Cats are highly vulnerable to the deadly rabies virus, but thankfully, it can be easily prevented. Our vets in Diamond Bar provide detailed information about the expenses, timing, and potential reactions involved in vaccinating your feline against rabies.
The Rabies Virus and How it Spreads
Rabies is an infection most commonly found in wild animals like skunks, foxes, and Racoons. The prognosis after catching rabies is not good for unvaccinated cats, for whom the infection is most often fatal.
Animals affected by the virus become more aggressive. In most US states, pets diagnosed with Rabies are required to be euthanized due to the disease's ability to spread through saliva. Since any mammal can contract rabies from an infected animal's bite, it's crucial to safeguard your pet with an anti-rabies vaccine.
Cat Rabies Vaccine Cost
The cost of rabies vaccination varies tremendously between veterinarians, largely based on what type of vaccine they use.
To ensure the health of your cat, it's important to discuss vaccination options with your veterinarian. Longer-lasting vaccines and those with fewer side effects tend to be pricier, so your vet can help you choose the best option based on your budget. Seek their guidance to determine the appropriate vaccination plan for your feline friend's well-being and financial situation.
Cat Rabies Vaccine Schedule
When it comes to rabies vaccination in cats, the schedule will depend on the type of vaccine used. Vets typically offer vaccines without adjuvants, which can prevent rabies but also cause allergic reactions in some cats. These vaccines may or may not cost more than vaccines with adjuvants, which are just as effective but have a higher chance of causing rare side effects. This decision can vary depending on the vet and state legislation on cat rabies vaccination.
In the past, non-adjuvant vaccines only lasted for a year, requiring yearly booster shots. However, newer vaccines have been developed that only require a single booster a year after the first vaccination, followed by boosters every three years. These newer vaccines are more expensive, so some vets may still offer the older vaccine technology.
If you're unsure about the best vaccination schedule for your cat, simply ask your vet. They can tell you about their different vaccination options and recommend the best schedule for your furry friend. Cats can begin their rabies vaccination treatment at 12 weeks old. If you haven't already, you can schedule your cat for all their routine vaccinations and other preventative care at Diamond Bar Veterinary Clinic.
Cat Reaction to Rabies Vaccine
Cat owners often have concerns about the cat rabies vaccine having side effects. They will tell our Diamond Bar vets that they don't want to have to tell their family that their "cat died from rabies vaccine." Fortunately, these fears are unfounded. Side effects are rare and typically include only slight fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, and/or a localized swelling at the vaccine site.
It is extremely rare for a cat to have an allergic reaction to the vaccine, but in those few cases, it can result in hives, extreme weakness, and sudden collapse. However, it's important to note that less than 0.001% of cats experience allergic side effects from modern rabies vaccines. Therefore, it's always safer to have your cat vaccinated to prevent the potential risk of rabies infection in the future.
Indoor Cats and Rabies Vaccination
As a cat owner, you might think that vaccinating your indoor cat against rabies is unnecessary. However, this is not the case. Even if you don't let your cat outside, there is still a possibility of them escaping or an infected bat or rodent entering your home, making it important to protect your feline friend.
The consequences of rabies are too dire to take any chances with. The best and only way to ensure your cat is completely protected against rabies is vaccination.