Non-core vaccines are only given to cats if there is a genuine risk of exposure to the infection and if vaccination would provide good protection. 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. Vaccinating your cat Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. After a few days, you can expect your pet to revert to his true personality. This is a cancerous tumor that develops following inflammation around the site of the injection. Better yet, schedule routine visits to the clinic so that you can bring your cats together. Brown Pigment In White of Dog's Eye Can Pigmentary Keratitis Cause Blindness? TheFeline Vaccination Advisory Panelregularly evaluates and researches cat vaccination developments to make science-based recommendations. Heres What It Means, Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. This is only a concern if it does not quickly recover. WebBordetella: Cats who go to the groomer or stay at a kennel may get vaccinated for this infection that spreads quickly in spaces where there are lots of animals. PainIts difficult for a cat to move around or be interested in much of anything if they are in moderate to severe pain. They provide cat owners, veterinary professionals and those who live and work with cats the resources, support, and advice they need to better care for cats. He did not know what was wrong. He gave her a shot of cortizone. Check the requirements in your state using this table compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The disease can negatively impact your cats immune system or cause anemia or cancer. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Cat Acting Strange After Vaccination A trip to the vet for vaccination is never a pleasant experience for your cat. Cats that struggle with this side effect bounce back as quickly as they experienced the issue. If your cat seems to have undergone a complete personality transformation, seek further guidance from a vet. Inflammatory / immune diseasesAbnormal immune responses and inflammation can make cats feel unwell and damage the body. As a cat receives a shot, its immune system responds to the antibodies, causing it to look sick and uneasy. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved. And preventive care recommendations for our cats are no exception. This allows them to identify one another. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. I had then decided to take her to our local emergency vet clinic. The lungs and other internal organs will soon be affected. Always inform your veterinarian if your pet has had prior reactions to any vaccine or medication. What Is FIV and Why Is the FIV Vaccine No Longer Available? All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. He gave her a shot of cortizone. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalitiesWater and appropriate electrolyte levels are essential for a cats body to produce energy and function normally. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. It is possible that it has little energy to walk to the bowl after vaccination. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. They should be left alone to rest and you should see improvement in their condition in a few hours. Its easier to stretch the skin and administer a shot. Make a note of all the changes to your cats behavior. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. And a visit to the vet can be doubly scary for a feline if injections are added to the equation. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. The panel comprisesdedicated feline veterinarians and scientists and is regarded as a reputable source of cat vaccination standards. Could it be infectious? The right vaccinations. Cats lack the fat reserves to sustain them. 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 bacterium can also be an occasional cause of pneumonia in young kittens. Contact your veterinarian if you have a lethargic kitten. Booster shots are additional shots that will maintain your cats safety against those deadly diseases as the initial protection from his earlier vaccines gets weaker. Cats can react badly to vaccines, which is an unavoidable side effect of the process. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. Many pet owners report their cats not eating after getting their vaccines. 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. If your cat gets outside, you want to make sure they areprotected. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Feline viral rhinotracheitis (aka feline herpes virus): a disease that affects your cats upper respiratory system and sometimes his eyes, Feline calicivirus: a disease that causes respiratory infections and oral diseases, Feline panleukopenia virus: a disease that dangerously lowers your cats white blood cell count. That can upset your cats stomach. Sometimes, the pet may even need further observation or other treatments. 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. Did they do routine blood work including a complete blood count, diagnostic profile, feline leukemia and feline aids tests? If your cat does not show any such severe symptoms, you can wait for a few hours to see if it stops shivering. The effects are similar to human babies who become lethargic, cranky and even get fever after getting their shots. FeLV is an important disease, causing a wide variety of problems in persistently infected cats including immunosuppression, anaemia, and lymphoma. However, it is a good idea to monitor your cat from time to time to ensure that he does not have an adverse reaction to the vaccine. When used appropriately and as recommended they are both safe and provide crucial protection for cats against a number of diseases. However, a trip to the clinic is often a traumatizing experience for most cats. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. The same isnt true for lethargy. Theres no better place to network, learn, and meet up with the friends and colleagues who make veterinary medicine so rewarding. Commonly, your feline friend reacts to these side effects of vaccination with a strange behavior that may concern you. FISS remains rare. Flat Feet In Dogs UPDATED 2022 A Complete Guide. