Rabies Immunization for Cats

Rabies is one of the oldest recognized diseases of humans and animals and is one of the most feared, which makes people willing to comply with laws requiring immunization for cats. Because of this compliance, rabies is uncommon in cats and dogs, although more cats become infected than dogs.

  1. Most Common in Wildlife

    • Rabies is most common in raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. Cats and dogs account for less than 10 percent of reported rabies cases in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Transmission

    • Rabies is a virus found in the saliva of infected animals. It's transmitted by bites or contamination of an open wound and is almost always fatal to cats.

    Immunization

    • A cat's first rabies vaccination is good for one year. Subsequent doses of most vaccines provide immunity for three years. However, a recombinant vaccine (under the name Purevax), which is thought to be less likely to cause vaccination-associated sarcomas, must be given annually.

    Injection Site

    • Rabies vaccinations should be given in the right rear region of the cat's body, under a protocol established by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Veterinarians should note the location of the vaccination, the type given and the manufacturer in the cat's permanent record.

    Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas

    • While it is relatively uncommon, the rabies vaccination may cause a vaccine-associated sarcoma (VAS). In such cases, a soft tumor was noted at the vaccination site that was difficult to treat and had a high degree of recurrence. The recombinant vaccine may be less likely to cause VAS.