Expert: Jessica - 10/30/2010

Question
My cat is just over a year old and had her vaccinations when she was a kitten. Her boosters are due in December and I have had conflicting advice whether as an indoor cat she needs to have them. She never goes outside and I have no other pets. I would be grateful for your advice.
Many thanks

Answer
Hi Karen,

As you are aware, opinions vary widely on this, mainly because no clinical studies have been done to prove once and for all how long immunity is provided from one vaccination.  However, it's generally agreed upon that immunity IS provided for much longer than one year.

The panleukopenia virus (feline distemper) is extremely stable in the environment and can be brought into your home on your shoes and clothing.  It's nearly certain that cats will come into contact with this virus, and indoor cats are at risk as well as outdoor ones.  So protection against this virus is highly recommended.  

My personal opinion is that kitties should receive their one year boosters, and after this, cats can forego their panleukopenia vaccines for many years.  Most vets agree that the vaccine after their first year booster lasts for a minimum of four years, and some believe it provides immunity for life.  My cats are indoor-only cats, and I do not vaccinate them against panleukopenia after their one-year boosters.  My decision to do this was solidified after some evidence arose that the distemper vaccine could be causing kidney failure later in life.  However, a booster at 10 years is often recommended even by those who are reluctant to vaccinate.

The other vaccines that are usually contained in the distemper combo shot, which are against feline herpes and calici virus, are less important than the distemper vaccine.  These are not deadly viruses, the vaccines are not preventative (they only lessen the severity of the symptoms when the cat DOES become infected), and the viruses are not as stable in the environment.  If you plan for your kitty to spend time in a boarding facility or decide to let her outdoors, I would suggest you have her boostered for these at least two weeks in advance, and then vaccinate every couple of years.  Other than this, I don't feel these are necessary for an indoor cat who was vaccinated against them as a kitten (since most cats suffer severe infections as babies).

If I'm correct, I don't believe rabies vaccines are required in your area, and this is good.  I also would never vaccinate an indoor cat against the feline leukemia or feline AIDS viruses.

Best wishes!

Jessica