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. **Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers! Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. These reactions can be life-threatening and are medical emergencies. She started to get more aggressive. However, if you see any severe reactions like swollen eyes or face, breathing difficulty, diarrhea or collapse, you should report to the veterinarian. For example, fleas may remove so much blood from cats that they become anemic. Put simply, lethargy is a cat slowing down when they dont feel good. Some cats are temporarily different or never quite the same after vaccination. Some streaming from the eyes and nose may also follow. American Association of Feline Practitioners, Feline rhinotracheitis virus/herpesvirus 1 (FVR/FHV-1), How likely they are to be exposed to a pathogen, FVRCP (core; only if first shot given at 10-12 weeks), FeLV (core; only if first shot given at 10-12 weeks), FVRCP (every 3 years for indoor cats, and every year for indoor/outdoor, outdoor-only, very young, or senior cats), Rabies (1-year or 3-year vaccine depending on state laws). Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. Attend topical CE meetings on subjects including animal welfare, wellbeing, economics, and public policy. Floating Ribs In Dogs Dog Rib Cage Protruding On One Side? Vaccines Core vaccines for cats are: The FVRCP vaccine is a combination vaccine to protect your cat from three pretty serious diseases: These diseases can affect things like your cats respiratory system and white blood cell count. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. Feline leukemia: This serious viral infection spreads through many bodily fluids like saliva, feces, urine, and milk.The vaccine is recommended inkittens and then 12 months later. Her eyes have a hazy cloudy look and she is still stumbling around, however, her strength and will to keep her balance has greatly improved. You can find out more about infectious upper respiratory disease at Todays Veterinary Practice (TVP). On average, your cats core vaccines alone (without the office visit charge) can cost $40 to $80 for the first years worth of shots. If it persists more than three weeks, or seems to be getting larger, you should contact your veterinarian. You should note all the changes you see in the cats behavior and find the pattern. Is your cat lying around more than normal? He also might. Your veterinarian can assess your cats risk of FeLV infection and decide on an appropriate vaccination schedule. The disease is commutable among animals and humans. Cats that stay at a boarding cattery will generally require an annual vaccination (or booster vaccine before the cat goes into the cattery) as this is a higher risk situation. The side effect that has received the most attention in recent years is fibrosarcoma this is a type of malignant tumour that can develop at the site of vaccination. Lethargy is a very nonspecific clinical signits seen with almost every health problem a cat could develop. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. All rights reserved. The cat can behave strangely, get aggressive, show lethargy or refuse to eat. She started to get more aggressive. Outbreaks of infection with this virus are common and a high proportion of affected cats can die. More marked side effects may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lameness, fever, signs of respiratory tract infection, or lumps at the site of injection. 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. 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. Clinical signs vary from mild to extremely severe, and occasionally other complications may develop including viral pneumonia. Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. But for cats who are older than 1 year and are at low risk of exposure, the FeLV vaccine is considered a non-core vaccine. after Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. To prevent aggression between your cats after a visit to the vet, it is a good idea to isolate the vaccinated cat. Both of these viruses are ubiquitous in cat populations, and because infection is so common, and can often be quite severe (especially in younger cats), vaccination is considered important for all cats. 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. Any movement will be painful for the full duration of this side effect. What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Cat Vaccinations? All rights reserved. Cats of any age can get FeLV, but its typically considered a core vaccine for cats under 1 year old. 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. Vaccines and Vaccinations: Individual Animals There are some clinics that will vaccinate your cat for free. Typically, these symptoms, including lethargy and lack of appetite, vanish after two to three days. It is normal for your cat to experience mild symptoms ranging from soreness at the site of injection to fever, lethargy and allergic reactions. So there you have it everything you need to know about cat vaccinations to keep your pet safe from super preventable diseases. Future vaccine recommendation will be based on the cat's lifestyle.Feline leukemia cannot be cured, so prevention is a priority. 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. Adult cats need shots less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last. Vaccination causes a chemical reaction in the cats brain that lasts 24-48 hours. Hormonal abnormalities (e.g., diabetes)Abnormal hormone levels change physiologic processes throughout the body, which can make cats feel sick. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. For example, cats that have just been vaccinated are often lethargic. Although todays veterinarians are working hard to make a pets experience at a clinic less stressful, a visit to the clinic can still be scary for your cat, with all the unfamiliar faces, objects, and scents that he will encounter inside. