Does my indoor cat really need vaccinations at almost 2 years old?

Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! I would recommend keeping his FVRCP and Rabies up to date. If you think you will eventually allow him outdoors with out supervision then I would recommend considering the Feline Leukemia vaccine. They can get feline leukemia from fighting with other cats. Also I recommend monthly flea and tick medications for cats that go outside. I recommend Revolution because it also prevents mosquitoes. I hope this helps!

For a strictly indoor cat (doesn't go outside AT ALL or escape the house on occasion and doesn't come into contact with any other cats that are outdoors) we normally recommend a rabies vaccine and the Feline Distemper combination vaccination (often called FVRCP or DRCP) http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A

Rabies is required by law, even for strictly indoor cats, and if Stormy were to accidentally bite someone (for example, if he was injured and painful) a quarantine or euthanasia is recommended by the CDC. The FVRCP vaccine is recommended by the American Association for Feline Practitioners as well - I have seen cats get upper respiratory infections from contact through a window screen, or if you are ever in contact with another cat you could carry the viruses home. The veterinary clinic is also unfortunately a place where exposure to an upper respiratory virus could occur. FeLV vaccine is probably not necessary since it needs to be spread through very direct contact.

Yes, I would recommend giving this vaccine on a regular basis, even though Gracie does not go outside. These are highly contagious and serious viruses that can be transmitted easily - even if Gracie is laying by an open window and a stray cat is outside. Depending upon the vaccine manufacturer's labeling claims, this vaccine may be given every 1 or 3 years. Since she does not go outside, feline leukemia vaccines (FeLV) are likely unnecessary unless she has a housemate cat that does go outside, or you plan to introduce a feline leukemia positive cat to your household.

FVRCP is given every year. but if your cat is strictly an indoor cat without any contact with the outside it's your choice if you want to have her vaccinated or not as the chances of catching any of the disease covered by the vaccination are very slim. same thing goes with Rabies vaccination of course. if you chose to have the vaccination done, she will need two injection the first year and after that only one injection each year.

I have attached the most recent recommendations from the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) below. https://www.catvets.com/guidelines/practice-guidelines/feline-vaccination Their general recommendation is to repeat the FVRCP vaccination every 3-4 weeks until a kitten reaches 16 weeks of age, then booster it 1 year later, then every 3 years after that. Unfortunately, we do not have enough data to give better recommendations than that. Injection site sarcomas have dramatically decreased over the last 15 years since we have made some changes to our vaccinations and vaccination schedules. The kidney issues are more likely due to chronic mild dehydration. There is some concern that the FVRCP vaccinations are grown on renal cell cultures, but I am unaware of any good research in that area. As far as FeLV vaccination, the AAFP generally does not recommend continuing to vaccinate indoor only cats who do not have a risk of exposure with FeLV vaccination. And Rabies vacc

Excellent question. The main vaccination(s) they need are: 1) FVRCP- a combo upper respiratory vaccine. 2) And if they go outdoors they should get the FeLV (leukemia) vaccination, which is an infection that is spread through drinking water. 3) Then of course the Rabies vaccine, if it is required in your state. The FVRCP and Rabies vaccine can be given once a year for the first year, then once every 3 years. The FeLV vaccine is given yearly.

I would recommend a feline upper respiratory vaccine (FVRCP) and a rabies vaccine. If she has any outdoor exposure, I would also consider the Feline Leukemia vaccine (FeLV). You may be able to purchase the FVRCP and FeLV from a feed store but you will need a licensed veterinarian to give the Rabies.

I would have her vaccinated at least once and checked by your veterinarian to make sure everything is all right and she does have any health issue. Basic vaccination would include RCP (herpesvirus, calicivirus and panleucopenia virus) and FeLV (leukemia virus). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hello and congratulations on your new cat! Cat vaccines 'work' in the same way as dog vaccines. Kittens get FVCRP, FeLV and Rabies. Indoor only adult cats get FVRCP and Rabies. Adult cats who go outside or exposed to other cats who go outside will get FVRCP, FeLv and Rabies. The vaccines need boosters just like dogs and puppies. Cats/kittens may also need and FeLv/FIV test as well. This link explains more: https://www.petcoach.co/article/annual-veterinary-exams-preventive-health-care-in-cats/ I hope this helps.