Vaccinations for cats

All my cats had their vaccinations when they were kittens but none of them have been update on their shots for a couple of years now. I was told before that every cats should have their Rabies shot even if they are inside cats. I do volunteer in the shelter couple times a week. My Joey has caught URI a few times and he isn't a strong cat to begin with. What do you guys think? Do you guys recommend getting vaccination every year. They are being expose to germs every time I come home from the shelter. Please let me know. Thanks!!

IMO I do not recommend vaccinating every year. I think the kitten shots and the first year are the only ones needed.

How old are your cats? Because you are frequently exposing them to other things by being around potentially sick cats, I would probably continue to vaccinate them. The exception would be for the senior cats--I would see if you can do titer tests to find out how strongly they are immune to each disease. Usually I wouldn't suggest vaccinating a senior at all unless they are at a high risk for exposure.

My oldest guy is 6 1/2, 4 1/2, and 3 1/2. Joey is my oldest boy and he isn't very strong cat to begin with.

I personally wouldn't work with animals and then come home to our two unless ours were up-to-date on their vaccinations, but that's just me. I am prone to err on the side of caution.

Originally Posted by Yosemite

I personally wouldn't work with animals and then come home to our two unless ours were up-to-date on their vaccinations, but that's just me. I am prone to err on the side of caution.

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This is my opnion also in your circumstances ... otherwise I like the kitten and first year idea

I keep mine up to date and don't take chances.

I keep mine up to date because I work in a vet clinic and don't want to bring things home, I also do alot of fostering of kittens, so that's another reason to keep mine updated. Even if you don't keep current on the vaccines don't leave out the yearly exams, it is much better to catch a problem early on.

We keep our 5 cats UTD on the 3-1. We don't give FeLV, FIP, or Rabies. I think it is very important to keep them UTD. We brought home an infant kitten once that ended up dieing from Panleukopenia. Our cats surely would have contracted it if they weren't current. Since you work at a shelter I would think the risk is high they could contract something.