Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccines

January 23th 2026

If your cat rules the roost from the comfort of the couch and has never set paw outside, it’s easy to assume vaccines aren’t really necessary. After all, most of the germs that make cats sick live out there in the big, wide world—right?

That’s a very understandable way to think about it. But the truth is, even indoor-only cats can benefit from vaccination. Let’s talk about why, and what vaccines your indoor cat may need to stay happy and healthy.

“But My Cat Never Goes Outside…”

Even the most dedicated indoor cat can still encounter disease-causing organisms. Viruses and bacteria are sneaky—they don’t need a cat door to get inside your home.

Pathogens can be brought indoors on everyday items like shoes, clothing, bags, or even your hands. And while your cat may never lounge in the yard, there are other ways exposure can happen, including:

A bat or other wildlife accidentally entering your home.  
Traveling with your cat in a carrier or on a leash. 
An indoor cat who makes a surprise dash outdoors (we’ve all seen the escape artists!). 
Bringing a new cat or foster cat into the home with an unknown medical history.

In short, “indoor-only” doesn’t always mean “risk-free.”

Core Vaccines for Indoor Cats

Veterinarians generally recommend certain core vaccines for all cats, regardless of lifestyle. These protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.

HC2P (or FVRCP)

This combination vaccine protects against:

• Feline viral rhinotracheitis
• Calicivirus
• Panleukopenia (a severe and often fatal disease)

These viruses are highly contagious and can survive in the environment, which means indoor cats are still at risk.

Rabies

Rabies is not only deadly—it’s also a public health concern.

In Alabama, rabies vaccination is legally required for us to examine or treat your cat unless there is a documented medical exemption, such as a previous allergic reaction. Even indoor cats are included in this requirement.

What About the Feline Leukemia (FeLV) Vaccine?

The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine is not always classified as a core vaccine for every adult cat. However, our veterinary doctors often still recommend it—even for indoor cats.

FeLV is spread through close contact with infected cats, such as grooming, sharing bowls, or bite wounds. While indoor cats may seem low-risk, exposure can still happen through:

• An unexpected escape outdoors
• Contact with a new or foster cat
• Living with another cat whose FeLV status is unknown

Feline leukemia is a serious disease that can weaken the immune system and lead to long-term health issues, including cancer. Because of how severe the disease can be—and how easy it is to unknowingly expose a cat—many veterinarians consider the FeLV vaccine an important layer of protection.

What If I Choose Not to Vaccinate?

We understand that vaccination is a personal decision. Our goal is never to force care, but to make sure you’re fully informed.

If you decide not to vaccinate your cat, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

Rabies vaccination may still be required by law. At Bluff Park Animal Clinic, Alabama law requires pets to be up to date on their rabies vaccination before we can provide care.
Unvaccinated cats may face quarantine requirements if exposed to wildlife.
Boarding facilities, groomers, and some travel situations often require proof of vaccination.

Speaking of boarding…

Vaccines Required for Boarding

If your cat ever needs to stay with us or another boarding facility, vaccines are typically non-negotiable.

At Bluff Park Animal Clinic, we require:

• HC2P
• Rabies

Keeping vaccines up to date helps protect not just your cat, but every pet in our care.

We’re Here to Help 🐾

Your cat’s health is important to us. If you’re behind on vaccines, unsure what your indoor cat really needs, or just want to talk through your options, we’re happy to help.

If you live in Hoover, Vestavia, Homewood, the Birmingham Metro area, or nearby communities, give us a call at Bluff Park Animal Clinic or visit our website to learn more.

And remember—if you’re a current client, you can easily request appointments through our new pet portal. Reach out to us anytime. Together, we’ll keep your indoor cat protected, comfortable, and purring for years to come. 🐱💙