Are Vaccinations Necessary For Indoor Kitties

My two rescued outdoor kitties are reformed indoor kitties.

They were both neutered, chipped, blood tests for aids

(thank God Negative), physical by the vet.  Is it really

necessary to have the annual rabies vaccination.

The vet gives you a certificate as proof for the rabies

vaccination.  Feedback is always appreciated by

the knowledgeable members onboard.  Enjoy and 

love your kitty pets/friends/companions while they

are still healthy. 

Where do you live?  In most U.S. states, you are required by law to keep your pet's rabies vaccinations up-to-date.  Info here: https://www.avma.org/Advocacy/StateAndLocal/Pages/rabies-vaccination.aspx

Thanks for the excellent info.  "You Made My Day" 

Nope. I don't do rabies vaccinations for any of my indoor (or feral) cats. It's not required in my state and there aren't many wild animals in this area with rabies. I just do the basic kitten series and that's it.

I did the annual fvrcp and feline leukemia/fiv combo and 3 year rabies shots for my 2 older cats since they were 1 year old (2006 and 2005) and the required kitten shots in each one's first year. My rescue has gotten his shots since 2012. He most likely has boosters in the years before life with me as well. Several techs at my vets office have told me on many different occasions that the first 2 aren't really necessary for indoor-only cats. But had them get all the shots anyway to feel like a good pet parent. It's been the last 6 months or so that I started wondered if I should skip the first 2 shots, particularly with my rescue, Jumbo who has kidney disease.

I read some articles about how we may be over-vaccinating our pets that I felt had good points against it, especially with indoor-only cats. So when Boogie Bear went in January for her annual visit I decided to skip the fvrcp and feline leukemia/fiv combo. Her rabies shot was due so I had to do that one because it's required by law in my state, Texas. They just said if I ever needed to board her, she'd have to get them then. Jumbo is scheduled for his annual visit on Friday. I will do the same for him and the same for Sgt Pepper in September. Both will just get the rabies. So we'll see how they each do in the following year. I can always go back to vaccinating if it seems better for them.