Does my cat really need to be vaccinated for Rabies?

We hear it all the time. If my cat stays indoors, do they really need a Rabies shot?

There are several reasons why an indoor cat needs to be vaccinated against rabies, both of which revolve around the fact that rabies is a deadly viral infection and can be easily transmitted to people.  The Oneida County Health Department recommends testing or strict quarantine for any animal that bites a person – even an indoor cat.  Vaccination protects your pet from being tested. (Testing means that the pet has to be euthanized in order to test their brain.)

  

Many of the common carriers of rabies, bats being the most common, are able to enter our homes easily and thereby able to infect our pets. What your cat may think is a chew-toy is potentially a route to rabies exposure. (I just heard from a client who found a bat under his pillow. I have been looking under my pillow religiously since then!)

Rabies vaccinations are also required by New York State law. This is to limit or minimize exposure not only to our pets but to the human population as well. Even though we don't see Rabies too often, it does exist and we have had several local cases reported in the past year. 

Have your cat examined and vaccinated every year. Protecting your pet protects your family too!