Do Indoor Cats Really Need Vaccines?

Why do Indoor cats need vaccinations and parasite preventatives?

Cats are susceptible to a variety of diseases.  While indoor cats may have less exposure to some viruses and other illnesses, there are still some risks.   Routine vaccines and treatment for parasites like roundworms and fleas are recommended even for cats who live solely indoors.

Rabies vaccines are required by law for ALL cats in Pennsylvania, whether they live indoors or out.  Indoor cats could be exposed to rabies if they accidentally got outside or if an animal such as a bat or raccoon got into the house.  Think this doesn’t happen?  One of our nurses had a rabid raccoon enter her home and I find a bat flying around my basement at least once a year.  Rabies is fatal and is also a serious human health hazard, so vaccination is important for your cat whether he spends time outdoors or not.

The feline distemper combination vaccine which protects against calicivirus, rhinotracheitis (feline herpesvirus) and panleukopenia is also considered a core vaccine for all cats.  Panleukopenia is a highly contagious and hearty virus, and it can be fatal to cats.  Shed in the cat’s bodily fluids, it can survive for a long time on surfaces in a house as well as on your hands or clothing.  You could unwittingly come in contact with this virus and infect your cat, even if she never sets one paw outside. 

Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus can cause severe and sometimes chronic upper respiratory and eye infections in cats.  Suppose you find or decide to adopt a new kitten.  This kitten could be a carrier of one of these viruses.  Bringing home a sick kitten and exposing your unvaccinated indoor cat to the kitten is a surefire way to spread these viruses. 

Some of us think, “But my cat never goes outside”, or “Oh, I would never bring home another cat!” but the reality is, cats sometime slip outdoors or we find a stray kitten and just can’t resist bringing it home.  Never say never. 

Finally, why do we recommend treating indoor cats for fleas and intestinal parasites?  They’re not exposed, right?  In fact, indoor cats can and do become exposed to internal parasites like roundworms by eating insects like crickets or by contact with mice that get into our homes, through contaminated potting soil and even by worm eggs that might be on the soles of our shoes.  Fleas can also get into our homes and infest our indoor pets by “hitchhiking” in on people’s clothing, or hitching a ride on other pets who do spend time outside.  It can be a serious mistake to skip flea and tick preventatives and internal parasite protection for your indoor only cat. 

Periodic vaccination to protect both indoor and outdoor cats is the best medicine for your cat.  And don’t forget about protecting against fleas and intestinal worms.  These parasites can be costly and difficult to treat once your cat is exposed.   Talk to your veterinarian about the best protocols for your cat to keep him safe from illnesses and parasite free. 

                This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York ad the surrounding communities.