I personally do not mind having a cat outside as long as it is properly cared for. This would include the basics of food, water and shelter in inclement weather. But in addition to the basics, I strongly believe that any outdoor cat should be fully vaccinated and dewormed every year.
The Rabies vaccine isn't enough for an outdoor cat. People should not neglect getting their cat the Feline Aids (FIV) and Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
Vaccination.
About FIV:
The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection is a complex retrovirus that causes immunodeficiency disease in domestic cats. Immunodeficiency is the medical term used to describe the body’s inability to develop a normal immune response. FIV is slow moving, capable of lying dormant in the body before causing symptoms (lentivirus). It is in the same class of viruses as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in people.
The average age is five years at the time of diagnosis, and the likelihood of infection increases with age. FIV is a transmissible disease that occurs more often in males because of their tendency to be more aggressive, and because they are more likely to roam, thereby increasing their exposure to the virus.
About FeLV:
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a disease that impairs the cat's immune system and causes certain types of cancer. This virus is responsible for a majority of deaths in household cats, affecting all breeds. Males are more likely to contract the infection than females, and it is usually seen between the ages of one to six years old.
FeLV is usually contracted from cat-to-cat transmission (e.g., bites, close contact, grooming, and sharing dishes or litter pans). It can also be transmitted to a kitten at birth or through the mother's milk. Kittens are much more susceptible to the virus, as are males and cats which are allowed to go outside.
I think it would be a "no-brainer" when determining the need for deworming. Do you really want parasites making a cozy home in the intestines of your furry friend? I think not!
These articles demonstrate why I strongly support such vaccinations for all outdoor cats. These diseases are devastating to watch and have NO CURE.
