How Rabies Spreads
In North America, the most common carriers of the rabies virus are skunks, bats, foxes, and raccoons.
Since the virus is spread through saliva and causes heightened aggression in animals suffering from its effects, the most common way for cats to become infected with rabies is through the bite of an infected animal.
Because of the severe risk that rabies poses to human health, most US states require that pets diagnosed with rabies be euthanized. All mammals are capable of catching rabies through the bite of an infected animal, which is why it's extremely important to protect your pet by ensuring that their rabies vaccinations are always kept up to date.
The prognosis after catching rabies is not good for unvaccinated cats, for whom the infection is most often fatal.
Cat Rabies Vaccine - Cost
The cost of rabies vaccination varies tremendously from city to city, state to state, and even from one vet to another in the same area. The type of rabies vaccine used is a key determiner of cost.
Vaccines that last longer and have fewer potential side effects are typically much more expensive. Contact your veterinarian to find out which rabies vaccine they use for cats and how much the vaccinations will cost. Your veterinarian can advise you on which vaccination plan is best for your cat's health as well as your personal budget.
Cat Rabies Vaccine - Schedule
The schedule for your kitty's rabies vaccination will vary depending on the brand of vaccine used.
Most vets offer vaccines without adjuvants - ingredients that proved effective in preventing rabies but caused an allergic reaction in some cats. These vaccines may or may not be more expensive than vaccines with adjuvants, which are just as effective at preventing rabies but have a higher potential for causing rare side effects, depending on the individual veterinary practice and any existing state legislation on rabies vaccination in cats.
Older non-adjuvant vaccines only lasted a year and required yearly booster shots. Newer vaccines require a single booster a year after the first vaccination, with subsequent boosters every three years. These vaccines are much more expensive, so some veterinarians prefer to stick with older vaccine technology. If you ask your veterinarian, "How often should my cat have a rabies vaccine?" they will be able to tell you about the vaccination options available and the best schedule for your cat.
Kittens should begin their rabies vaccination treatment at about 12 weeks old. If you haven't already, you can schedule your cat for all their routine vaccinations and other preventative care at Kearny Mesa Veterinary Center.
Possible Reactions to Rabies Vaccine in Cats
Cat owners often have concerns about the possible side effects their cat could experience following their rabies vaccine. Pet Parents sometimes come to our San Diego vets concerned about stories they have heard about "cats who have died from rabies vaccine". Fortunately, these fears are unfounded. Cat rabies vaccine side effects are rare and typically include only slight fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, and/or a localized swelling at the vaccine site.
In some excessively rare cases, a cat can have an allergic reaction to the vaccine, leading to hives, extreme weakness, and unexplained collapse. It's important for pet parents to know that fewer than 0.001% of cats will have allergic side effects to modern rabies vaccines. It is always safer to have your cat vaccinated against rabies than to risk potential infection in the future.
Why Your Indoor Cat Needs Their Rabies Vaccine
Cat owners may believe that rabies vaccination is unnecessary if their cat lives indoors, but this is not true. While it is true that you do not allow your cat outside, the risk of escape—or worse, an infected bat or rodent breaking into your home—is significant enough to warrant protection for your feline companion.
The consequences of rabies are simply too dire to take any chances, the best and only way to ensure your cat is completely protected against rabies is vaccination.
It is also the case that in most US states all cats and dogs over the age of 6 months are required to be vaccinated against rabies. When you take your pet to be vaccinated your vet will be sure to issue you with a certificate of vaccination as proof that your feline friend is up to date with their rabies vaccine.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.