🎙️ Episode Overview

Welcome back to the Golden Whiskers Podcast! Today we’re tackling one of the most confusing topics for cat parents: vaccines. If you’ve ever stared at a vet’s reminder card and thought, “Do they really need this?”—this episode is for you.

Joining me is holistic veterinarian and educator Dr. Jeff Grognet, founder of New Earth Vet. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Jeff is on a mission to help pet parents care for their cats consciously—minimizing unnecessary treatments and maximizing wellness through education and nutrition.

We also revisit my own cats, Niko and Milo, now 1 year and 9 months old. They received their core kitten vaccines, but I’ve skipped everything since—including the legally required rabies booster. Dr. Jeff lets me know if I’m officially a fugitive (spoiler alert: kinda)… and offers guidance for cat parents wondering the same.

Whether you’re a new cat parent, questioning a postcard from your vet, or looking to deepen your understanding of feline immunity—this episode has you covered.

🐱 What We Cover

* Do vaccines really expire—or are we just conditioned to believe they do?

* Why indoor cats may not need any vaccines after kittenhood

* What “memory cells” are and how they protect your cat for life

* The rabies law dilemma: legal rules vs. real medical need

* When feline leukemia vaccines make sense—and when they don’t

* The FIP vaccine myth (and why it should be off the table)

* What over-vaccinating can do to your cat’s immune system

* How to use titer tests correctly—and why most vets get it wrong

* The connection between diet and immune health

* How often healthy cats really need to go to the vet

📘 Dr. Jeff’s Recommendations for Cat Owners

🍼 Kitten vaccines only.Get the FVRCP series when they’re young—then stop. That may be all they ever need.

💉 Skip annual boosters unless there’s a real risk.Indoor cats likely don’t need them. Let immune memory do its job.

🚫 Never give the FIP vaccine.Studies show it made cats worse. Dr. Jeff’s advice: don’t touch it.

📊 Do a one-time titer—if you need reassurance.A single titer after the kitten series can confirm immunity. No need to repeat.

🐾 No flea, tick, or worm meds unless symptoms are present.Indoor cats don’t need monthly chemicals.

🥩 Feed for health.Wet or raw food only. Dry kibble is high-carb and can sabotage long-term wellness.

🧼 Home wellness checks matter.If your cat is active, eating well, has bright eyes and good muscle tone—you’re doing great.

🛠️ Resources & Links

🐾 Dr. Jeff’s Website: newearthvet.com📘 Free Download: Six Steps to Holistic Pet Health📬 Newsletter + Blog: Subscribe on the site for weekly insights and event updates

🧡 Final Thought

“We don’t need more vaccines just because the card says so. When we focus on nutrition and minimize toxins, our cats thrive—and we stop treating them like tiny dogs.”— Dr. Jeff Grognet

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