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.