Do my indoor cats need the cat rabies vaccine?

My cats are indoor cats, do they really need the rabies shot. I have three but I'm on a fixed income. One is dying from cancer, I will not take him for the shot.

  • Vetinfo

    By: Karen Nelson El Segundo, CA

    Replied on 04/19/2011

    It is important that cats, regardless of being indoors or outdoors, be given the rabies vaccine. It is a state law that requires rabies vaccination of cats and dogs over 6 months of age. Some state specifications may vary. A cat may sneak out and suffer a bite from a strange animal and contract the virus or some homeowners get the unfortunate visit from bats that often spread rabies. It provides you a little insurance too. If your pet would bite someone, usually the pet needs to be euthanized immediately and have its brain submitted for rabies testing. The brain must be analyzed for this test and then the person bitten must then undergo post-exposure rabies vaccinations. If the pet is up to date on a rabies vaccination, it may be quarantined to watch for the development of symptoms. You may be able to get an estimate from your veterinarian on the cost to have your pet examined and the cost of vaccinations.

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