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Every time you turn around it seems that your cat is due for yet another vaccination. Trust me, your veterinarian has your cat’s best interest in mind when we recommend these vaccines, it’s not that we just like to poke and prod them. One of the most important vaccines that your cat can receive is rabies.
Rabies vaccinations are important not only to protect your kitty from a deadly disease, but it’s also legally required for many cats by certain municipalities. Rabies isn’t a one and done vaccine, so here we’ll discuss how often your cat needs a rabies vaccine as well as what it may end up costing you.
What is Rabies and How Does it Affect Cats
Rabies is a virus that can infect any warm-blooded animal—including your cat and even you. It’s nearly 100% fatal once signs are noticed in any animal. The virus is transmitted through saliva, usually through a bite by an infected animal. While our domestic pets are mostly rabies-free, many wild animals aren’t, and contact with an infected skunk, bat, raccoon, or other wild animal is the most common way that cats and dogs become infected.
Once an animal is bitten, the rabies virus travels to the central nervous system where it affects a cat’s behavior and muscle movement. Signs of a rabies infection include:
Change in behavior: some cats become nervous or shy, others become extroverted and more fearless
Aggression, aggravation
Drooling
Muscle tremors
Difficulty swallowing
Paralysis
Death
Once animals start showing these signs, it is very likely that they will die. Therefore, treatment needs to happen before signs show up typically within 10 days of the bite.
Since humans are warm-blooded animals, we can also become infected by rabies. Humans most often get rabies from dogs, but a bite from an infected cat will do it as well. This is why rabies vaccinations are required for cats in many areas across the US.
How Often Should Cats Get a Rabies Shot?
Rabies sounds pretty scary, right? Fortunately, mandated vaccination programs have really helped control it in our pets across the US. Legalities aside, keeping up to date on your cat’s rabies vaccination can help save their life. Most owners are willing to vaccinate their cat against this deadly disease, but it can be a little confusing how often a cat should get a rabies shot. Don’t worry, we’ve got you!
A kitten vaccine schedule should include one rabies vaccine after 12 weeks of age. Many veterinarians will give the rabies shot with a kitten’s final kitten shot between 12 and 16 weeks. As for vaccines adult cats need, kitties should receive a rabies booster one year after the initial shot. From there, boosters are needed every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine used and your area’s requirements. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you how often you should take your cat to the vet to get a rabies booster.
Besides protecting your kitty and following the area laws, staying up to date on their rabies vaccines helps to protect your cat should they ever bite someone to help them avoid a rabies quarantine. The only way to definitively test for rabies is by taking samples of the brain, so suspected rabies cases either have to be euthanized or quarantined to see if signs show up.
How Much is a Rabies Shot for a Cat?
With something this important, it’s good to know that rabies vaccines for cats are typically very affordable. Look to pay anywhere from $15-$50 for the shot itself. Keep in mind that some clinics will charge for an exam or give additional vaccines that may alter the cost.
You may also see some variety depending on where you live and the type of clinic. Standard veterinary clinics tend to cost a little more than low-cost clinics because they likely do more than just give your cat the shot. Many pet stores or rescue organizations will offer vaccinations at reduced costs for animals that qualify, so this may be something to look into if finances are a concern.
Common Side Effects of the Rabies Vaccine in Cats
The rabies vaccine is incredibly good at keeping your cat safe in the face of a rabies infection, but it’s not without its potential issues. As with all vaccines, a rabies shot can have your cat feeling a little under the weather for a few days following administration.
Some cats may be a little sleepy or tender at the injection site. Some may even run a low-grade fever. Though extremely rare with a rabies vaccine, some cats can have a more severe reaction, including facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or vomiting. Be sure to see your vet immediately if your cat experiences anything other than mild side effects following a rabies shot.
You can help your feline friend by allowing them a little downtime following their shot. Let them sleep and offer food as usual, but don’t be surprised if they don’t feel like eating their normal amount. You can apply a cold compress to the injection site if you notice some redness or swelling. Giving multiple vaccinations on the same day can increase the chance that your kitty won’t feel well, so your veterinarian may recommend giving the rabies vaccine alone on a different day than any other vaccines to help with this.
How Pet Insurance Can Help with Rabies Vaccine Costs
From food, to cat litter, to veterinary care, owning a cat is expensive. Fortunately, you don’t have to go at it alone. Pet insurance can help cover the medical costs that can pop up with unexpected injuries or illnesses. Does pet insurance cover vaccines such as rabies? Not exactly.
Instead, Embrace Pet Insurance offers Wellness Rewards which is a budgeting tool, helping you to budget for preventative health care including vaccines. This is an add-on to a regular pet insurance policy, so you’ll need to make sure your plan includes this option if you’re interested.
Rabies Vaccine for Cats
A rabies vaccine is an important part of any cat’s health care program not only to keep them safe from a deadly disease but also to comply with local laws. Your cat is going to need a rabies shot starting as a kitten after 12 weeks of age and then getting a booster one year later and every 1-3 years for their entire lives. Look to pay $15-$50 for this important protection, a cost that can be offset by planning ahead with Embrace’s Wellness Rewards.
It's clear that as a cat owner, your pet's well-being is paramount. By ensuring they receive their rabies vaccine, you're not only providing vital protection for them but also playing a crucial role in preventing the spread of this dangerous disease to other animals and even humans, demonstrating a true commitment to responsible pet ownership. By choosing to vaccinate your cat, you're contributing to a healthier community, and for that, we thank you.