Three Reasons Why You Can't, And Shouldn't, Avoid Rabies Vaccines For Your Cats
Even though the domesticated cat is supposed to spend most of its life indoors, some cat owners still allow their cats to roam. This can be very dangerous for kitties, since everything from a hawk to a truck can end their lives in seconds. (Even large owls have been known to pick up small cats and devour them, thinking they caught rabbits!)
One of the biggest outdoor dangers of all is rabies. Because rabies can spread from pet to human, it is important to prevent this from happening. However, some pet owners refuse rabies vaccines for cats because they never let their cats outside. That is logical reasoning, to be sure, but there are other reasons why your vet wants your cat to have the vaccine.
Cities Require It
Almost every city in the country requires proof of rabies vaccine for licensing. If you dodge the licensing and do not license your cats, then you probably avoid the rabies vaccine as well. Unfortunately, for any pet owners who are caught without a pet license and proof of rabies vaccine, the fines are rather steep. You are taking some major risks by refusing the vaccine from your vet. (Your vet will probably not report you to the city, but your vet can confirm or deny that the vaccine was given if the police ask.)
Bats and Raccoons Find Their Way Indoors
It is crazy, but you would be surprised how often a bat or a raccoon finds its way into your home. It could be roaming around in your attic, and the minute you open the attic door, out flies the bat or drops the raccoon! If your cat attempts to take on these rabies-carrying critters and is bitten, kitty is a goner. Worse still, if kitty bites you after being bitten, then you need the rabies shots to survive. While it is unusual, it is not out of the realm of possibility, so giving your cats the vaccine is just good preventive medicine.
The Smiling Cats That Ate the Mouse
Rabies can be transmitted to cats when cats eat rodents. If you have ever had a mouse or rat in the house, and your cat chased it off, your cat is at risk. At some point, your very clever and quick feline friend is going to catch that rodent, and eat at least half of it. The rabies in the rodent will affect your cat, your cat could give it to you. If your cats have been vaccinated, they can eat all of the rodents that come into the house, but then you and your family are safe when Fluffy and Furball decide to bite you.
Make sure you have a vet, like those at Cats Only Veterinary Hospital, vaccinate your cat for rabies. It's the safest choice for both you and your feline companion.