Vaccinations
Our Philosophy
We raise healthy, confident indoor British Longhairs with a gentle, evidence-based approach to preventive care. Our philosophy is minimal, mindful, and transparent: we give only the vaccines that are essential for the indoor lifestyle we provide, we avoid vaccines containing thimerosal (mercury), and we make every medical choice in consultation with our veterinarian. Below is our full policy, our exact protocol, why timing matters, and what new owners can expect.
Our highest priority as responsible breeders is the long-term health and immune balance of our cats. Unfortunately, over-vaccination has become common in the pet industry due to outdated protocols and a “one-size-fits-all” approach. At D’Alvara, we believe vaccination should protect — not overwhelm — the body’s natural defenses.
Vaccines like FVRCP are essential for kittens, but repeating or adding vaccines without medical reason can disrupt immune harmony rather than strengthen it.This is why we follow a minimal, mercury-free vaccination protocol, using only what’s appropriate for indoor cats. Diseases such as FeLV are spread through blood or deep bite wounds from infected outdoor cats — a risk that does not apply to our kittens or their future indoor companions. By limiting vaccines to those truly necessary and using thimerosal-free formulations, we protect each kitten’s health without overloading their developing immune systems.
We encourage all pet owners to stay informed, work with veterinarians who respect individual, risk-based care, and explore titer testing before repeating vaccines. By doing so, you not only protect your cat — you help move the pet community toward a safer, smarter approach to feline wellness
Our Protocol
Vaccines
FVRCP (core vaccine — rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia)
Brand: Thimerosal-free (we commonly use Purevax or equivalent).
Schedule we provide while kittens are with us:
1st dose: 6–8 weeks
2nd dose: 10–12 weeks
Due to kittens going home at 12 weeks we recommend the owner’s vet administer the final booster at 14–16 weeks if they choose the 3-dose series.
Rabies- We do not routinely give rabies before placement at 12 weeks. Rabies vaccination timing is often governed by local law and by the adopter’s veterinarian; we provide recommendations and documentation but leave rabies to be completed by the owner as required.
FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) & FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
FeLV transmission requires close, prolonged contact (shared bowls, mutual grooming) or bites from infected cats; it’s common in outdoor/high-risk settings but very unlikely in indoor-only cats raised in a closed, FeLV-negative cattery.
FIV spreads mainly through deep bite wounds between fighting adult cats — essentially an outdoor/roaming cat scenario.
All breeding adults are tested and clear for FeLV & FIV, and because our kittens are raised strictly indoors all born from FeVL & FIV negative parents the kittens are FeVL & FIV negative as well due to no possible exposure. All of our cats are sold as strictly in-door only homes, so there is no chance of future exposure because as well, because of this we do not administer un necessary FeLV & FIV vaccines to our babies.
PDK (Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency)
Unlike FeLV & FIV, PDK is a genetic disease. All of our adult Cats have been tested and cleared for PDK insuring all of their offspring are negative.
Deworming & Parasite Control
Starting at 2–3 weeks of age, kittens are dewormed on a schedule recommended by our veterinarian (commonly every 2 weeks until 8–12 weeks, then monthly as advised).
We use safe, effective dewormers (e.g., Pyrantel Pamoate or other Vet-recommended products) and record each dose.
Vaccine Efficacy & Immune Balance
Maternal antibodies (colostrum) protect newborns but can interfere with vaccines if given too early. That’s why the kitten series is spaced out — to ensure a vaccine is given after maternal antibodies wane enough to allow the kitten’s immune system to respond.
The third FVRCP dose (14–16 weeks) is often the most reliable for producing lasting immunity in kittens who retain maternal antibodies longer; because many kittens leave at 12 weeks, we provide two core doses and recommend once home to complete the final booster at 14–16 weeks of age.
Immune balance: unnecessary or extra vaccines can overstimulate a developing immune system. Our minimal protocol balances protection against real risk while minimizing unnecessary immune challenges.