Why Indoor Cats Should Be Vaccinated
Posted on: 18 November 2015
If you have just acquired a cat that you intend on keeping indoors, you may have contemplated skipping vaccinations. While an indoor cat is certainly at a lesser risk of disease than an outdoor cat, there are still some reasons why you should go ahead and make an appointment with a veterinarian. Consider the following points to help you realize why getting vaccinations for your indoor cat is an important task.
Living Situations May Change
You may have an instance occur where you are displaced from your current home and will need to look for a new location to live. If you do not have a plan as to where you would stay if you lost your home, you may need to bring your cat to a home with other pets. They may have to stay in a shelter temporarily if you do not have a home willing to care for them. If one of these scenarios happen, your cat can be exposed to disease or sickness from another animal. If you need to give your pet up altogether due to a situation beyond your control, a new owner may allow them outside and put them at risk for disease.
A Jailbreak May Occur
If your pet is bold and not scared to try new things, they may wander out the door if someone accidentally leaves it open. If your pet is not neutered or spayed, they may try to escape the confines of your home in search for a mate. If your pet becomes lost outdoors, they are at risk for contracting an ailment or disease through contact with another cat or a rabid animal. If someone finds your pet, it may end up in a shelter with sick animals around it. It is important to protect your cat from these possibilities.
Stress Can Cause A Flare-Up
Many cats are exposed to the herpes virus in shelters, inutero, or when around other cats that have this disease. Even if your pet seems to be in the best of health, you will not know if they have contracted the disease without having a checkup by a veterinarian. Those who skip having their cat checked because they are intending on keeping it indoors, may find out the cat has the disease if the cat becomes stressed. Stress can trigger a flare-up of the dormant herpes virus, causing the cat to have runny eyes or a respiratory infection. Getting a feline herpes virus shot will not take the disease away, but it will keep symptoms at bay, allowing the cat to avoid suffering from these symptoms.
Some Towns And States Require Proof
In most states, getting a feline rabies shot is mandatory regardless of whether it goes outside or not. There may also be town or city laws in place where you live. If a rabid animal were to make its way into your home, strict rules would need to be followed if your pet was bitten. Without a shot, your cat may need to be quarantined for several months, or the state may mandate that it is euthanized for precautionary measures as it is a risk to other animals or humans. You would then receive a fine for not having your pet vaccinated as the law specifies. Contact a local vet, like Cat Care Clinic, for more information.
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