Why Do Kittens Need Rabies Shots

On social media recently i followed a heated discussion as to whether indoor only cats need to be vaccinated against rabies.

Why do kittens need rabies shots. 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. My vet tells me that my indoor only cat izzy needs to be vaccinated for rabies. However any mammal can become infected if they are exposed. Far fewer cat owners said that the vaccination was still needed.

Suggested articles feline 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. Rabies is a viral disease typically found in wild animals most commonly raccoons bats skunks and foxes. But after about six weeks old and eating solid food it s time for them to be vaccinated.

That cats could still be exposed to rabies. We live in an apartment in new york city and izzy is never outside so why does she need a rabies vaccine. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Both indoor and outdoor cats are at risk for contracting rabies.

That is why it is essential that we keep our pets protected with consistent rabies vaccines. When kittens are nursing antibodies in their mother s milk help protect them from infections. Just put a name tag on their collar. And when it comes to rabies having your cat vaccinated is also a simple and effective way to protect yourself and others in your home since rabies can affect people too.

After that they ll only need annual boosters. They can also strengthen her immune system. Benefits and risks q. For instance a new kitten might receive a physical examination a first vaccination a deworming a test for feline leukemia and a fecal examination all during the same visit.

For the long term health of your cat it is worth having 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. Many practices offer packages that include multiple procedures for kittens. Even an initial rabies vaccination whether during kittenhood or prior to adoption in older cats is a better guarantor than none at all.

For instance your kitten may need to receive a rabies vaccine along with the fvrcp vaccine. Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat your vet can help you figure out which. When to vaccinate your kitten the cat rabies vaccine is considered a core vaccine like feline distemper feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus.