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Do I really need to vaccinate my cat?

Do I really need to vaccinate my cat?

The recent debates about human vaccine safety have left many pet owners wondering whether their dogs and cats should be vaccinated. The short answer is: Yes, definitely! Pets should receive core vaccines—those medically necessary for all pets—and may need others depending on their lifestyle.

Why should I get my cat vaccinated?

Veterinarians recommend that all indoor cats should be given core vaccinations to keep them protected from a large range of extremely contagious diseases, so they are safe from illnesses if they escape from your house, go for a grooming or if they have to stay at a boarding facility, etc.

Is it worth vaccinating indoor cats?

It is a myth that cats who live indoors do not need to be vaccinated against infectious diseases. While living an indoor lifestyle is certainly safer overall than living outdoors, and indoor living contributes to a longer life expectancy, important infectious diseases can find indoor cats.

Why do I need to vaccinate my indoor cat?

When considering your cat’s health, it’s always prudent to be cautious, as cats are often curious by nature. Our vets recommend core vaccinations for indoor cats to protect them against diseases they could be exposed to if they happen to escape the safety of your home.

Is it illegal to not vaccinate your cat?

As it relates to our feline companions, there are no state-required cat vaccinations in California. However, that does not mean cat owners should skip vaccinating their pets against life-threatening diseases. The state and veterinarians recommend a cat receive, at a minimum, the rabies vaccine.

When should a kitten be vaccinated?

Immunizations are started at 6-8 weeks of age and are repeated every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 4 months old. The routine or core vaccinations will protect your kitten from the most common diseases: feline distemper (panleukopenia), feline viral rhinotracheitis (feline herpes virus 1), calicivirus, and rabies.

When should I vaccinate my cat?

Do indoor cats need deworming?

It’s a very popular myth that indoor cats are never exposed to parasites, and that therefore, there is no need to deworm them. However, most veterinarians suggest that indoor cats should be wormed almost as frequently as outdoor cats.

Does Petsmart vaccinate cats?

Pet owners will be able to schedule appointments or walk-in for a variety of services for their dog or cat, including rabies and Bordetella vaccines, Lyme and heartworm tests, exams and more.

What shots are required for cats?

The four core vaccines for cats are:

  • Rabies.
  • FVRCP: Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus/Herpesvirus 1 (FVR/FHV-1) Feline Calicivirus (FCV) Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)

How much are cat vaccines?

The average cost of cat vaccinations are about $20 for a rabies vaccine, $35 for a 3 in 1 vaccine, $34 for the Feline Leukemia Vaccine, and $37 for the PureVax® Rabies according to VippetCare.

How much do kittens shots cost?

Product or service and approximate cost: Annual vaccinations and veterinary check: from $80. Flea and worming treatments: $100-$150. Food: approximately $370 upwards.

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Ruth Doyle