Thanks for this article. Every cat -- whether indoor or outdoor -- should see the vet at least twice a year for an exam and regular regimen of vaccines, and all cats need to have some form of identification, Cruz says. Cats that are kept exclusively indoors live on average at least twice as long as outdoor cats. Indoor cats do need to be vaccinated. A surprising (to me) number of cat owners argued that since their cats lived inside and were never allowed outside, a rabies vaccination wasn’t needed. Do this a few days in advance to save stress on the "big day." While indoor cats do not need collars there are some circumstances where you might prefer they have one. While it’s a lot less likely an indoor cat will get communicable cat diseases (diseases cats can pass on to other cats) like feline leukemia, as well as other frightening diseases like rabies if he or she is always inside, don’t forget that your indoor cat could escape, even if just for a short time, and thus be exposed to the same frightening diseases outdoor cats frequently are exposed to. Please discuss how often you should bath your cat with your vet. Check with your cat’s veterinary office to see exactly which of your cats are due for vaccinations, and see if you need vaccines for indoor cats. And they should, considering how much time they spend at it. Indoor Cats. I do not put any of these on older cats as their systems are much more sensitive. Some cat owners who do not have a lot of experience might be under the impression that as long as they keep their cats indoors, their cats do not need to be vaccinated. These are the required or recommended vaccines for indoor cats. 2 In general, indoor cats have a 15-17 year life expectancy compared to outdoor cats' life expectancy of two to five years. Do cats really need baths? She doesn't eat birds or rodents, or come into contact with faeces from other animals. Personally I do believe that cats are domesticated wild cats and they need to go outside to live a fulfilled life, hunt and socialise. When your cat is a kitten, they will need their initial vaccines to make sure that they start off their lives with a healthy immune system free of any potentially deadly diseases. On social media recently I followed a heated discussion as to whether indoor-only cats need to be vaccinated against rabies. However, I guess there are circumstances which would make indoor rearing the most practicable solution. A good place to keep them is near their bed/a favourite sleeping spot. Cat aerobic centres offer climbing, hiding and playing opportunities and can be ideal for indoor cats. Now, these diseases are primarily spread cat to cat, so you might think that indoor cats would be entirely safe, but unfortunately that isn’t the case. In the excitement of bringing your cat home, you don't want to suddenly discover at 8 p.m. that you forgot to buy cat food.Here are the minimum essentials your cat will need: The vaccine usually starts out with a series—vaccines given every three to four weeks until the cat is 16 weeks of age, and then again after one year. Everyone knows that cats are carnivorous, thats why I love this food for them (click for reviews on Amazon).While most of the felines we stay with may seem domesticated, their claws, teeth and occasional dead mouse are evidence of its hunter's heart. Thankfully, you do not need to bathe a cat in water very often, unless it has a condition. She says love and attention are the best things to keep your indoor cat content. But keeping your kitty inside doesn't necessarily mean he won't need some of the primary veterinary care you might associate with outside cats. She has Frontline every 3 months, and i have no problems. Here are half-dozen good reasons your veterinarian wants you to keep your cat up-to-date on her vaccinations. It’s one of the most common questions my staff and I are asked at annual exams for indoor cats. And depending on where you live and what ordinances have been enacted by your municipal or local governing body, the answer to the question “do indoor cats need a pet license,” could range anywhere from: No, yes, probably, maybe, likely, absolutely.The answer to the question is for indoor cat owners to take the responsibility of finding out. It certainly made me think about all the aspects of rearing an indoor cat. If this is the case, then you would need to purchase a quality flea shampoo that is made specifically for cats. She does sneak out on occasion, but my dog goes in and out. It’s logical to think that cats may need their nails clipped, just like humans. Unfortunately, there are … In addition, she has a regular flea treatment. If they do come home, they may come home pregnant, or may come home only after impregnating another cat. However, cats use their nails for many more activities than people: to hunt, to climb trees, even to mark their territory by scratching things. Here's what you need to know to help keep your indoor cat protected from fleas. And they actually need to eat grass. 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. It is true that indoor cats will be less likely to experience various medical problems … 189 views. However, indoor cats do need access to activity that will stimulate both their mind and their body and provide the exercise that they would naturally engage in if they were out and about. My question was more about what cats need IN ADDITION TO rabies, if anything. Owners of a cat that has gotten rabies are at high risk for contracting this deadly virus. However, this is certainly not the case. It is a sometimes hotly contest conversation on whether indoor cats are happier and healthier than outdoor cats. Spaying and neutering will improve your cat’s health, reduce the risk of health problems, and should be done as early as possible. Indoor cats ideally need more than one scratching post in different locations in the home. How do you know cats and dogs have identical immune systems? This might be for added peace of mind in case your cat decides to shoot out, a higher chance of your cat being returned in your area or for medical reasons. Wrong! Indoor cats should also be vaccinated because the viruses that cause the disease can “hitchhike” into the house on shoes and clothing. It is a myth that cats who live indoors do not need to be vaccinated against infectious diseases. Posted on January 29, 2020 by Jayne Jancys If you’ve just bought or adopted a little purrball, you’ll want to make sure all of her vaccinations are up-to-date and accurate. How Did My Indoor Cat Get Fleas? Before you bring your new cat or kitten home, there are a number of things to collect or buy, so your cat will feel like a family member rather than a visitor. Collars are primarily intended as an ID, the microchip replaces this. I don't know if Florida requires the rabies vaccine, but if it does, I will not ask for a waiver for any cat that has no adverse reaction to it. Do Indoor Cats Need Microchips? Climbing and resting. i have 2 indoor cats ages 2 and 4. always been indoor cats. 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