It’s a common question among cat owners: if your cats never go outside, do they really need vaccines? With so much debate about vaccine safety in recent years, some pet owners have begun to wonder whether boosters are still necessary.
But according to veterinary experts, skipping vaccines could leave your indoor cats vulnerable to serious and preventable diseases. Even inside your home, viruses can sneak in through open windows, on your clothing, or from new animals entering the household.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from licensed veterinarians and reliable online sources.
Why Indoor Cats Still Need Vaccines
Modern vaccines are safer than ever, and most cats only need boosters every three years. Vaccination protects your pet not just from direct exposure but from indirect contact. For example, if a new cat joins your household or if viruses enter on human hands or clothing.
Cats can also catch diseases during vet visits or in emergencies where they might need to be boarded or treated near other animals. Keeping their immunity strong helps prevent serious illness from sneaking in through unexpected routes.
Why Some Owners Skip Vaccines
Vaccine hesitancy isn’t limited to people. Recent surveys show that some cat owners worry about vaccine safety or cost, while others simply underestimate disease risks.
Dr. Jessica Pritchard, a veterinary internal medicine professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, notes that most hesitation comes from misunderstanding rather than mistrust. “Owners often say no to vaccines because they don’t understand the risk of disease,” she explains. For many, it’s not about disbelief, it’s about not realising how easily infections can spread.
Core Vs. Noncore Vaccines
Veterinarians classify vaccines as core or noncore. Core vaccines protect against severe or widespread diseases and are recommended for every cat. These include rabies, panleukopenia, calicivirus, and herpesvirus. The feline leukaemia (FeLV) vaccine is also considered core for kittens and young cats under one year.
Noncore vaccines, like those for Bordetella or Chlamydia, are optional and typically used for cats in large colonies, shelters, or breeding operations. Your vet can determine which ones fit your cat’s lifestyle.
Hidden Risks For Indoor Cats
Even cats who never step outdoors can encounter infectious agents. Rabies, for instance, can be carried into homes by bats or other wildlife, so indoor cats are a risk, too. Calicivirus can survive on clothing and hands, and herpesvirus can reactivate under stress.
FeLV spreads through saliva between cats, which means your pet could be exposed if a rescued or visiting cat joins the family. Because apparently healthy cats can still carry and transmit these viruses, keeping your pet’s vaccines up to date is the best protection.
Safety And Side Effects
Like any medical treatment, vaccines can cause mild, short-term side effects such as lethargy or slight fever. Serious complications are extremely rare.
The most concerning, a cancer called injection-site sarcoma, now occurs in fewer than one in 10,000 vaccinated cats, a major improvement since vaccine technology advanced in the mid-2000s. Severe allergic reactions are even rarer, occurring in fewer than one in 500,000 cases. Veterinarians agree that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, especially since modern products have been refined for both safety and long-term immunity.
A Conversation Worth Having
Vaccine hesitancy, experts say, doesn’t have to be negative, it opens the door for discussion. Talking with your vet about your cat’s lifestyle, home environment, and exposure risk ensures they receive only the vaccines that truly matter.
Alongside regular check-ups, good nutrition, and hygiene, vaccines remain a cornerstone of preventive care that helps cats live longer, healthier lives. Open communication with your vet builds trust and helps you make informed choices tailored specifically to your feline companion’s needs.
