Indoor cats - to vaccinate or not to vaccinate?

[Delta99]

Is it necessary to vaccinate indoor cats?

In this case, the cat is about 13, has overactive thyroids and is on felimazole to control this. She is partially blind and does not go out anymore. She's a bit skinny but eats most of her food.

Has always had yearly boosters but not sure if that's wise given the other health issues? (also just lost my dog very shortly after a vaccination so am a bit reluctant as I think in his case it was the vaccination that his already weak system couldn't handle...)

any advice would be appreciated. thanks

 

[Cop-Pop]

I vaccinated my two when they were kittens and did their first yearly booster and that was it. With the outdoor cats we stopped botherng with boosters when they were about 7 - we can't get one in the carrier anyway! Tbh at 13 I wouldn't bother

 

[hellspells]

Sorry Zalacca I think that is a hugely irrepsonsible attitude to have 'at 13 I wouldn't bother.

But to the OP, if you can say the cat is never going to have to go to a cattery if you go away or for a stay at the veterinary practise (where there are bound to be lots of risks), then its worth you really considering not vaccinating. BUT if there is any chance of the cat coming into contact with other cats then the risk is too large IMO.

The only reason we don't have huge issues with cat flu and Felv/FIV is due to the increase of peoples awareness and vaccinating in the last 10/20years. However this will only continue to be the case if people keep up to date. Although in circumstance like the OP's it is worth consideration.

For what its worth, I have two indoor cats and a outdoor cat, the outdoor and one indoor is vaccinated one of the indoors is not - purely as he had horrendus reactions to both his first and second annual booster and nearlt died on both occasions.

 

[topclass]

My cats are all house cats and they are vac'd yearly just in case I come into contact with something that will make them ill mine are from 10 to 15 years and for the cost of a booster I dont think twice but the best person to ask considering your little cats condition would be the vet and if your vet is a good one then he will only give you his/her honest opinion. Tell him/her your fears and ask what the risks are etc hope this of use to you hun.