Rabies is a deadly viral disease most commonly found in wild animals such as raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes. However, any mammal, including cats, can become infected if exposed.
Since rabies is almost always fatal when symptoms appear, vaccination is essential to protect both animals and humans. For this reason, rabies vaccination is required by law for cats in most states.
Both indoor and outdoor cats are at risk of exposure to rabies. Here's what you need to know about the rabies vaccine for cats, including vaccination schedule, possible side effects and typical cost.
Download PetMD's Complete Guide to Rabies Vaccination for Cats: Why does my cat need a rabies vaccine? A Spanish version of the guide is also available.
Key takeaways
- Rabies is a deadly viral disease, making vaccination essential to protect both cats and humans.
- The rabies vaccine for cats is required by law in most areas, even for indoor cats.
- Cats typically receive their first rabies vaccine around 12 weeks of age, followed by booster shots depending on the type of vaccine.
- Side effects are rare and usually mild, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
How is rabies transmitted?
Rabies is most often transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal.
The virus is usually spread when an infected animal bites another animal or person, allowing the virus in saliva to enter the body through the wound.
Although rare, rabies can also be transmitted through exposures other than bites. This can happen when infected saliva comes into contact with open wounds, scrapes, or abrasions.
Why is the rabies vaccine for cats so important?
The rabies vaccine for cats is essential because rabies is a serious viral disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
In addition to health risks, many states require strict legal measures if an unvaccinated animal is exposed to a potentially rabid animal. In some cases this may include compulsory euthanasia.
This is because rabies cannot be definitively diagnosed in living animals. Confirming the disease requires testing brain tissue from specific areas of the brain, which can only be obtained after death.
For these reasons, most states and local governments in the United States legally require rabies vaccination for dogs and cats. Requirements vary by region, so check with your veterinarian or local health department for laws and recommendations specific to where you live.
Do indoor cats also need a rabies vaccine?
Yes, indoor cats still need the rabies vaccine.
Many pet owners think their cats are safe because they live exclusively indoors. However, even indoor cats can be exposed to rabies if they accidentally escape or if wild animals enter the home.
Bats are a common example. They can enter homes through chimneys, open windows or attics. Because bats trigger a cat's hunting instinct, cats are very likely to chase them or try to catch them. Raccoons and other wildlife may also occasionally gain access to attics or interior spaces.
How often should cats get rabies vaccinations?
The rabies vaccination schedule for cats depends on the type of vaccine used and the manufacturer's guidelines.
Veterinarians should follow the vaccination schedule recommended by the vaccine manufacturer. Most cats receive their first rabies vaccine around 12 weeks of age, followed by booster shots at specific intervals.
A major difference between feline rabies vaccines is whether they are adjuvanted or unadjuvanted.
Older rabies vaccines contained substances called adjuvants, which help stimulate a stronger immune response. Although these vaccines are effective in preventing rabies, a small number of cats have developed injection site reactions, including swelling or, more rarely, tumors at the vaccination site.
Because of this risk, many veterinarians now prefer unadjuvanted rabies vaccines for cats.
Originally, the unadjuvanted rabies vaccine was only available as a one-year vaccine, meaning cats had to receive annual boosters after their initial vaccination.
More recently, a three-year, unadjuvanted rabies vaccine has become available. After the initial vaccine and first booster, this version should only be given once every three years.
However, the three-year vaccine tends to be more expensive, so some veterinarians still use the annual vaccine without adjuvant based on practice preferences and local regulations.
What are the side effects of rabies vaccines in cats?
Side effects of rabies vaccine in cats are rare and usually mild.
When reactions occur, they may include:
These symptoms usually disappear within a few days without treatment.
In very rare cases, cats may develop an allergic reaction to the vaccine. Signs of an allergic reaction may include:
Serious reactions, such as weakness or collapse, are extremely rare. Allergic reactions are estimated to occur in fewer than 10 out of 10,000 vaccinated cats.
If you notice any unusual symptoms after your cat has received a vaccine, contact your veterinarian promptly.
How much does a cat rabies vaccine cost?
The cost of a rabies vaccine for cats varies depending on the type of vaccine used and where it is administered.
Unadjuvanted vaccines are generally more expensive than adjuvanted vaccines, and the three-year vaccine generally costs more than the one-year vaccine.
Some veterinary practices choose to absorb the additional cost of unadjuvanted vaccines because they consider them the preferred option for feline patients. Other clinics, especially those that vaccinate large numbers of cats, may need to pass the higher cost on to pet owners.
The price may also depend on where the vaccine is administered. Rabies vaccines administered during a comprehensive veterinary office visit may cost more than those provided at community vaccination clinics.
Generally, the least expensive rabies vaccines are more likely to be adjuvanted vaccines.
If the choice is between receiving an inexpensive adjuvanted vaccine or skipping vaccination altogether, vaccination is always the best option. However, when available and affordable, many veterinarians prefer unadjuvanted rabies vaccines for cats.
Regardless of the vaccine used, rabies vaccination is essential to protect both your cat and those around them. Even indoor cats should stay up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rabies Vaccines in Cats
Do Indoor Cats Really Need a Rabies Vaccine?
Yes. Even indoor cats can be exposed to rabies if wild animals such as bats enter the house or if the cat accidentally escapes. Vaccination protects both your cat and the people in your household.
At what age should a kitten be vaccinated against rabies?
Kittens typically receive their first rabies vaccine around 12 weeks of age, followed by booster shots depending on the type of vaccine used and local regulations.
How often do cats need rabies boosters?
Most cats receive either annual boosters or a three-year booster schedule, depending on the vaccine formulation and local laws. Your veterinarian will recommend the appropriate schedule.
Is the rabies vaccine safe for cats?
Yes. Side effects are rare and usually mild, such as temporary lethargy or slight swelling at the injection site. Serious reactions are extremely rare.
