Did You Know Keeping Up with Your Cat’s Vaccinations are Important for Their Health? Here’s Why!
Many cat pet parents do not find it necessary to keep up with vaccinations for their pets. Cats who live indoors typically do not receive many annual vaccinations, but did you know there are several reasons why your pet should keep up with their shots?
In the article below, we’ll help you learn more about why your cat needs to have annual vaccinations, even if they are an indoor-only pet. With the help of this guide, you’ll have a stronger idea of why vaccinations are so crucial for your pet, no matter what the living situation might be.
Vaccinations Keep Your Cat Healthy
First and foremost, keep in mind that vaccinations keep your cat healthier. They will be less likely to contract some of the most common and most concerning feline diseases if they are vaccinated against them, and if you keep up with the vaccinations annually as well.
You can provide your cat with a healthier, safer environment by ensuring they have the needed shots. While kittens particularly need enough vaccinations to keep them healthy, cats of all ages can benefit from regular annual vaccinations against some of the most common and deadliest feline diseases.
Vaccinations Keep Your Household Healthy
It is possible for some feline illnesses to be spread to other animal members of your household, too. Some feline respiratory infections can be transmitted to dogs and even to ferrets, for example. You can protect the other pets in your home by having your cat vaccinated and by keeping up with the annual shot routine as well.
Additionally, some feline illnesses can even be spread to humans. Protect yourself and your human family by preventing your cat from contracting and transmitting these diseases. Vaccinations can protect your cat as well as your whole household, too.
Vaccinations Prevent the Spread of Disease
Even if your cat doesn’t contract an illness or show any concerning symptoms, they could become a carrier for disease that may spread to other cats in your area. If you have other cats in your home, they can also risk spreading disease to each other. And if you have only one cat, they may still risk spreading disease to your neighbors’ pets.
Feline diseases can spread very quickly and easily, so it is important to have your cat vaccinated against them whenever possible. The sooner your cat receives vaccines, the less likely they will be to risk spreading illness to other pets in your area.
Vaccinations May Be Required by Law
Depending on where you live, certain vaccinations may be required by law. Although legally required vaccinations are much less common for cats than they are for dogs, it is still a possibility, and it is one you should ask your veterinarian about.
Your cat may be legally required to be registered as a pet with your town or county. To do this, your cat will likely be required to have a rabies vaccine. Most of the time, rabies is the only vaccination required by law, but it is always important to double-check on this matter.
Vaccinations May Be Required by Living and Travel Locations
If you live in a location maintained by a Homeowner’s Association, or if you rent your home, then your cat may be required by your HOA or landlord to be vaccinated. Even indoor-only cats may have these requirements, depending on where you live.
Additionally, if you plan to travel with your cat at any time, vaccinations will likely be required by any hotels and public transportation you use with your pet in tow. And if you plan to board your cat while traveling, they will need to be up to date on vaccinations to stay at any trustworthy boarding facility.
Vaccinations Are Not Harmful
Often, pet parents worry that vaccinating their pets can be harmful to them. However, cat vaccinations are not harmful and are highly recommended for all cats.
If there is any reason why your cat may not be a good candidate for vaccinations, your vet will let you know. Otherwise, however, rest assured that these types of vaccines are safe and healthy for your pet, and they pose no risk to their health or wellness.
Is Your Cat Due for Vaccinations? Call Boston Veterinary Clinic Today!
As you can see, vaccinations are important for cats, even if your pet only ever lives indoors. While your cat may not need to have the same round of vaccinations as an outdoor pet, they still need to keep up with those that are most important for their health and safety.
Your vet can give you more information about which vaccinations your cat needs to have annually. Be sure to follow your vet’s advice and provide your cat with the proper medical care throughout their life.
Book an appointment online with your Boston Veterinary Clinic vet a call if your cat is due for vaccinations or if you have any questions about their healthcare needs!