Two reasons. 1. It’s state law and 2. bats.
Indiana law (345 IAC 1-5-2) states “All dogs, cats and ferrets three (3) months of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies.” Why do we have this law? Although we adore our four-legged friends, this law exists to protect us. Because of widespread pet rabies vaccination laws in our country, currently humans rarely get rabies from dogs
Luckily, the extent of most people’s experience with rabies is being scared silly by the movie “Cujo” based upon the Stephen King novel. The Saint-Bernard, Cujo, gets infected by a rabid bat and subsequently goes on a frothing-at-the-mouth killing spree.
So what does this have to do with your indoor cat? The bat part.
The Center for Disease Control reports that in the United States “The number of rabies cases reported in cats is routinely 3-4 times as that of rabies reported in cattle or dogs.” The Indiana State Board of Health reports, “In recent years cats have become the most common domestic animals infected with rabies. This is because many cat owners do not vaccinate their cats before the cats are exposed to rabid wildlife outdoors.” And indoors.
Bats like our homes, especially attics. To a bored housecat, a bat is just a mouse with wings. The fluttering movement is enough to bring out the tiger living dormant in your pudgy lap warmer. A rabid bat is sick and more likely to be confused and enter the living quarters of the house. The rabid bat will be slower and easier for your cat to catch and expose herself to rabies.
A client of mine heard an awful squeaking noise coming from another room. She had let her pet turtle loose in the house for some exercise. She saw the turtle had caught a bat. Luckily, reptiles like turtles don’t get rabies, but I’m thinking that had to be one slow bat to be caught by a turtle!
In Indiana, dogs and cats (both indoor and outdoor) are required to be vaccinated against rabies every one or three years depending on the type of vaccine used. Ferrets are required to be vaccinated against rabies once a year.
The common misperception is that housecats aren’t exposed to infectious diseases. But if you live in Indiana and your cat moves at least as fast as a turtle, you know now that there is a potential for rabies. Vaccinate your cat to protect both her and your family.
Dr. Anndrea Hatcher is a veterinarian at Olive Branch Parke Veterinary Clinic in Greenwood. She provides medical and surgical care, and boarding for dogs, cats and exotic pets. She graduated from Center Grove High School and Purdue University and her children attend Center Grove schools.
