How necessary is a rabies vaccine for indoor cats?

[Cleo]

My 3 year old is good on her rabies until 2004. My 2 year old Molly's initial rabies shot expired a year ago. I don't know how I missed that or why I didn't get any "shots are due" cards from the vet.

They both go for their yearly boosters tomorrow. Can Molly have all the shots together or can I just skip the rabies. I'm in NY and I know the law is different in every state (unfortunately I don't even know the law in my own state) but they are both indoors, don't go out, will never be any chance for them to go out. We are on the third floor so there is also no chance of them coming in contact with an outdoor animal through the window screens.

I'm just curious if the rabies shot is still necessary.

Thanks for any input!

[melissaranks]

I know of people who don't give their inside only cats vaccines. Some do it from not having the money, others because the research they have done has lead them to feel that they are not needed and can be dangerous, and others don't give them because like you, their cats don't come into contact with outside animals. However, my cats are indoor only, but I worry about them possibly escaping. I know you live on the 3rd floor, but anything is possible. Also, the emergency vet in my town (the 24 hour one) will NOT treat a dog or cat that isn't up to date on all its shots. This means, that along with the expense of an emergency room visit, I would have to pay twice as much to get them vaccinated there (it's an expensive vet). I would do research on it and talk to your vet. See what their procedures are on it if your pets become injured and need treatment.

[Cleo]

Thanks Melissa. I'll probably just go ahead and get Molly up to date on her rabies while both get up to date on their boosters/distempers. I was just afraid of Molly having side affects from getting both shots at once (although I know it's common practice). I'll discuss it with my vet, but like you said better safe than sorry if they ever need emergency care.

[davet]

the only problem with in-house cats not geting rabies shots is that they may escape, regardless of how dilligent you are...with no shots they have no protection from that rabid critter gets them, a critter they have not seen nor know of...get the three years shot cause it is a fatal disease to both the cat and the family....

[Cleo]

Thanks davet. Everyone is vaccinated with boosters and up to date with the rabies. My Keeks is good with her three year rabies until 2004 and my Molly is good with hers now until 2006.

On a humorous side note, 3 year old Keeks has never really had a problem going to the vet but yesterday he gave her a courtesy pedicure. I'm good with their nails but Keeks gets her front paws cut one day, then the back cut the following day. She can't tolerate all four paws in the same day and I can't tolerate the battle wounds. So even though the vet commented how Mommy is taking good care of her nails, he proceeded to trim all four paws and she hissed all during the exam because of it. First time that's ever happened. She continued to hiss and growl during the ride home and when she got home. What was funny was that they both went to run and hide under my bed but Molly got there first and she hissed in her face. Before that though because the bedroom door was shut, she hissed at the door. I was then at their food dishes and she walked by me, turned her head, hissed and walked on. I just found it amusing that she was hissing and mad at everything in sight. And of course you can't laugh at them because they know you are and you get hissed at even more. Just reminded me of a child who doesn't get their way and stomps their feet.

[melissaranks]

Oh, I agree, they know! LOL!! I wouldn't have been able to help myself. There would have been canned food and treats and maybe even some cheese to make ammends! I don't like it when they are that mad at me, even if it is kinda funny!

[davet]

just goes to prove, they are goofy animals....