Why I Vaccinate later

🐾 Why I Vaccinate Later — Starting at 12 Weeks, One Shot at a Time

When families bring home a Casablanca Ragdoll, I want them to feel confident about every decision I’ve made for their kitten’s health. One of the questions I get most often is:

“Why do you wait until around 12 weeks to start vaccinations — and why do you only give one vaccine at a time?”

Here’s the reasoning behind my choice, backed by science, experience, and a short video (see below).

🎥 Watch This Video

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CqEg8x6iQ/

🌱 Maternal Antibodies: Nature’s Early Protection

Kittens are born with immature immune systems, but mom steps in to help. During the first hours of life, kittens receive maternal antibodies through her colostrum and milk. These antibodies are amazing — they protect kittens from common diseases during those fragile early weeks.

But here’s the catch:

These same antibodies can block vaccines from working.

A vaccine given too early may be completely neutralized by mom’s antibodies — meaning the kitten doesn’t get true immunity.

Veterinary studies show that maternal antibodies may interfere with vaccines until 12–16 weeks or later. That means if you vaccinate too soon, you might just be giving a “wasted” shot with no lasting protection.

🐾 Why I Wait Until Around 12 Weeks

Because I run a closed cattery (no outside cats, no exposure to shelter pathogens), I have the luxury of letting maternal antibodies do their job before I step in with vaccines.

Waiting until 12 weeks allows:

✅ Better vaccine response – Mom’s antibodies have mostly waned, so the vaccine “takes.”

✅ Fewer unnecessary injections – I can give a smaller number of well-timed shots, not a long series of potentially wasted ones.

✅ Stronger immune memory – Older kittens mount a more robust immune response.

💉 Why I Give Only One Vaccine at a Time

When it’s time to vaccinate, I do it slowly and intentionally. Giving only one vaccine per visit helps:

🩺 Pinpoint reactions – If a kitten ever has a reaction, I know exactly which vaccine caused it.

🧠 Support the immune system – One antigen at a time means less stress on the body.

🗓 Space things out safely – Each vaccine has time to “work” before introducing another.

This is a gentler approach that puts the kitten’s comfort and health first.

📚 Studies & Guidelines

I follow recommendations from trusted veterinary sources:

ABCD Feline Guidelines – Maternal antibody interference can persist until 16+ weeks.

Cornell Feline Health Center – Early vaccines can be neutralized and fail to produce immunity.

AAHA / AAFP Vaccination Guidelines – Emphasize the importance of repeated doses until maternal interference fades.

Because I keep my environment controlled, I can safely time vaccines for when they’re most likely to work.

❤️ My Goal: Healthy, Confident Kittens

Every decision I make — from when I start vaccines to how I schedule them — is about giving your kitten the best possible start. When your Ragdoll comes home, you can be confident they’ve been protected in the safest way possible.

A lighthearted guide to things I hear more often than you'd think... 😅

❌ “Can I visit your house before I decide if I like you?”

💬 Sure, let me just turn my private home into a walk-in petting zoo for strangers off the internet! (Kidding. But seriously—between safety, biosecurity, and zoning laws, that’s a no-go.) Even if you showed up with coffee and a basket of laundry to fold, it’s still not happening.

I've shared on this before, and it still stands: trust can be built in other ways. Just peek at my reviews. 💁🏻‍♀️

⸻

❌ “Can you hold a kitten for me until I get paid?”

💬 I totally understand—life is expensive. But raising kittens isn’t cheap either, and I don’t cut corners. There’s constant investment: vet care, health testing, quality food, toys, supplements, vaccines, worming, microchipping, spay/neuter, cleaning supplies, and round-the-clock care.

I don’t hold a kitten without a deposit. It’s not just policy—it’s mutual commitment.

⸻

❌ “What’s the cheapest you’ll take?”

❌ “I don’t need papers—I just want a cheap cat.”

💬 Oh sweetie… this isn’t Craigslist, and we’re not haggling over a microwave. Adding a Ragdoll to your home is a long-term commitment—think 12 to 18+ years.

You’re not buying “just a cat.” You’re welcoming a kitten raised with intention, love, 24/7 care, early socialization, health-tested parents, and proper veterinary care—including microchipping and being spayed or neutered before going home. ❤️

Looking for a bargain? Just remember: quality reflects care, and care isn’t cheap.

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❌ “I want a kitten right now.”

💬 Kittens aren’t takeout—you can’t order one up and expect it ready to go.

Litters are planned well in advance(5 months from breeding to home), and kittens only go home after hitting key milestones—at least 12 weeks of age, vet checks, social development, microchipping, and spay/neuter.

