Is there really a point in getting all of the shots for a cat that will be permanently inside? I still need to get the last set of kitten shots, and will probably do so, but I really don't see any point unless he gets outside somehow for a short time.
need for vaccinations of inside-only cats?
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Hmmm, this is always an interesting subject. I've known many people who have had strictly inside cats and have asked the same question. Heck, I've asked it too before. It comes down to a few things, overall, if the cats have any form of contact with the outside, other animals or strays, you should get their shots. You just never know what might be lurking out there. :? I've always got my kittens their shots even though they are indoor cats because I figure it's better to be safe than sorry. You can never take a guess with who comes into your house what sort of things they might carry from outside or their other pets. Overall, I think paying the money for the shots is better to me than jeopardizing my animals health. 
I highly suggest getting their shots no matter what since it will help their immunity to such things but the choice is really up to you. I might suggest talking to vet though if you didn't want to get their shots and see what they said before you made a decision. I'm glad to hear you are getting the shots anyway though, that's great.
- Randy
I highly suggest getting their shots no matter what since it will help their immunity to such things but the choice is really up to you. I might suggest talking to vet though if you didn't want to get their shots and see what they said before you made a decision. I'm glad to hear you are getting the shots anyway though, that's great. - Randy
I think it in part depends on where you live and the particular vaccine. I will NOT be getting boosters for rabies. I live in NYC, where there hasn't been a case of rabies since the 50s, and my cats are 100% indoors (I don't even have a balcony). Even if they do escape from my apartment, I live on the fourth floor, so they will still be inside.
They have been vaccinated for Feline panleukopenia (also called feline distemper), because it is so infectious. I am 50/50 on Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus, which cause most upper respiratory infections. Because the vaccines for FeLV, Chlamydiosis, FIP, and ringworm do not create immunity, I will not be having them administered.
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/Public/FHC/vaccbr.html is a good link, though pretty pro-vaccine.
http://www.avma.org/vafstf/rbbroch.asp is great too. Pretty much the same info, but with a more vaccine-critical approach.
They have been vaccinated for Feline panleukopenia (also called feline distemper), because it is so infectious. I am 50/50 on Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus, which cause most upper respiratory infections. Because the vaccines for FeLV, Chlamydiosis, FIP, and ringworm do not create immunity, I will not be having them administered.
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/Public/FHC/vaccbr.html is a good link, though pretty pro-vaccine.
http://www.avma.org/vafstf/rbbroch.asp is great too. Pretty much the same info, but with a more vaccine-critical approach.
Yes, even cats that'll spend their whole life indoors need to get their shots. You'll probably leave your home now and then in the future and you can bring a virus home without knowing about it. We don't know what the dirt under our shoes really is.
Shots for Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Herpesvirus and for Feline Calicivirus is a must! You can bring these dieases into the house since they're very contagious.. Rabies, well that depends on where you live.
Chlamydiosis isn't necessary and it's really not a good vaccine, neither is the FIP-vaccine. It's not likely that you will bring these diseases into the house. These diseases are most likely for a cat to catch from an other infected cat.
Shots for Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Herpesvirus and for Feline Calicivirus is a must! You can bring these dieases into the house since they're very contagious.. Rabies, well that depends on where you live.
Chlamydiosis isn't necessary and it's really not a good vaccine, neither is the FIP-vaccine. It's not likely that you will bring these diseases into the house. These diseases are most likely for a cat to catch from an other infected cat.
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