So why should I get my indoor cat vaccinated against other diseases?

Being an indoor cat provides protection from many traumas, misadventures, parasites and diseases. But that protection isn't complete!

Lets consider FVRCP vaccination. FVRCP stands for feline viral rhinotracheitis (a cat herpes virus), calici and panleukopenia virus. In our practice we also call this the feline distemper vaccine. This is a vaccine that provides protection against 3 severe diseases that can all have the symptoms of a cold (runny eyes, runny nose, sneezing) AND other symptoms. Panleukopenia will kill kittens and is so contagious it has been known to shut down shelters. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (herpes virus) can kill but also often becomes latent, causing recurring bouts of sickness throughout the cats life. These viruses can be spread by indirect contact- meaning on shoes, clothing, hands, cat carriers, windowsills, cat toys. So your cat does not need direct contact with the sick cat to become ill. These disease affect the youngest and oldest cats most severely. It is very common to have a family adopt a young cat as the established cat gets older, only to have the adult cat get the symptoms once the new cat is in the household. It also happens when cats go to the cat sitter, boarding facility or you have a cat as a guest.

Anyone who has loved a cat with herpes virus infections of the eye (chronic, recurring, painful eye condition) would strongly recommend you vaccinate your indoor cat! Going through that preventable trauma does not seem worth skipping the vaccine!

Anyone who has lived with a cat with recurrent bouts of sneezing and snotting due to the stress reoccurences of herpes virus would strongly recommend you vaccinate your indoor cat! Going through that preventable mess does not seem worth skipping the vaccine!

Now lets consider Feline Leukemia virus and vaccination. Feline Leukemia virus is a retrovirus, like the Human AIDS virus. It is a sneaky virus that gets into the system by bite wounds or shared grooming/ bowls, often undetected and early, then slowly ruins the immune system so the cat gets more and more sickly or picks up strange cancers. Leukemia is not a common cancer for cats, unless they have been infected with this virus. Cats under 6 and especially kittens under 1 year of age are particularly SUSCEPTIBLE to this virus. Many of us get a kitten and plan to make it an indoor (only) cat only to have the kitten have other plans of escape or adventure! It is often wise to vaccinate the kitten or young cat for the first year, and be in the position to discontinue vaccination when it is clear the cat is going to live the indoor only, closed household lifestyle. This vaccine is often discontinued in the older cat, even when it spends much time outdoors, because it is very rare for the older cat to become infected late in life.