Any vomiting should be monitored after vaccinations. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. This is more likely for older cats with arthritis or joint pain. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. Featured image: iStock.com/GoodLifeStudio. Cats Have a Reaction to Vaccinations For more information, please see ourPrivacy Policy. Cat Lethargic and Limping After a Vaccine Cat Vaccinations The other three core vaccines are combined into a single three-in-one vaccine called the FVRCP vaccine. Vaccinations Feline panleukopenia, also known asfeline parvovirus, is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate in kittens. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. This behavior can last for about a day and your pet should start eating in few hours. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. You have to consider the fact that visiting the vet often entails a lot of things that can be scary for your pet, including getting handled by the clinic staff. Can you give me any feedback on your impressions and how I need to proceed with continued love and care for my little one? Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? You can discuss all these issues with your vet. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Lethargy can be defined as an abnormal decrease in a cats activity level and alertness. Cat booster shots Respiratory conditionsAnything that hinders the lungs ability to move oxygen into the bloodstream can lead to lethargy in cats. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common Cats He gave her a shot of cortizone. Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, it should go without saying that vaccines are essential for your pets health and your safety. FeLVis an important disease that can be spread through fighting, through mutual grooming, and through sharing of food/water bowls and litter trays. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. He did not know what was wrong. Then the next day I called him back because WebAffected cats may have sneezing, eye and nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, lethargy, loss of appetite, sores on the gums and soft tissues of the oral cavity, and lameness. Chlamydophila felisis a type of bacteria that mainly causes conjunctivitis in cats. This will help minimize aggression because they will be both familiar with the scents in the clinic. A number of FeLV vaccines are also available and are effective in protecting cats. Cat Acting Strange After Vaccination While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common Cat Vaccinations Its easy to be overwhelmed when you hear conflicting information about whether your cat needs them and the adverse effects they may have. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. Mild reactions can include a variety of symptoms such as mild fever, lethargy, poor appetite, sneezing or respiratory problems, slight discomfort at the injection site, slight swelling at the injection site, and vomiting. However, if you see any severe reactions like swollen eyes or face, breathing difficulty, diarrhea or collapse, you should report to the veterinarian. This will give the feline enough time to groom and make himself smell familiar to the other cats. And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it. Get the latest updates on your choice of veterinary topics delivered straight to your inbox. Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies. This should go away on its own in 2-3 days as the symptoms ease. Some of these problems, like cancer, are more common as pets get older, but lethargy can strike cats at any age. Cats of any age can get FeLV, but its typically considered a core vaccine for cats under 1 year old. The Cat Gallery has partnered with International Cat Care to host the charitys online shop and manage the distribution of shop bought goods to customers. If it persists more than three weeks, or seems to be getting larger, you should contact your veterinarian. For example, fleas may remove so much blood from cats that they become anemic. Woman Tries Every Day For A Month To Rescue This Dog. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. The lungs and other internal organs will soon be affected. Attend topical CE meetings on subjects including animal welfare, wellbeing, economics, and public policy. Cat vaccination 10 things you should Rabies is an important disease and although it is more common in dogs (and more commonly passed from dogs to humans than cats to humans) cats can be infected and can be a source of human infection. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccination in cats. Cats can have vaccine reactions but they are relatively uncommon and do not present like this. After your cat gets his first shot, hell need a few more doses usually two to four weeks apart until hes 16 to 20 weeks old. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. In most cases, the risks posed by vaccination are outweighed by the safety that vaccines provide. We took her to our vet. Another sign of FISS includes the lump exceeding 2cm in diameter, especially if it keeps growing. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. Copyright 1999 - 2023. Owners should not get concerned if their cat starts acting strange after vaccination. The right vaccinations. Decisions regarding the requirement for non-core vaccines may be based on the cats age, lifestyle and contact with other cats. Cats The FVCRP vaccine is most likely to cause limping because lameness is a symptom of feline calicivirus. