If you are like most cat owners, you already know that rabies vaccination is a necessary part of your cat’s preventive medical care, but the thought of coaxing your feline friend into the cat carrier and taking him all the way to the vet’s office to get poked, however, is understandably not appealing to you or your kitty.

You may think your indoor cat does not need a rabies vaccination but he really does. There is always that slim chance that your feline friend will run out the door or jump through an open window. You might even get a rabid bat in your house! Bats are very common in Las Vegas, and are the most likely mammal to be infected with rabies in Las Vegas with over 51 cases reported since 2001.

A rabies shot can stop your cat from getting sick if a rabid animal does bite her – it can even save her life. If your cat is vaccinated, she may not get quite as sick if she does develop symptoms. Having your cat vaccinated also reduces the likelihood that your cat will pass rabies onto you or the other two- and four-legged members of your family.

Las Vegas Veterinarian Discusses Rabies Shots and Nevada Law

A rabies shot can even keep you and your cat out of legal trouble. Nevada law requires all cats receive a rabies vaccination by the time they are four months old. Getting your cat vaccinated is vastly easier than messing with quarantines and other legal hassles. Legal issues arise when your cat bites a human friend or family member and they seek medical attention. Medical professionals are obligated to contact animal control to report the bite. Animal control will then come to your home to confirm rabies vaccine history, and will dictate quarantine of your cat as necessary based in the rabies vaccine status.

While taking your cat to the vet is never fun, you will be doing your cat – and your family – a big favor by giving her a rabies shot. Contact All About Cats Veterinary Hospital for more information and to determine if your cat needs a rabies vaccine.

Do you think your cat needs rabies vaccination?