vaccination
Let's talk about vaccines!
When we began breeding 40 years ago, the recommendation for actively showing cats 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 system of mammals, the ingredients in vaccines, and effect of vaccinations on the immature immune system. Over the course of the next few 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) from annually to every three years. This is the current norm. Going from twice a year to every three years ended our constant battle with feline upper respiratory and intestinal viruses.
Dr Schultz's research proves 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 his research supported his conclusion that it provided lifetime immunity. Unfortunately, he was not able to get through the long USDA approval process before his death.
Feline maternal immunity provided in colostrum negatively 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. This, 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 due at 16 weeks. This protocol minimizes the amount of vaccinations so not to damage their still developing immune systems, while coinciding with the point when vaccines will provide complete protection for the kitten. Our kittens still receive the same amount of wellness visits as in the past.
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. This vaccine has been linked to Fibrosarcoma, which is why it is given in the hind leg. Our vet enthusiastically supports these changes.