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. Bordetella bronchisepticais another bacterial infection that can be a part of the upper respiratory infection complex (cat flu) in cats. If you let your cat go outdoors, you should probably consider giving him non-core vaccines, since you have no idea what he could be exposed to outside. Vaccine Related Sarcomas After a latent period lasting months or even years, the disease often progresses to a variety of associated conditions:lymphoma, anemia, or immunosuppression resulting in secondary disease. Understanding vaccinosis in dogs and cats Lethargic and Losing WeightA poor appetite can lead to weight loss, but so can diseases like hyperthyroidism or diabetes, even if your cat is eating well. All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. FVCRP, FIP, and Bordetella can be inhaled nasally but may not be as effective as injections. The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. It may also run a high fever. From time to time, check on your cat. Your cat may experience a small amount of swelling at the injection site, making it more difficult for your cat to move. Because of this, after your cat receives any vaccine, it is sensible to monitor the injection site regularly and if a swelling at the site persists for several weeks and/or continues to enlarge, get it checked immediately by your vet. The FeLV vaccine works to protect your cat againstfeline leukemia virus. If your cat seems to have undergone a complete personality transformation, seek further guidance from a vet. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Future vaccine recommendation will be based on the cat's lifestyle.Feline leukemia cannot be cured, so prevention is a priority. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. This virus is quite common among cats, especially cats that go outdoors and are involved in fighting (infection is mainly spread through cat bites). It is a preparation designed to provide protection against a specific infectious disease through stimulating an immune response that will protect the cat if it is subsequently exposed to the infection. Cats can be allergic to anything. If your cat belongs to the second camp, there are a few things that you can do to make him feel better while recovering. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Some pet owners report a temporary change in the behavior or personality of the cat after vaccination. Certain medicationsLethargy can be a side effect of certain medications, including some anti-anxiety and pain-relieving medications commonly given to cats. Before going to the vet, it is a good idea to prepare a warm and cozy place for your cat. Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from diseases that are really serious, contagious and often fatal. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. Could it be infectious? Any cat that has not eaten for 24 hours is a cause for concern. Lethargic and Not Eating / DrinkingLike lethargy, not eating or drinking well are nonspecific clinical signs that are seen with many cat diseases. Lower urinary tract problemsDiseases affecting the bladder and associated structures lead to lethargy, discomfort, and sometimes an inability to urinate. They told me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me I should have her put down. You can find out more about infectious upper respiratory disease at Todays Veterinary Practice (TVP). This is because the immune system has started reacting to the vaccine. And a visit to the vet can be doubly scary for a feline if injections are added to the equation. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. Although the experience is never pleasant, felines must be vaccinated against rabies by law. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. The most commonly reported problem in cats is sleeping. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. The same isnt true for lethargy. A feline that has been vaccinated will want to be on its own to get some sleep for several hours. A loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccinations. Provide for his needs and keep some distance. Most cats will need booster shots every one to three years, but always double-check with your vet to make sure because thats something youll want to stay on top of. However, a trip to the clinic is often a traumatizing experience for most cats. In recent years, the risk of Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS) has become more of a concern. Heres how to tell the difference between a tired cat and a lethargic cat, some possible causes of the lethargy, and what you should do. Documented reactions in these cases include behavioral aggression and separation anxiety; destruction and shredding of clothing and bedding; obsessive behavior such as barking, fearfulness, self-mutilation, tail chewing; pica (eating wood, stones, earth, and feces); seizures and epilepsy; fibrosarcomas at the injection site; and autoimmune If they have not done some basic tests, Id recommend letting them do that. Cat Is she weak? If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. Cat vaccination 10 things you should A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and redness in the injection site, appetite loss, and even lethargy and general malaise. Tiredness is a temporary state that resolves with rest or sleep. For further information on FIV, seeFeline immunodeficiency virus. Was her glucose normal? after On the other, theyll be more affected by any of the side effects. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common to see some changes in behavior of your feline friend for a few hours once it gets its vaccine shot. So The Dodos compiled everything you need to know about cat vaccinations. A cats immune system starts to adapt following a vaccine, which means that a cat may feel sick. Vaccines These are perfectly normal although it can be disconcerting to see your happy cat lack his usual vigor. Here are the general cat vaccination guidelines to use as a starting point: Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. These reactions can be life-threatening and are medical emergencies. Every topic on our website is thoroughly researched and professionally written. Cat Vaccinations A lot of cats will start their vaccines around 6 to 8 weeks old, and you can decide to either give your cat all the different types of shots he needs at once or stagger them out. Lethargy is a very nonspecific clinical signits seen with almost every health problem a cat could develop. She started to get more aggressive. This can even happen to cats that have bonded quite well. Stay current on important veterinary news, AVMA activities, and member services. