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Ed Boks discusses medical, legal, and practical concerns related to vaccinating strictly indoor cats against rabies.


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Ask Me Anything #2: Rabies Vaccinations for Indoor Cats
From Ed Boks, Animal Politics with Ed Boks, AnimalPolitics.substack.com
March 2025

cat at vet
Photo from Canva


Welcome to the second edition of "Ask Me Anything," a new feature on Animal Politics where I invite you to submit your questions about animal welfare, conservation, and related topics. This feature is designed to provide a platform for open dialogue and to address your concerns and curiosities directly.

In this edition, we tackle another query about indoor cats. Many of us love our feline friends and want to ensure they live happy, healthy lives. Below, you'll find a my response to a reader's question about vaccinating cats kept indoors.


Question:

I have 3 older apartment dwelling cats. They do not go outside or have contact with any other animals. They do not go out into the hall. During their annual checkups my vet keeps insisting these seniors, 5 years and above, get rabies shots. I know in NYC there is a law that all pets be given a rabies shot. Each year I sign a paper saying the shot was recommended and I turned it down. I really do not see the need to inject these healthy cats will drugs that I believe could be harmful and do not service their lifestyle. Am I wrong?

Thank You for starting this Q & A column. This is a great way to get informative and unbiased answers to questions.

RJH


Animal Politics Responds:

Thank you, RJ, for your thoughtful question. As someone with a career in animal control—a field deeply intertwined with government efforts to manage rabies and protect public health—I understand the importance of rabies vaccination laws in preventing the spread of this deadly disease.

However, I also recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach to rabies control and pet health may no longer be scientifically justified, particularly for strictly indoor cats with negligible exposure risk. It may be time to reevaluate these regulations to better align them with current epidemiological data and individual pet lifestyles. Let’s explore the issue further.


Rabies Vaccination Requirements Across the United States

While New York State mandates rabies vaccinations for all cats, dogs, and domesticated ferrets over four months old throughout the state, it's important to recognize that rabies vaccination laws vary significantly across the country. For example:

  1. California requires rabies vaccinations for all dogs, but not for cats or ferrets8.

  2. Colorado doesn't have a statewide law requiring vaccination, instead allowing local health departments to mandate it when deemed necessary3.

  3. Hawaii is unique in having no statewide rabies vaccination requirements, likely due to its rabies-free status.

  4. Massachusetts allows exemptions for animals with certain health conditions, as certified by a veterinarian.

  5. Alabama requires vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets, with specific rules about certification and tagging.

These variations highlight the importance of checking local regulations, as requirements can differ not only between states but sometimes even between counties within a state. In New York, the uniform statewide mandate simplifies compliance for pet owners across both urban and rural areas.


Current Scientific Understanding

  1. Risk Assessment: The risk of rabies for indoor-only cats is extremely low, but not zero. Bats, which can carry rabies, can occasionally enter homes through small openings.

  2. Vaccine Safety: Modern rabies vaccines are generally safe, with severe adverse reactions being rare. However, there is a small risk of injection-site sarcomas in cats. The PureVax rabies vaccine, which doesn't contain adjuvants, is considered a safer option for cats and now provides three-year protection.

  3. Legal Mandate: NYC law requires rabies vaccinations for all cats, regardless of lifestyle. The first vaccination is typically valid for one year, with subsequent vaccinations lasting one or three years, depending on the vaccine type. Unlike some states, NYC does not currently allow exemptions based on indoor-only status.

  4. Enforcement: Failure to vaccinate can result in fines, typically up to $200 per offense in most NY counties, though some counties have higher penalties.

  5. Potential for Reevaluation: Given the declining rates of rabies in domestic pets and the extremely low risk for strictly indoor cats, there may be justification for reconsidering the one-size-fits-all approach.

Considerations for Reevaluation

Given the extremely low risk for strictly indoor cats and the potential for vaccine-related complications, especially in older animals, there may be justification for reconsidering the one-size-fits-all approach:

  1. Risk-Based Approach: A more nuanced policy considering individual cat lifestyles and exposure risks could be scientifically justified.

  2. Alternative Measures: Microchipping and proof of indoor confinement could be explored as ways to ensure public safety without mandatory vaccination for low-risk cats.

  3. Expanded Exemptions: Currently, exemptions are limited to animals staying in the state for less than 15 days or those with specific health conditions (as determined by a veterinarian). Expanding these criteria to include considerations for senior indoor cats could be warranted.

Current Options and Compliance

While the law currently requires vaccination, you have some options:

  1. Safer Vaccine Options: Discuss using the non-adjuvanted PureVax rabies vaccine with your veterinarian, which is considered safer for cats and now provides three-year protection.

  2. Documentation: Continue documenting your decision to decline vaccination, but be aware this doesn't exempt you from legal requirements.

  3. Veterinary Consultation: If your cats have health issues that might make vaccination risky, consult with your veterinarian about potential medical exemptions.

In conclusion, while current New York State law requires rabies vaccination for all cats, including indoor ones, the scientific justification for this blanket approach is increasingly being questioned—especially for low-risk populations like strictly indoor senior cats.

As someone who has worked extensively in animal control and understands both public health imperatives and individual pet health concerns, I believe it may be time to revisit these regulations to strike a better balance between safety and practicality. Until such changes occur, pet owners must navigate legal compliance while prioritizing their pets' well-being.


Do You Have a Question?

I want to hear from you! Whether you're a seasoned animal advocate or just starting to explore the world of animal welfare, I encourage you to submit your questions. Your input will help shape future editions of "Ask Me Anything" and ensure that we cover topics that matter most to you.

How to Participate:

Posted on All-Creatures.org: April 3, 2025
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