One of the most common misconceptions we hear at Dogwood is that indoor cats don’t need vaccines. The logic seems sound — if they never go outside, what are they exposed to? The answer may genuinely surprise you.

 

Viruses Don’t Need Your Cat to Go Outside

• Bacteria, viruses, and parasites enter your home every day: on your shoes, clothing, hands, and through other pets. The diseases that routinely reach indoor cats include:
• Feline Panleukopenia (FPV): Survives on surfaces for months; similar to canine parvovirus; highly lethal
• Feline Herpesvirus & Calicivirus: Primary causes of upper respiratory infections; carried on human clothing
• Rabies: Present in Georgia wildlife; 100% fatal without vaccination; legally required
• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Immune-suppressing; especially dangerous in multi-cat homes
• Bordetella, Chlamydia felis, Ringworm, Giardia, fleas, ticks: All can be carried indoors

 

Indoor Cats Escape: One Escape Changes Everything

About 1 in 4 indoor cats escape outdoors at some point in their lifetime. Vaccines are your cat’s insurance policy for those moments.

 

Core Vaccines Every Indoor Cat Should Have

• Feline Panleukopenia (FPV / Feline Distemper)
• Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) + Calicivirus (FCV)
• Rabies — required by law in Georgia

 

Beyond Vaccines: Essential Preventive Care

• Annual wellness exams (twice yearly for cats over 8)
• Routine bloodwork to establish and monitor health baselines
• Dental cleanings: dental disease is a leading cause of kidney disease in cats
• Parasite prevention
• Weight management counseling

 

Questions about your cat’s vaccine schedule? Contact our team at (404) 609-1234 or info@www.dogwood.vet.