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. Some cats are allergic to vaccines. What Are the Side Effects of Vaccinations for Senior Cats? Senior cats may slow down a bit more, but extreme or sudden changes are usually a sign of a health problem. However, it is not a concern if the cat gets better with time and recovers in a few hours. After coming home, your cats may seem like total strangers. I dont know how long after the vaccines that the signs start. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat is extremely lethargic or if their lethargy occurs in combination with other serious symptoms like difficulty breathing or severe vomiting or diarrhea. As a cat owner, you need to be aware of your pets fear at the clinic. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. Some owners report that their cats never remained the same after vaccination. All vaccines have to undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing before they are licensed for use in cats by regulatory authorities. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. Some data suggest that adult animals may maintain immunity for 5-7 years after their initial vaccinations as young animals, suggesting that the annual revaccination veterinarians had recommended for years is not necessary. Adverse effects from vaccines are very rare, especially in view of the millions of doses that are administered every year. Again, this is normal behavior. The initial vaccine course is often started at 8-9 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. Brown Pigment In White of Dog's Eye Can Pigmentary Keratitis Cause Blindness? Cat Cats Have a Reaction to Vaccinations For example, cats that have just been vaccinated are often lethargic. When it comes to medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Hormonal abnormalities (e.g., diabetes)Abnormal hormone levels change physiologic processes throughout the body, which can make cats feel sick. Vaccinations A cat can have an allergic reaction to a vaccination. This can manifest in the form of aggression or clinginess. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. A number of other vaccines may be available in certain countries but not others. The factors that your veterinarian will consider to determine yourcats vaccination scheduleinclude: Discuss your cats lifestyle and risk factors with your veterinarian to determine an optimal, individualized vaccination protocol. However, in colonies of cats with repeated outbreaks of disease, vaccination may play a role in helping protect cats. There are some risks and side effects associated with cat vaccination. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. Vaccines These protect against the following conditions: Of these vaccines, rabies is the only one that is required by law in most U.S. states. Understanding vaccinosis in dogs and cats Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. There are so many possibilities of what it could be. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. If your cat refuses to eat after getting a shot, you should not worry about it. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. Some cats are temporarily different or never quite the same after vaccination. Young kittens in multicat households (eg, breeding households) are most likely to be affected and there may also be mild upper respiratory signs. It only means that your cat is experiencing these symptoms due to the interaction between his body and the vaccine. Then the next day I called him back because she started hanging her head and falling to the right and could not keep her balance. And when you consider the pain of an injection, you will better understand why your cat may not interact with people and other cats like he usually does. Vaccines These effects should subside in a few hours or days. The journal Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica has stated that instances remain as low as 1 in 10,000. 6 Challenges of Owning a Cat You Need to Know, Changes In Cat Behaviour After Vet Visit? We took her to our vet. Every week we publish insightful pet articles to educate, inspire, and make your life easier. A vaccine is usually given by an injection under the skin, although sometimes may be given as drops into the eyes or nose. The disease can negatively impact your cats immune system or cause anemia or cancer. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. The availability of different vaccines will vary between different countries, because some diseases are not present everywhere, and because vaccines are not necessarily licensed (and therefore available) in every country. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. A vaccination against rabies would usually happen in the right back leg, while a vaccination for FVCRP would happen in the right front leg. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Very few cats may be allergic to one or more components of the vaccine and have more serious side effects such as difficulty in breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea. Beyond this, all other vaccines are optional. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. If the cat has not eaten for over a day or it has other symptoms like fever or pain, you should consult the vet to see what is wrong. Only use vaccines that are recommended by your vet. What Is FIV and Why Is the FIV Vaccine No Longer Available? When used appropriately and as recommended they are both safe and provide crucial protection for cats against a number of diseases. Kittens may also acquire infections from the queen before birth. These reactions should not be severe. This, in turn, will allow cancerous cells to spread. In short, almost any health condition can lead to lethargy in cats, including: InfectionsFighting off bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens takes a lot of energy. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior.