Indoor cats - do they need vaccinations

[Dave Archer]

I have 2 indoor cats, by which I mean they live and have been raised inside the flat 100% of the time. This is because I live in central London with heavy traffic, and is on advice of cat charities.

Anyway, my question is - do they still need vaccinations fro the vet (fleas etc)? As they never go out and no other animals every come in...?

Thanks for any advice,
Dave.

[jason]

Anyway, my question is - do they still need vaccinations fro the vet (fleas etc)? As they never go out and no other animals every come in...?

pick up a flea brush to check for fleas and do so a couple times a month, if the brush is able to show signs of fleas then they need flea control (read instructions that come with the brush on how to do this).

i would recommend heartworm prevention even if they are indoors and annual exams are also needed since some serious illnesses take time to visually notice but can be dealt with more humanely if done quickly.

[Traci]

Agree with Jason...first check for fleas, and if they have fleas, ONLY let your vet prescribe the appropriate treatment (like Advantage or Frontline, as over-the-counter products are ineffective and many of them toxic to cats)

As for vaccinations, I recommend an initial booster series for FVRCP, at least 1 FELV booster, and Rabies, depending on your local laws.

For more on vaccination guidelines, please see Feline Vaccinations and read the AAFP link provided for more guidelines and risk assessments. I would also strongly suggest talking to your vet for his opinions on risk assessment and prevalence of certain feline infectious disease/statistics in your area.

As for heartworm, not familiar with your area, but if you have mosquitos and heavy infestation of them, heartworm prevention is advised....your vet can tell you more.

As Jason mentions, yearly exams are important, regardless of vaccination status. Without vaccinations, at least boosters for immunity, ALL cats can be at risk, whether strictly indoors or not. They need to build up the immunity from vaccination. You can never 100% garantee your kitties will not ever escape from your home for whatever the reason, and potentially come into contact with an infectious cat.

[Guest]

Thanks all for your advice - think I will take them to the vet and discuss. Better safe than sorry...

Happy Xmas all!
Dave.