Why does my cat need vaccinations when he/she doesnt go outside?
In recent years, vaccine administration has become very controversial in veterinary medicine, especially in cats. At Cat Hospital of Chicago, we individualize our vaccine recommendations based on age and health of the patient, risk of exposure and duration and efficacy of each vaccine. Even for cats that are housed strictly inside, that spend no time out of doors, and that have no contact with any cats that spend any time out of doors, we recommend that two core vaccines be kept current for healthy cats: the combination FVR-CP vaccine, and the rabies vaccine. The former vaccinates against feline rhinotracheitis and calici viruses (both upper respiratory viruses) and feline panleukopenia (feline distemper) virus and should be administered no more often than every three years. These are airborne viruses, so there is potential for exposure even in cats housed indoors. Rabies vaccination is required by law for all cats in Cook County and surrounding counties. Vaccinating against rabies is
