Rabies is a very dangerous virus that can cause death in cats and other pets. The good news is that it can be completely prevented. In this article, our vets at Clarksville will provide information on the expenses, timing, and potential effects of vaccinating your cat against rabies.
How Rabies Spreads
In North America, skunks, bats, foxes, and raccoons are the most common carriers of the rabies virus. Rabies is spread through saliva and causes increased aggression in infected animals. Cats usually get infected with rabies when an infected animal bites them.
Due to the serious risk to human health, most US states require the euthanasia of pets diagnosed with rabies. Any mammal can catch rabies from an infected animal's bite. To protect your pet, it is crucial to keep their rabies vaccinations up to date.
Unfortunately, the prognosis for unvaccinated cats that contract rabies is usually poor, as the infection is often fatal.
Cat Rabies Vaccine - Cost
The cost of rabies vaccination can differ greatly depending on the city, state, and even among different veterinarians in the same area. The type of rabies vaccine used is a significant factor in determining the cost. Vaccines that provide longer protection and have fewer potential side effects tend to be more costly. To find out the specific rabies vaccine used for cats by your veterinarian and the associated cost, it is advisable to get in touch with them. Your vet can provide guidance on the most suitable vaccination plan for your cat's health while considering your budget.
Cat Rabies Vaccine - Schedule
The timing of your cat's rabies vaccination depends on the type of vaccine used. Some vets provide vaccines without certain ingredients that can cause allergic reactions in cats. These vaccines may or may not be more expensive than those with the ingredients, but both are equally effective at preventing rabies. However, vaccines with the ingredients have a slightly higher risk of rare side effects. The schedule for rabies vaccination can vary based on the veterinary practice and local laws.
In the past, older vaccines without the ingredients needed to be given annually. But now, newer vaccines have been developed that only require a single booster shot one year after the first vaccination, followed by boosters every three years. These newer vaccines are more expensive, so some veterinarians still prefer to use the older ones. To determine the best vaccination schedule for your cat, consult your vet and inquire about the options they offer.
For kittens, it's recommended to start their rabies vaccination when they reach around 12 weeks of age. If you haven't done so already, you can schedule your cat's routine vaccinations and other preventive care at Sango Veterinary Hospital.
Possible Cat Reaction to Rabies Vaccine
Cat owners often worry about the potential side effects their cat might experience after getting a rabies vaccination. Sometimes, concerned pet parents visit our veterinary clinic, worried about stories they've heard of cats dying from the rabies vaccine. Thankfully, these worries are unnecessary. Side effects from the cat rabies vaccine are rare and usually include mild symptoms like a slight fever, low energy, reduced appetite, or a small swelling at the injection site.
In extremely rare cases, a cat may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine, resulting in hives, severe weakness, or sudden collapse without a clear cause. Pet parents need to understand that less than 0.001% of cats will experience allergic side effects with modern rabies vaccines. It's always safer to have your cat vaccinated against rabies rather than risking potential infection in the future.
Why Your Indoor Cat Needs Their Rabies Vaccine
Cat owners may think that vaccinating their indoor cat against rabies is unnecessary. However, this is not true. Even if your cat stays indoors, there is still a risk of escape or an infected bat or rodent entering your home. The potential dangers of rabies are too severe to ignore. The best and only way to ensure your cat's complete protection against rabies is through vaccination.
Additionally, it's important to note that in most US states, all cats and dogs over 6 months old must be vaccinated against rabies. When you take your pet for vaccination, your vet will provide you with a vaccination certificate as proof that your cat is up to date with the 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