Do cats have to have rabies shots in Illinois?
When does the new cat rabies law go into effect in Illinois? January 1, 2020. This new legislation (SB 131) amends the Animal Control Act and requires all cat owners to have their pets vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
What vaccines are required for cats in Illinois?
Rabies is the only cat vaccination required by law in the state of IL. This is due primarily to the threat rabies poses to human beings, and the speed at which rabies can spread.
Is a rabies shot necessary for an indoor cat?
Rabies vaccination is an important and required vaccine for all cats. A common misconception is that indoor cats are not required to maintain updated vaccines as they do not have exposure to the outdoors or other animals. In fact, rabies vaccinations are required by law in all felines.
When should rabies vaccine be given to cats?
16 weeks
Rabies injections for kittens/cats Kitten should get their first rabies vaccine no earlier than 16 weeks of age. After this point a booster should be provided 12 months later, and then every 3 years after unless state laws dictate otherwise.
How often do cats need rabies shots in Illinois?
(b) Every owner of a cat that is a companion animal and is 4 months or more of age shall have each cat inoculated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Every cat that is a companion animal shall have a second rabies vaccination within one year of the first.
How often should outdoor cats get rabies shots?
Over time, however, it’s become apparent that this protection lasts longer than previously thought. Now, after their original dose and first yearly booster, cats should receive their rabies shots every 3 years to keep them safe from this dangerous disease.
Can you get in trouble for not vaccinating your cat?
(A) Failure to vaccinate is unlawful. It shall be unlawful for an owner to fail to provide current vaccination against rabies for any dog or cat 4 months of age or older.
Do indoor cats really need vaccinations?
Veterinarians recommend that all indoor cats should be given core vaccinations to keep them protected from a large range of extremely contagious diseases, so they are safe from illnesses if they escape from your house, go for a grooming or if they have to stay at a boarding facility, etc.
What vaccines do outdoor cats need yearly?
If your cat is an outdoor feline, it’s important to protect your cat with these core vaccinations:
- Rabies.
- Feline Calicivirus.
- Feline Herpesvirus Type I (Rhinotracheitis)
- Panleukopenia (Feline Parvo or Feline Distemper)
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
- Chlamydia (Clamydophila felis)
Do I need to vaccinate my outdoor cat?
Our Montecito vets strongly recommend that all cats – both indoor cats and outdoor cats – receive core vaccinations to protect them against highly contagious diseases they could be exposed to.
How many days can you delay rabies vaccine?
If delay is >7 – 14 days from day 7 schedule (i.e. days 15 to 21 from start of vaccination)- day 3 dose shall be repeated and revised according to the prescribed interval. If delay is > 14 days from day 7 schedule (i.e. beyond day 22 from start of vaccination) -a new course shall be restarted.
Can cats live without vaccines?
Cats can develop a number of illnesses if they don’t have their shots, but feline leukemia is one of the worst. This illness is a top cause of feline death with a fatality rate of nearly 90%. Feline immunodeficiency virus, also known as cat AIDS, is a serious, lifelong illness transmitted by unvaccinated cats.
Is it OK not to vaccinate my cat?
These microscopic assassins enter your home and find their way to your pets. If you don’t protect your pets with vaccines, you will be putting them at risk of contracting diseases. Since they don’t have activated antibodies to fight off infections, they would only be left to deteriorate. Fatal results usually follow.