Veterinarians have learned that the vaccines we use to protect cats from infectious diseases occasionally cause cancer. The risk is small and this does not mean we should stop vaccinating cats, but it does mean we should try to reduce the risk as much as possible.
New guidelines suggest giving only the most important immunizations, no more often than necessary.
Vaccinations for indoor cats Cats that never go outdoors do not usually need leukemia or FIP immunization. Test new cats before bringing them into the household. Rabies Because it protects people from a disease that is highly fatal and frequently diagnosed in local skunks, rabies is the most important immunization for cats and dogs. If an unvaccinated cat bites a person, even an indoor cat, the Health Department often insists that the cat be euthanized so its brain can be examined. All cats need rabies shots.