vaccination
Let's talk about vaccines!
- When we began breeding 40 years ago, the recommendation for actively showing cats was to vaccinate adults every six months. Kittens began vaccinations at six weeks, with boosters given every 21 days until they left for their new homes. Following these recommendations to the letter, we 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 the 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 the 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 core kitten vaccines provide lifetime immunity, similar to the lifetime protection provided by the Polio and MMR vaccines given to children. As a side note, Dr. Schultz also proved that the rabies vaccine provides immunity for at least seven years, with research supporting his conclusion that it provides 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 affects the efficacy of vaccines. Maternal immunity wanes between 6 and 14 weeks, though the timeframe is different in each kitten. By 16 weeks, it is no longer present. This, 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 to our decision to begin giving our kittens their first vaccines at 12-13 weeks, with the required booster to be given 21 days later. This protocol minimizes the amount of vaccinations so as not to damage their still-developing immune systems, while coinciding with the point when vaccines will provide complete protection for the kitten. Our kittens receive the same amount of wellness visits as in the past. We do not recommend the FeLV or FIP vaccines; neither is a core vaccine, and administering these vaccines will void your health warranty. The FIP vaccine has proven ineffective, and a strictly indoor cat—which any kitten purchased from us is required to be—will never be exposed to FeLV/FIV. In addition, the FeLV vaccine is associated with a higher risk of FISS (Feline Injection-Site Sarcomas).
- Our veterinarians enthusiastically supports our position.