Sometimes one’s available right away, but most of the time, you’ll want to hop on the waitlist.

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❌ “There’s an older kitten still available—what’s wrong with it?”

❌ “Since it’s older than 12 weeks, can I get a discount?”

💬 Whew. Deep breath.

There’s nothing wrong with a kitten just because they’re older. Maybe the original family had to delay, or I was holding them back to evaluate for breeding.

And older? Often means more. More food, more litter, more laundry, more training, more vet visits, more snuggles.

By 14–16 weeks, that kitten is further along socially and developmentally—sometimes even sleeping through the night (bless 🙌).

So no, older doesn’t mean less valuable—it often means more valuable and better prepared.

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Most frequently asked:

❌ “I want a super cuddly lapcat.”

💬 Don’t we all? 😄 I raise my kittens with tons of love and hands-on time, so they’re well-socialized and used to affection—but keep in mind, kittens go through stages. One week they’re velcro babies, the next they’re climbing the curtains.

Their true personalities really start to shine as they grow up, and how cuddly they become has a lot to do with the time and bonding they get in their new home.

If snuggles are what you’re after, invest in that relationship early—and it’ll pay off big time. 💕

What to Watch for With Cat Vaccines

What to Watch for With Cat Vaccines — From Mild Reactions to Anaphylaxis

Vaccines are an essential part of protecting your cat’s long-term health, especially during kittenhood. But just like with people, some cats can have reactions — and while most are mild and short-lived, others can be more serious.

As a breeder and a nurse, I’ve witnessed both sides of this experience: the typical, sleepy-after-shots kitten and, in rare cases, severe vaccine reactions that required emergency care. My goal in this post is to help you recognize the signs, know what to do, and feel prepared, not panicked.

🐾 Mild Vaccine Reactions in Cats (Very Common)

Most kittens experience a little immune response after vaccines. These signs are usually nothing to worry about and resolve within a day or two:

Mild fever

Sleepiness or lower energy

Less interest in food

Slight swelling or soreness at the injection site

Temporary limping (especially after rabies vaccines)

🩺 What to do:

Let your kitten rest, keep them comfortable, and offer fresh water and food. Monitor for any changes. If these symptoms last more than 48 hours, give your vet a quick call.

⚠️ Moderate to Serious Reactions

Some cats experience more intense reactions. These can happen a few hours after the shot — and they require fast attention:

Vomiting or diarrhea

Puffy face or hives

Heavy drooling

Rash or itchy skin

Wheezing or fast breathing

Agitation or distress

📞 What to do:

Contact your vet immediately. These reactions can get worse quickly, and fast intervention matters.

🚨 Anaphylactic Reactions (Emergency)

Though rare, anaphylaxis is life-threatening and needs immediate emergency care. It can develop within minutes or a few hours after a vaccine.

Signs of Anaphylaxis:

Sudden vomiting or diarrhea

Facial swelling or puffiness

Foaming at the mouth

Jaw stiffness or refusal to open the mouth

Difficulty breathing

Lethargy or collapse

🚑 What to do:

Head straight to your vet or emergency clinic. Don’t wait — anaphylaxis moves fast and requires medical intervention with antihistamines, steroids, and supportive care.

❗Important to Know:

A reaction can happen with any vaccine, not just the first dose.

Even if your cat tolerated a previous round just fine, their immune system may react differently the next time.

🧴 Benadryl Can Help in an Emergency

Keep plain Benadryl (diphenhydramine) on hand — tablets or liquid (not children’s versions, and never with xylitol or additives).

Need help with dosing? Save this handy calculator:

🔗 Cat Benadryl Dosage Calculator

Always consult your vet before giving Benadryl.

🛡️ My Best Tips for Safer Vaccine Visits

These are the steps I follow and recommend to all my kitten families:

1. Only give one vaccine at a time. No combo shots.

2. Space vaccines out by at least 3–4 weeks.

3. Schedule vaccines early in the day, not right before the clinic closes.

4. Avoid the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccine unless your cat is at genuine risk (e.g., outdoor exposure).

5. Support detox naturally — I use Adored Beast Rebalancer to help kittens process the vaccine safely.

6. Trust your instincts. You know your cat. If something seems off, speak up or head to your vet.

💙 Final Thoughts

Vaccines save lives — but like all medical treatments, they’re not one-size-fits-all. By learning what to watch for and being prepared, you can make every vet visit safer for your cat or kitten.

If you’re part of my kitten family and ever have questions about vaccine schedules, detox support, or how to recognize a reaction, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Stay informed, and snuggle those kitties! 🐾