Should I get vaccinations?

My cats are 12 and 14 years old. They are indoor only. The vet has been giving them one three-year Rabies shot, and one three-year Distemper shot. Only one is given at a time; the shots are staggered.

My question is are these shots necessary? I have heard that indoor, older cats don't need to get vaccinations.

I know the vet will try to talk me into getting them.

We had a thread similar to this a little while back, and everyone had wonderful info to share, but I'm still not sure what to do! I'll read one thing that's just startling and be quite convinced NOT to vaccinate, and then I'll read another thing that scares me into thinking I SHOULD vaccinate! Our vet is trying to talk me out of vaccinating! There are great sites all over the internet on this topic, but I found a lot of good links HERE (if this doesn't work, let me know and I'll try again!)

It was possibly my thread about the vaccines as i was unsure about giving Rosie the leukemia shot?!.

Although we don't have rabies in the uk. The only vaccine i'm giving Rosie is the Flu/Enteritis, even though she's a housecat, as i could bring the virus into the house with me if i touch another cat.

But the leukemia shot i'm not bothering with.

If the cats are healthy I don't see a reason why you shouldn't have them vaccinated against at least panleukopenia and cat flu (rabies of course if it's required by law). How often is another question though.

If they aren't completely healthy the vaccine might harm them more than help them.

Vaccinations are always worthwile...given that the risk is present.

Most vaccines are starting to have longer spans between booster shots. Which is a good thing, however vaccines still are highly beneficial.

Another alternative to following a set schedule with vaccines...is the possibility of doing a blood titter. You can't do titters on every single thing just yet, however it is a good means of validating the effectivness of the cats current vaccinated state.

I would suggest this as an alternative to over vaccinating, but I would still heavily encourage vaccination where there is a reasonable cause.

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Note... in regards to cats, there are two relatively new vaccines which have been stirring up most of the controversy

The FIV Virus
and
The FeLV virus ( Feline Leukemia )

These vaccines should be addressed on a case by case basis, but if there is a risk (ie outside cat) then the vaccine should definately be the choice.

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Spotz

Another alternative to vaccination are homeopathic nosodes, but some holistic vets think this treatment is ineffective. If you do consider nosodes, make sure the holistic vet is familiar with them.

Even vets are arguing this one!There has just been an uproar at the RCVS as a group of vets have signed up to a document stating that maufacturers are fleecing the public..........vaccs are not required annually. official line from the College, in response,isthat everything should get shots annually until the manufacturers complete years of testing to prove differently.
So, Iguess the jury is still out.

Personally I would not give indoor cats Leukaemia vaccs, and at their age,vaccination history, and lifestyle, would query whether to vaccinate further............unless you use a cattery when on holiday, when you most have up to date vaccs.
Bear in mind that under current protocols, if you do not boost annually then you will have to have a full course (not a booster) when you do restart.

guess they have us over a barrel!

Lil

If your cat is indoor only, you have a better chance of getting rabies than he/she does. I only do it because it is required by law. In my state it is required yearly. I'm not going to do the distemper or leukemia shots, though. I don't think an indoor cat really needs it.

You go outside every day, and when was the last time you had a vaccine? Probably when you were a kid, unless you get flu shots (which I don't get, and am still alive). And especially if you never left your house, would you bother?

Many vets are starting to believe that these shots last a lot longer than previously thought. When a human gets a rabies vaccine, it is thought to be good for almost a lifetime (and for us, that is a lot longer!) Many times, titers can be found in the bloodstream 50 years later.

So, I guess I would do what the law requires as far as rabies. If you ever had guests over and your cat bit them for some reason, then you would be covered.

Aqua

Originally posted by Aquarius
If your cat is indoor only, you have a better chance of getting rabies than he/she does. I only do it because it is required by law. In my state it is required yearly. I'm not going to do the distemper or leukemia shots, though. I don't think an indoor cat really needs it.

You go outside every day, and when was the last time you had a vaccine? Probably when you were a kid, unless you get flu shots (which I don't get, and am still alive). And especially if you never left your house, would you bother?

Many vets are starting to believe that these shots last a lot longer than previously thought. When a human gets a rabies vaccine, it is thought to be good for almost a lifetime (and for us, that is a lot longer!) Many times, titers can be found in the bloodstream 50 years later.

So, I guess I would do what the law requires as far as rabies. If you ever had guests over and your cat bit them for some reason, then you would be covered.

Aqua

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Well, distemper is one of these diseases you really don't want your cats to catch. The virus can stay alive outside the cat (in the enviroment) for years, meaning we humans can drag the virus into the house with our shoes, hands and clothes if we are unlucky. So distemper is one of the vaccinations I make sure every cat in my household have. That and the cat flu.

FIV, FIP and FeLV however I don't bother with. FIV and FeLV might however be a good idea to vaccinate outdoor cats with.

But a titre test can be a good alternative if one doesn't want to overvaccinate.

Indoor cats doesn't develop as good immune defense as outdoor cats since they don't encounter the same amount of bacterials as the cats that spends time outdoors therefor they are more susceptible for viruses.

I'd asked my vet the same question recently about my cat Boy, who is now 12 and never had any vacs before. She said if he is indoor-only, it is better not to stress his immune system with vaccinations.

For our other 4 kittens, under two years, she recommended vaccinations annually or once in two years till the age of 10 (for the same reason above).

I have decided to take my cats to the vet for distemper and rabies shots. Distemper because I might bring it in on my clothes. Rabies because it is the law.
Felicia is going for her distemper/upper respiratory shot April 15. The rabies aren't due until 2005.

Beau will be having his shots too. He doesn't go until later in the year.