First, a cat's lifespan is longer indoors. On social media recently I followed a heated discussion as to whether indoor-only cats need to be vaccinated against rabies. It’s one of the most common questions my staff and I are asked at annual exams for indoor cats. Cats can slip out an open door before you know it. After all, there are dangers outside that can shorten his life, like cars, malicious people, and contagious feline illnesses. Does anyone know which shots they do and don't need? If your cat never leaves the house, is it still necessary to give him or her regular worming treatment? Climbing and resting. Good question. When your cat is a kitten, they will need their initial vaccines to make sure that they start off their lives with a healthy immune system free of any potentially deadly diseases. Indoor cats do need to be vaccinated. Of course being indoor cats they do not have access to this unless you actually give it to them. Cat rabies vaccines are available as 1-year vaccines and 3-year vaccines. Only a few of them might be due for vaccinations. Here's what you need to know to help keep your indoor cat protected from fleas. do they need regular vet check ups? Everyone knows that cats are carnivorous, thats why I love this food for them (click for reviews on Amazon).While most of the felines we stay with may seem domesticated, their claws, teeth and occasional dead mouse are evidence of its hunter's heart. However, indoor cats do need access to activity that will stimulate both their mind and their body and provide the exercise that they would naturally engage in if they were out and about. These are the required or recommended vaccines for indoor cats. How Did My Indoor Cat Get Fleas? If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, does he need to be vaccinated each year for distemper, and rabies? She has Frontline every 3 months, and i have no problems. This is where experts tend to disagree, and the answer becomes a less-simple one. 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. How do you know cats and dogs have identical immune systems? Every cat -- whether indoor or outdoor -- should see the vet at least twice a year for an exam and regular regimen of vaccines, and all cats need to have some form of identification, Cruz says. Proponents of outdoor cats believe these cats indulge their hunting instinct and enjoy nature the way their indoor counterparts cannot. In addition, she has a regular flea treatment. Do this a few days in advance to save stress on the "big day." While the Feline Leukaemia virus breaks down rapidly in the environment, the Herpesvirus can last a day or so, the Calicivirus a month or so, and the Panleukopenia virus for over 6 months (possibly even over a year). Spaying/Neutering early will: Collars are primarily intended as an ID, the microchip replaces this. A surprising (to me) number of cat owners argued that since their cats lived inside and were never allowed outside, a rabies vaccination wasn’t needed. Thankfully, you do not need to bathe a cat in water very often, unless it has a condition. Owners of a cat that has gotten rabies are at high risk for contracting this deadly virus. 2 In general, indoor cats have a 15-17 year life expectancy compared to outdoor cats' life expectancy of two to five years. 6 Reasons to Vaccinate. While living an indoor lifestyle is certainly safer overall than living outdoors, and indoor living contributes to a longer life expectancy, important infectious diseases can find indoor cats. And depending on where you live and what ordinances have been enacted by your municipal or local governing body, the answer to the question “do indoor cats need a pet license,” could range anywhere from: No, yes, probably, maybe, likely, absolutely.The answer to the question is for indoor cat owners to take the responsibility of finding out. Below I explore the reasons why your cat might want to eat grass, why it should eat grass, and how you can provide it for your indoor cat. Now, these diseases are primarily spread cat to cat, so you might think that indoor cats would be entirely safe, but unfortunately that isn’t the case. And they should, considering how much time they spend at it. Cat aerobic centres offer climbing, hiding and playing opportunities and can be ideal for indoor cats. While indoor cats do not need collars there are some circumstances where you might prefer they have one. They will also need a rabies vaccine at the time intervals required by your local law. However, I guess there are circumstances which would make indoor rearing the most practicable solution. In the excitement of bringing your cat home, you don't want to suddenly discover at 8 p.m. that you forgot to buy cat food.Here are the minimum essentials your cat will need: According to what I've researched, the eating of a carrier flea while a cat is washing itself will convey worm eggs to the cat. Keeping your cat inside is safest for him. Right? Many cats are natural born roamers but others prefer to spend their time indoors. Your cat could accidentally get outdoors. I know that there is a possibility of them escaping at one point or another, but I worry about giving them too many shots that they don't really need if they're indoor only. That's a big difference. Do Indoor Cats Need Microchips? i have 2 indoor cats ages 2 and 4. always been indoor cats. Do Indoor Cats Need Their Nails Clipped? Indoor cats ideally need more than one scratching post in different locations in the home. It is important to create an environment that is enriched, stimulating, and helps supplement what cats normally would get outside. Here are half-dozen good reasons your veterinarian wants you to keep your cat up-to-date on her vaccinations. The vaccine usually starts out with a series—vaccines given every three to four weeks until the cat is 16 weeks of age, and then again after one year. A good place to keep them is near their bed/a favourite sleeping spot. Do cats really need baths? For my indoor cat, I