 percent fatal to animals. 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