To vaccinate or not to vaccinate...?

Any thoughts on whether or not I should continue to keep my strictly indoor cats current on their vaccinations? I know there are cases where vaccines are contraindicated in humans why not cats? I worry about the potential risks. All feedback is appreciated.

I can't wait to see the answers to this one. I am having the same doubts about vaccinating mine. (Also, totally indoors) They were due for rabies about a month ago and I haven't taken them yet. I know some of the vaccines can cause cancer at the vaccination site, so I'm really torn.

Here is the largest amount of info I have found on everything you need to know about vaccinations:

Sylvia's Journey of New Hope

The safest rabies vaccination is the Purevax vaccine. It's manufactured in a way to eliminate the dangers of tumor development at the injection site. Also, all injections should be done on the lower hind leg.

Remember to check with your province/state regulations regarding rabies vaccine requirements.

I guess it all depends on what vaccines you are talking about. If you keep your cat indoors, I would not get them vaccinated for rabies. There is no reason, my vet even confirms this. A coworker of mine has a vet that told her, that rabies is an air born disease. I told my coworker to go to another vet, they do not know what they are talking about. If you let your cats roam, then I would get them the rabies vaccine. All of my cats have been vaccinated for Rhinotracheitis, Calici and Panleukopenia. I do believe these can be transmitted through the air. I know there are vaccines for Feline Leukemia, but I do believe there is some question as to how safe they are.

I would only do rabies if required by the county or state you live in, if they are indoors only.

When I worked as a receptionist one year at a small animal hospital there was new research indicating that immunity lasted longer than had been realized, and a new protocol suggested for vaccinations every three years....that is now accepted widely, and is what I do with my guys.

Sorry it's this eary, no coffee yet, but I'm sure if you do a google search, you can find reports as to why this is now recommended.

You might also want to consider the future: are you the type to bring in new babies, perhaps a stray in the future? While you should separate all new cats until tested, bringing in new cats always puts existing cats at risk.

Would you ever volunteer at a shelter where you could bring things home on you that your babies can catch?

In the case of an emergency (such as a hurricane, tornado, fire), would your babies be protected if they got out for a while? Or if they accidently got outside for any reason for a while?

Some of these things may be low risk, but are not no-risk to your cats. Consider these also.

I personally have all of my indoors vaccinated, as I am always bringing in strays/ferals. My feline leuk vaccines saved most of them this year when an untested FeLV positive came in the house (untested due to a major mix up at my vet). I still lost 1 out of 11 but it could have been much worse.

I was very concerned as well about reactions to vaccines and sarcomas. But I went ahead and got Saki is last round of FVRCCP and the rabies shot.. but mainly because my landlord insisted I get him rabies shot. They used Purevax and I even asked them to make sure. He didnt have any problems with his shots.

Zoey is due in April I believe. I only vaccinate my indoor cats for Rabies (because its pretty much required) and the FVRCCP (distemper, rhino diseases) because they can get that from your clothes or shoes.

I asked this and most people replied that I should. I'm starting to think that it's pretty pointless. It does seem that the rabies vaccination is required around here though, because my vet said they would have to give it to him if I didn't have proof he already had it.

My indoor cats have rabies vaccines every year, its required by law here, but also because there is the possibility of rabid bats or mice getting indoors.

We have decided (my vet and I), based on the latest research, to give the other vaccinations every other year, as they are not at risk of contacting other cats outdoors on a regular basis. I would worry if they were never vaccinated, because there is always the chance of contact if they run outdoors. She says that the newest vaccines last more than one or two years, and they don't really know how long, because the research studies were only designed to test efficacy for one year. (they did not set out to test, how long does this last?, but rather, does this last for one year.)

Rabies is also required where I live so Kuce will be getting hers soon.

As for Sphinx - he was due in June but when we took him in the vet recommended against it due to his health.

I vaccinate mine and they are both indoor cats