Vaccines 

A Thoughtful Approach to Vaccines & Deworming

At Lil Star Siberians, I believe in informed choice when it comes to vaccinations. My approach is not anti-vaccine, nor is it blindly pro-vaccine—I simply believe that every kitten and family is unique, and the decision to vaccinate should be made with care, knowledge, and respect for individual health needs.

Just as I have taken a balanced approach with my own children—vaccinating two and choosing a different path for the other two—I extend that same philosophy to my kittens. I recognize that vaccines can be beneficial in preventing serious illnesses, but I also acknowledge that over-vaccination can lead to unnecessary stress on the immune system. That’s why I encourage adopters to decide what’s best for their kitten, based on their own research, values, and the specific health needs of their pet.

My Preferred Minimal Vaccine Approach

I follow a minimalist, holistic vaccine protocol to reduce risks while still providing protection:

• We wait until 10+ weeks to administer their single, non-adjuvanted vaccine– Kittens’ maternal antibodies can interfere with vaccines given too early. Waiting ensures a stronger, longer-lasting immune response.

• We use PureVax, a single non-adjuvanted feline vaccine that reduces the risk of reactions. Non-adjuvanted means it's free from ingredients like aluminum, mercury, formaldehyde and foreign proteins. 

• Limit to core vaccines only – The only core vaccine truly needed is for feline panleukopenia (FPV), calicivirus (FCV), and herpesvirus (FHV-1) (often called FVRCP).

• One dose at 10-16 weeks, followed by a titer test – Rather than automatically giving boosters, a titer test (a simple blood test) can check if the kitten has built immunity, avoiding unnecessary shots.

• No unnecessary vaccines – I do not recommend the FeLV (feline leukemia) vaccine for indoor cats, as exposure risk is minimal. I also avoid rabies unless legally required.

• No annual boosters unless proven necessary – Immunity from vaccines can last many years, sometimes a lifetime. Instead of automatic yearly shots, I suggest titer testing every few years to assess immunity.

My Preferred Minimal Deworming Protocol

We take a mindful approach to deworming, prioritizing the health of our kittens by avoiding unnecessary treatments. Rather than routine deworming, we test our kittens for worms and only use a natural deworming method if needed. We guarantee our kittens to be free of worms at the time of adoption while maintaining a gentle, holistic approach to their well-being.

A Natural, Immune-Boosting Alternative

At Lil' Star Siberians we focus on building a strong immune system naturally through:

• A species-appropriate raw or wet food diet rich in nutrients that support lifelong health.

• Holistic immune support using probiotics, and gentle natural remedies like Oxy Drops or Vira X

• Minimizing toxin exposure by avoiding chemical flea treatments, pesticides, and unnecessary pharmaceuticals.

• Providing a stress-free environment with plenty of enrichment, fresh air, and love.

At the end of the day, I trust my adopters to make the best choice for their kittens, and I support both those who choose to vaccinate and those who prefer to rely on natural immunity. My goal is to raise thriving, resilient kittens and provide the education needed to make an informed, conscious decision.

For those looking to dive deeper into the discussion on feline vaccines, I highly recommend checking out this insightful article by the Two Crazy Cat Ladies: Does My Indoor Cat Need Vaccines?. They break down the risks and benefits of vaccinations for indoor cats, helping pet owners make informed decisions based on their cat’s individual needs.