Even Indoor Cats Need Rabies Vaccination

Even if your cat doesn’t go outside, there are known cases of bats carrying rabies entering the home and biting people or pets.

In the U.S., the cat is the domestic animal that most often tests positive for rabies. Mariia Boiko/Shutterstock

Q: My cat BarB—so named because I found her as a kitten hiding under my barbecue grill—now lives in my house and doesn’t venture outdoors. Her veterinarian insists she needs rabies vaccination. Why is this necessary, if she’s a committed homebody?

A: BarB should be vaccinated for rabies to protect herself and you from the deadly disease.