Vaccination
We want to make you aware of our changing vaccination protocol.
When we began breeding 40 years ago, to combat the constant exposure to other cats, the recommendation for households that were actively showing, was to vaccinate adults every 6 months. Kittens began vaccinations at 6 weeks with boosters given every 21 days until they left for their new homes. We followed the recommendations to the letter and became quite discouraged when our cats were constantly sick. Discouraged to the point of not wanting to continue.
During our first decade of showing, we met breeders who had a different mindset and were raising their cats in a more holistic manner. We dove into researching the immune systems of mammals, the ingredients in vaccines, and effect of vaccinations on the immature immune system. Over the course of the following years with the help of Dr Susan Maier, Dr Guy Osmun, and world-renowned veterinary immunologist Dr Ronald Schultz, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM, we gradually reduced the amount and type of vaccinations our cats received. With each new step their health continued to see significant improvement.
Soon after the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) changed the recommendation for the core vaccines (which includes rabies) to be given every three years rather than every year. This is the current norm. Going from twice a year to every three years completely halted our constant battle with feline upper respiratory viruses.
Dr Schultz's research proved that the core kitten vaccines provide lifetime immunity. Similar to the lifetime protection provided by the Polio, MMR vaccines given to children. As a side note, Dr Schultz also proved that the rabies vaccine provides immunity for 10 years, and he was working to prove that it provided lifetime immunity when he passed away. Unfortunately, he was not able to get through the long approval process by the USDA before his death.
Feline maternal immunity provided in colostrum effects the efficacy of vaccines. Maternal immunity wanes between 6 and 14 weeks. The timeframe is different in each kitten. By 16 weeks it is no longer present.
The above, along with Dr Schultz's invaluable research, and the fact that since we retired from showing our cats are not exposed to other cats, has led us to the decision to begin giving our kittens their first vaccines at 12 weeks. The required booster will be due at the 16 weeks, coinciding with the point when it will provide complete protection for the kitten, with the added benefit of minimizing vaccinations so not to damage their still developing immune systems.
We do not recommend the FeLV or FIP vaccines. Neither are core vaccines, and you will void the health warranty in your contract by doing so. The FIP vaccine has proven to be a failure and a strictly indoor cat (Which any kitten purchased from us is going to be!) will never be exposed to FeLV/FIV.
We will no longer be administering the rabies vaccine before 6 months. Our vet supports this change as this vaccine has proven to cause Fibrosarcoma and we wish to limit the amount given in their lifetime.