why do i need to check a stool sample on my indoor cat? Do Indoor Cats Need Grass? Bats and small mammals can make their way into homes and cats are very adept at catching them. Some cat owners who do not have a lot of experience might be under the impression that as long as they keep their cats indoors, their cats do not need to be vaccinated. What Vaccines Do Indoor Cats Need? While it’s a lot less likely an indoor cat will get communicable cat diseases (diseases cats can pass on to other cats) like feline leukemia, as well as other frightening diseases like rabies if he or she is always inside, don’t forget that your indoor cat could escape, even if just for a short time, and thus be exposed to the same frightening diseases outdoor cats frequently are exposed to. Do Indoor Cats Need Microchips? Cats need to roam! Indoor cats should also be vaccinated because the viruses that cause the disease can “hitchhike” into the house on shoes and clothing. If your cat never leaves the house, is it still necessary to give him or her regular worming treatment? In a word, no. Owners of a cat that has gotten rabies are at high risk for contracting this deadly virus. However, this is certainly not the case. She doesn't eat birds or rodents, or come into contact with faeces from other animals. Cats that are kept exclusively indoors live on average at least twice as long as outdoor cats. Every cat -- whether indoor or outdoor -- should see the vet at least twice a year for an exam and regular regimen of vaccines, and all cats need to have some form of identification, Cruz says. Exercise is important as cats are very active pets and so room to play as well as access to cat toys such as scratching posts are very beneficial. If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, does he need to be vaccinated each year for distemper, and rabies? It’s one of the most common questions my staff and I are asked at annual exams for indoor cats. If you discover fleas on your indoor cat, you're probably wondering just how they got there. Do this a few days in advance to save stress on the "big day." According to what I've researched, the eating of a carrier flea while a cat is washing itself will convey worm eggs to the cat. Indoor cats are more secluded than outdoor cats are so will need to be interacted with more often. The most common route of transmission for indoor cats is through bats. Below I explore the reasons why your cat might want to eat grass, why it should eat grass, and how you can provide it for your indoor cat. Although the indoor environment may be safer, the indoor environment may not interesting to a curious cat. Do Indoor Cats Need Their Nails Clipped? While indoor cats do not need collars there are some circumstances where you might prefer they have one. While the Feline Leukaemia virus breaks down rapidly in the environment, the Herpesvirus can last a day or so, the Calicivirus a month or so, and the Panleukopenia virus for over 6 months (possibly even over a year). Unfortunately, there are … Cat aerobic centres offer climbing, hiding and playing opportunities and can be ideal for indoor cats. It is true that indoor cats will be less likely to experience various medical problems … Busy streets, unexpected encounters with wildlife, and environmental and manmade toxins can all pose risks to outdoor cats. Wrong! Proponents of outdoor cats believe these cats indulge their hunting instinct and enjoy nature the way their indoor counterparts cannot. Thankfully, you do not need to bathe a cat in water very often, unless it has a condition. Right? Thanks for this article. And they actually need to eat grass. If this is the case, then you would need to purchase a quality flea shampoo that is made specifically for cats. And they should, considering how much time they spend at it. Everyone knows that cats are carnivorous, thats why I love this food for them (click for reviews on Amazon).While most of the felines we stay with may seem domesticated, their claws, teeth and occasional dead mouse are evidence of its hunter's heart. Please discuss how often you should bath your cat with your vet. If they’re not rolling around the garden, stuffing their face with mice or brushing up against other animals, do you still need to worry about worms? 189 views. How do you know cats and dogs have identical immune systems? Spaying/Neutering early will: She says love and attention are the best things to keep your indoor cat content. 