On the vaccination angle, at least one vet in the area is now offering three year distemper shots once a cat has had its kitten series. The next year, he can get a 3 year distemper and 3 year rabies. This will cut down the possiblity of VAS or other reactions. Also, the manufacturers are modifying the formulas. Often, it's the stuff other than the active vaccine ingredient that causes the reaction.

FeLV vaccines should only be given for indoor/outdoor cats, in my opinion. Did you know that this vaccine is only 70% effective? Same with the new FIV vaccine. Also, the FIV vaccine will cause the cat to test positive for FIV, a problem if you'r trying to rehab a feral and place it for adoption.

Probably the single most important vaccine is distemper, because of its contagious nature. Rabies is so low probability, it's required because of its potential danger to humans.

I read someplace (did a search on vaccines + feline on Googol) that many vaccines are active for 7 years or more. You can have a "titer" done to analyze for antibodies in the animal.