Rabies Vaccination for Cats

Rabies is a fast-progressing disease of the central nervous system that can be contracted through contact with infected animals. There is no treatment, and cases in both humans and animals are almost always fatal. Vaccinating cats against rabies can ensure that they don't contract this deadly disease.

  1. Function

    • Vaccines introduce a weakened form of the virus into the body that can't cause the disease but prepares the immune system to exposure to the actual virus. That way, if the cat is ever exposed to an infected animal, his immune system can successfully beat out the virus. Without vaccination, a cat's immune system does not stand a chance. Once a cat has contracted rabies, it is typically euthanized.

    Reasoning

    • Cats in the U.S. contract rabies at a much higher rate than other domestic animals, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. By vaccinating cats, pet owners can diminish the risk of rabies infection. Getting cats vaccinated is not just a matter of health, but also of legal compliance, since most areas of the country require that cats be vaccinated.

    Approved Vaccines

    • A rabies vaccine for cats provides protection for up to three years after an initial series of vaccines is completed. However, cats have traditionally been vaccinated yearly, and many municipalities still require that cats be vaccinated yearly, so in these parts of the country, the yearly vaccine is still commonly used.

    Safety

    • Vaccinations approved for use in cats have been shown to be highly safe. However, as with any other medical procedure, there's always a small chance that a cat will experience adverse reactions, notes the AVMA on its website. Usually, the risks associated with vaccinating a cat are exponentially lower than the risk of disease from not vaccinating it. To minimize the risk of adverse reactions, pet owners should tell their veterinarians of any health problems a cat has or any medication it is on prior to vaccination.

    Side Effects

    • Mild side effects as a result of receiving a rabies vaccine include discomfort or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, diminished appetite and lethargy. These usually start within hours of the injection's administration and last no more than a few days. Rarely, more serious side effects can occur, including a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction and a type of tumor called a sarcoma at the vaccination site, which can appear weeks, months and even years after a vaccination was given.