6 Reasons to Vaccinate. After all, grooming themselves is something cats do very well. Here's what you need to know to help keep your indoor cat protected from fleas. However, cats use their nails for many more activities than people: to hunt, to climb trees, even to mark their territory by scratching things. I take my two cats to get vaccinations yearly, but I often wonder if they really need all of them since they are indoor only cats. Do cats really need baths? When your cat is a kitten, they will need their initial vaccines to make sure that they start off their lives with a healthy immune system free of any potentially deadly diseases. Here are half-dozen good reasons your veterinarian wants you to keep your cat up-to-date on her vaccinations. While living an indoor lifestyle is certainly safer overall than living outdoors, and indoor living contributes to a longer life expectancy, important infectious diseases can find indoor cats. Posted on January 29, 2020 by Jayne Jancys If you’ve just bought or adopted a little purrball, you’ll want to make sure all of her vaccinations are up-to-date and accurate. 2 In general, indoor cats have a 15-17 year life expectancy compared to outdoor cats' life expectancy of two to five years. Climbing is brilliant physical exercise for cats and getting up high means they can find a quiet spot to watch the world go by, and relax. Learn more. Does anyone know which shots they do and don't need? I do not put any of these on older cats as their systems are much more sensitive. Indoor cats do need to be vaccinated. Spaying and neutering will improve your cat’s health, reduce the risk of health problems, and should be done as early as possible. Personally I do believe that cats are domesticated wild cats and they need to go outside to live a fulfilled life, hunt and socialise. That's a big difference. First, a cat's lifespan is longer indoors. She's an indoor cat, except for accompanied daily walks on a cat harness. How Did My Indoor Cat Get Fleas? Keeping your cat inside is safest for him. Cats can slip out an open door before you know it. It certainly made me think about all the aspects of rearing an indoor cat. In fact, it’s such a common question, the NYS Veterinary Medical Society recently addressed the issue in its monthly newsletter to veterinarians. both seem very healthy. i have 2 indoor cats ages 2 and 4. always been indoor cats. Of course being indoor cats they do not have access to this unless you actually give it to them. A surprising (to me) number of cat owners argued that since their cats lived inside and were never allowed outside, a rabies vaccination wasn’t needed. Advantage® II for Cats. After all, there are dangers outside that can shorten his life, like cars, malicious people, and contagious feline illnesses. Spay/Neuter your indoor cat just in case. On social media recently I followed a heated discussion as to whether indoor-only cats need to be vaccinated against rabies. My question was more about what cats need IN ADDITION TO rabies, if anything. No, say many experts. It is a myth that cats who live indoors do not need to be vaccinated against infectious diseases. In the excitement of bringing your cat home, you don't want to suddenly discover at 8 p.m. that you forgot to buy cat food.Here are the minimum essentials your cat will need: Climbing and resting. I know that there is a possibility of them escaping at one point or another, but I worry about giving them too many shots that they don't really need if they're indoor only. A good place to keep them is near their bed/a favourite sleeping spot. Indoor Cats. Now, these diseases are primarily spread cat to cat, so you might think that indoor cats would be entirely safe, but unfortunately that isn’t the case. Good question. Indoor cats ideally need more than one scratching post in different locations in the home. She does sneak out on occasion, but my dog goes in and out. Before you bring your new cat or kitten home, there are a number of things to collect or buy, so your cat will feel like a family member rather than a visitor. If cats don’t run the risk of encountering disease, why do they need core vaccines (or titers) every three years? In addition, she has a regular flea treatment. do they need regular vet check ups? Many cats are natural born roamers but others prefer to spend their time indoors. Only a few of them might be due for vaccinations. If they do come home, they may come home pregnant, or may come home only after impregnating another cat. Preventive Care and Vaccines for Indoor Cats: Even if they never leave the house, indoor cats still need to be vaccinated to protect their health. However, I guess there are circumstances which would make indoor rearing the most practicable solution. It is a sometimes hotly contest conversation on whether indoor cats are happier and healthier than outdoor cats. #2 Do It For Their Health. This is where experts tend to disagree, and the answer becomes a less-simple one. This might be for added peace of mind in case your cat decides to shoot out, a higher chance of your cat being returned in your area or for medical reasons. “No matter how aloof a cat may seem, they do rely on their relationship with you, and not just for food. They will also need a rabies vaccine at the time intervals required by your local law. Your cat could accidentally get outdoors. I don't know if Florida requires the rabies vaccine, but if it does, I will not ask for a waiver for any cat that has no adverse reaction to it. 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