Posting for a new member who is having problems

just got an email from Anna- she has asked me to post this for her:

"I am wondering what vaccations are good..what shots I should get my cat, she is an INDOOR only... 14 years old...and has no health problems. She hasnt had shots in two years, but before that was routine with what was recommened...... I was told by a vet that cats over 5 dont really need shots if they are indoors and thats why I went two years without...but with her age I worry and want the best.. I know vaccinations are probably better safe then sorry.


Please tell me what you think I should have her get! She is on no heartworm, but I am told even an indoor cat can get it??

Please educate the uneducated lol.."

As far as vaccines goes, check with your veterinarian on your state's rabies requirements. Some states will accept a rabies vaccine for 3 years while some require it every year.

If she is indoors only and does not come in contact with a cat who goes outside then you can probably skip having the feline leukemia vaccine done.

Some vets will recommend skipping the distemper vaccine for a couple years in an older cat because they have built up an immunity from previous vaccines over the years and if it's an inside only cat all the better since they generally will not come in contact with such viruses. On the other hand some vets say since an older cat's immune system isn't as strong as a younger cat then they should be vaccinated every year. I would check with your vet and see what he recommends.

And check with your vet about heartworm too because some areas finding heartworm in cats is uncommon while others it's best to have them on a preventative.