put Advantage on her about once every 4 or 6 months. If you discover fleas on your indoor cat, you're probably wondering just how they got there. She does sneak out on occasion, but my dog goes in and out. In a word, no. Wrong! Before you bring your new cat or kitten home, there are a number of things to collect or buy, so your cat will feel like a family member rather than a visitor. My question was more about what cats need IN ADDITION TO rabies, if anything. And they actually need to eat grass. “No matter how aloof a cat may seem, they do rely on their relationship with you, and not just for food. It is a myth that cats who live indoors do not need to be vaccinated against infectious diseases. Posted on January 29, 2020 by Jayne Jancys If you’ve just bought or adopted a little purrball, you’ll want to make sure all of her vaccinations are up-to-date and accurate. both seem very healthy. Thanks for this article. However, this is certainly not the case. Some cat owners who do not have a lot of experience might be under the impression that as long as they keep their cats indoors, their cats do not need to be vaccinated. But Bennett says when it comes down to it, it’s really the connection between owner and pets that helps her cats stay healthy. Indoor cats will also appreciate access to a clean litter tray in a private area, to do their business. She doesn't eat birds or rodents, or come into contact with faeces from other animals. Advantage® II for Cats. Unfortunately, there are … Indoor cats should also be vaccinated because the viruses that cause the disease can “hitchhike” into the house on shoes and clothing. Preventive Care and Vaccines for Indoor Cats: Even if they never leave the house, indoor cats still need to be vaccinated to protect their health. Busy streets, unexpected encounters with wildlife, and environmental and manmade toxins can all pose risks to outdoor cats. If they do come home, they may come home pregnant, or may come home only after impregnating another cat. why do i need to check a stool sample on my indoor cat? Do Indoor Cats Need Grass? Bats and small mammals can make their way into homes and cats are very adept at catching them. While it’s a lot less likely an indoor cat will get communicable cat diseases (diseases cats can pass on to other cats) like feline leukemia, as well as other frightening diseases like rabies if he or she is always inside, don’t forget that your indoor cat could escape, even if just for a short time, and thus be exposed to the same frightening diseases outdoor cats frequently are exposed to. It is true that indoor cats will be less likely to experience various medical problems … It certainly made me think about all the aspects of rearing an indoor cat. If cats don’t run the risk of encountering disease, why do they need core vaccines (or titers) every three years? This might be for added peace of mind in case your cat decides to shoot out, a higher chance of your cat being returned in your area or for medical reasons. No, say many experts. In fact, it’s such a common question, the NYS Veterinary Medical Society recently addressed the issue in its monthly newsletter to veterinarians. After all, grooming themselves is something cats do very well. 189 views. She's an indoor cat, except for accompanied daily walks on a cat harness. I take my two cats to get vaccinations yearly, but I often wonder if they really need all of them since they are indoor only cats. Although the indoor environment may be safer, the indoor environment may not interesting to a curious cat. If this is the case, then you would need to purchase a quality flea shampoo that is made specifically for cats. It is a sometimes hotly contest conversation on whether indoor cats are happier and healthier than outdoor cats. She says love and attention are the best things to keep your indoor cat content. Cats that are kept exclusively indoors live on average at least twice as long as outdoor cats. Indoor Cats. Cats need to roam! Spay/Neuter your indoor cat just in case. Please discuss how often you should bath your cat with your vet. It’s logical to think that cats may need their nails clipped, just like humans. Learn more. If they’re not rolling around the garden, stuffing their face with mice or brushing up against other animals, do you still need to worry about worms? Indoor cats are more secluded than outdoor cats are so will need to be interacted with more often. Climbing is brilliant physical exercise for cats and getting up high means they can find a quiet spot to watch the world go by, and relax. What Vaccines Do Indoor Cats Need? Personally I do believe that cats are domesticated wild cats and they need to go outside to live a fulfilled life, hunt and socialise. However, cats use their nails for many more activities than people: to hunt, to climb trees, even to mark their territory by scratching things. I do not put any of these on older cats as their systems are much more sensitive. But keeping your kitty inside doesn't necessarily mean he won't need some of the primary veterinary care you might associate with outside cats. Exercise is important as cats are very active pets and so room to play as well as access to cat toys such as scratching posts are very beneficial. Spaying and neutering will improve your cat’s health, reduce the risk of health problems, and should be done as early as possible. Whether your cat is indoor or outdoor, they may have fleas! I don't know if Florida requires the rabies vaccine, but if it does, I will not ask for a waiver for any cat that has no adverse reaction to it. The most common route of transmission for indoor cats is through bats. #2 Do It For Their Health. Do indoor cats require routine vaccination, the answer is yes! Ideal for indoor what do indoor cats need they spend at it that cats who live indoors do put. Annual exams for indoor cats ages 2 and 4. always been indoor cats should also be vaccinated against diseases... 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