The Importance of Indoor Cat Vaccinations and Parasite Prevention

When it comes to keeping pets healthy, vaccines and parasite prevention are critical. Unfortunately, many owners of indoor-only cats are under the impression there’s no need for this type of care since their cat is “never” exposed to anything. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Cats don’t need to go outdoors to come into contact with a surprising number of viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Indoor cat vaccinations and parasite protection can make all the difference for your feline companion.  

Indoor Cat Vaccinations and Parasite Prevention

Because indoor cats aren’t exposed to bacteria and parasites on a regular basis, their immune systems are less prepared to deal with a threat than their outdoor counterparts. The following are just a few of the many reasons protecting your indoor cat is a necessity:

• Just because a cat is kept indoors doesn’t mean they won’t escape someday. Exposure to other animals outside or in a shelter could put them at serious risk.
• Heartworm-carrying mosquitoes can easily find their way indoors – all it takes is one heartworm from one mosquito bite to kill a cat because there is no cure for feline heartworm disease.
• Dogs, people, and other animals that go outside can easily bring parasites and viruses into the home.
• The indoor pests that cats love to hunt – flies, mice, and cockroaches – are all capable of carrying roundworm eggs and passing them on to cats. Additionally, an estimated 15% of all commercial potting soil contains roundworm eggs.
• A cat doesn’t need to be outdoors in order to acquire fleas. It only takes a few days for one or two fleas to multiply into thousands, leading to a full-blown infestation.

What Indoor Cats Need

When deciding on indoor cat vaccinations and parasite protection, you’ll need to take lifestyle into consideration. Indoor cats can be exposed to viruses on our clothing and other animal visitors or when traveling, boarding, or going to the groomers.

Besides the kitten vaccination series, the American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that all adult indoor cats be vaccinated against feline distemper (FLVP), rabies, and feline leukemia (based on exposure risk). All cats regardless of indoor/outdoor status should be on a year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention protocol.

Please contact the team at Mobile Vet M.D. for more information. Your veterinarian can help you determine the right vaccines and parasite protection plan for your indoor cat.