Vaccination is an accepted practice (and sometimes legal requirement) with kittens.
We people believe vaccines make our pets (and us) completely invulnerable to specific diseases.
Is that true? Partially.
In reality it's complicated...
and not precise.
What is a Vaccine? First - both animals and humans have immune systems.
The immune system has a number of different parts.
Its' primary function is to defend the "host" (your kitten) from "invaders" that can harm it.
Essentially, it's a survival mechanism.
The immune system needs to "learn" what's bad and how to defend against it much like a little child needs to learn flames from the stove aren't the same flames in a coloring book.
Vaccines contain invaders - called "antigens".
When the invaders are detected, the immune system responds by producing "antibodies".
Antibodies attach themselves to the foreign invaders and make them inactive.
Vaccines contain a small amount of antigens - enough to generate a defensive response, but not too much to overwhelm.
This process sensitizes (teaches) the immune system to that specific antigen so that it will respond strongly if it encounters it again.
We consider that "immunity".
The Downside of Vaccinations As you can see, it's not a precise tactic.
For starters, you're giving the kitten a dose - all be it a small dose - of a virus.
Maybe the kitten can defend against it.
Maybe he can't.
Secondly, vaccines contain "adjuvants".
These are foreign proteins that stimulate a general immune response.
The goal here is if there isn't an adequate specific immune response, a general response may be enough...
the hand granade versus sniper strategy.
Thirdly, preservatives such as thimerosol and aluminum are used.
These are carcinogens.
Lastly, it's common practice to use vaccine "cocktails"...
multiple vaccines in one dose.
This can overwhelm and confuse the immune system.
To improve the risks of vaccinating consider: Never vaccinating a kitten with a compromised immune system.
This will be the case if they are sick or having surgery (such as spay/neutering).
Get only one vaccine at time rather than a multi-vaccine cocktail.
Only vaccinate against diseases your cat is at risk for.
For instance, indoor cats have less risk compared to outdoor cats for a number of diseases.
We people believe vaccines make our pets (and us) completely invulnerable to specific diseases.
Is that true? Partially.
In reality it's complicated...
and not precise.
What is a Vaccine? First - both animals and humans have immune systems.
The immune system has a number of different parts.
Its' primary function is to defend the "host" (your kitten) from "invaders" that can harm it.
Essentially, it's a survival mechanism.
The immune system needs to "learn" what's bad and how to defend against it much like a little child needs to learn flames from the stove aren't the same flames in a coloring book.
Vaccines contain invaders - called "antigens".
When the invaders are detected, the immune system responds by producing "antibodies".
Antibodies attach themselves to the foreign invaders and make them inactive.
Vaccines contain a small amount of antigens - enough to generate a defensive response, but not too much to overwhelm.
This process sensitizes (teaches) the immune system to that specific antigen so that it will respond strongly if it encounters it again.
We consider that "immunity".
The Downside of Vaccinations As you can see, it's not a precise tactic.
For starters, you're giving the kitten a dose - all be it a small dose - of a virus.
Maybe the kitten can defend against it.
Maybe he can't.
Secondly, vaccines contain "adjuvants".
These are foreign proteins that stimulate a general immune response.
The goal here is if there isn't an adequate specific immune response, a general response may be enough...
the hand granade versus sniper strategy.
Thirdly, preservatives such as thimerosol and aluminum are used.
These are carcinogens.
Lastly, it's common practice to use vaccine "cocktails"...
multiple vaccines in one dose.
This can overwhelm and confuse the immune system.
To improve the risks of vaccinating consider: Never vaccinating a kitten with a compromised immune system.
This will be the case if they are sick or having surgery (such as spay/neutering).
Get only one vaccine at time rather than a multi-vaccine cocktail.
Only vaccinate against diseases your cat is at risk for.
For instance, indoor cats have less risk compared to outdoor cats for a number of diseases.