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. Anemia (low red blood cell count)A cats body needs the oxygen that red blood cells carry to make energy. Vaccinating your cat (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) If you see your cat shivering after vaccination, it can be from the pain or swelling at the injection site. Lethargic and Not Eating / DrinkingLike lethargy, not eating or drinking well are nonspecific clinical signs that are seen with many cat diseases. 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. Signs that your cat is allergic to the vaccination include: These reactions will be treated with steroids or antihistamines to reduce the impact of the allergy. A vaccine is usually given by an injection under the skin, although sometimes may be given as drops into the eyes or nose. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become Cat booster shots Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. Try to assess the cats condition if it is not eating. Talk to your vet to figure out which approach is best for your pet. Is she eating? When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. Then the next day I called him back because Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. In most cases, the risks posed by vaccination are outweighed by the safety that vaccines provide. Neurologic disordersDisease or injury affecting the neurologic system, especially the brain, can lead to lethargy in cats. Cats can have vaccine reactions but they are relatively uncommon and do not present like this. We took her to our vet. Your vet always tells you how important it is to get your cat vaccinated, but you might still be wondering if its worth it. WebDecreased appetite and activity. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. You can try comforting it with some food or drink to alleviate the pain or discomfort associated with vaccination. Liver and kidney diseaseWaste products build up when these organs fail, which disrupts normal chemical processes and makes cats feel terrible. American Association of Feline Practitioners. The viruses are often transmitted by direct or close contact between cats (eg, in sneezed droplets), but they may also survive for short periods in the environment. Vaccination reactions in pets A vet must assess a cat with a lump that persists for weeks after vaccination. These treatments can aggravate problems with the heart and kidneys. after But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. These reactions are generally treated with antihistamines and steroids. Every week we publish insightful pet articles to educate, inspire, and make your life easier. 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. Cat Vaccinations Most persistently infected cats will die as a result of their infection. Previously, many vets chose to administer shots to the neck. Because fibrosarcomas can be very difficult to completely remove by surgery, it has been recommended by groups in the USA that rabies vaccines are given in the right hind leg, FeLV vaccines in the left hind leg and FHV-1/FCV vaccines in the right front leg. Ultimately, cat owners should work with their veterinarians to limit the stress associated with visiting a clinic. It is not as common as FHV-1 or FCV (see above), but can sometimes be a problem especially in stressed cats and cats from large colonies. Vaccines She stayed there and then was released. And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it. Which shots they need. Only use vaccines that are recommended by your vet. I cant see how that can be rabies. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. This will give the feline enough time to groom and make himself smell familiar to the other cats. Nutritional disordersCats cant be energetic and engaged without good nutrition. A loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccinations. Your purchase directly supports the leading global cat welfare charity, International Cat Care. Some cats are allergic to vaccines. Before going to the vet, it is a good idea to prepare a warm and cozy place for your cat. Traumatic injuriesSignificant trauma leads to pain, and healing requires extra energy. This can even happen to cats that have bonded quite well. 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 virus also kills off white blood cells, leaving the young cats even more susceptible to secondary infections. Its rare, but it does happen. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccination in cats. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. WebBordetella: Cats who go to the groomer or stay at a kennel may get vaccinated for this infection that spreads quickly in spaces where there are lots of animals. Cat Personality Change After Vaccinations A Complete Guide, 10 Fun Facts About Cat Teeth You Probably Didnt Know Until Now, Interrupted Labour In Cats UPDATED 2022 A Complete Guide, Cat Claw Growing Out of Pad? It is common for pets to experience some or all of the following mild side effects after receiving a vaccine, usually starting within hours of the vaccination. This is because the vaccine causes a chemical reaction in a cats brain. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become The cost of your cats vaccines will vary depending on where you get them done. These diseases are highly infectious and seen worldwide. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. This will give the other cats something familiar to smell in the recently vaccinated pet. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Black Spots, Gunk & Blackheads On Dog Nipples: What Do They Mean?? The key? Many cats experience mild side effects after vaccination like fever, lethargy, swelling and reduced energy. side effects associated with cat vaccination. If your cat refuses to eat after getting a shot, you should not worry about it. In some cases, it also causes oral ulceration andpneumonia. This can manifest in the form of aggression or clinginess. For further information on FeLV, seeFeline leukaemia virus. 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. Some of these problems, like cancer, are more common as pets get older, but lethargy can strike cats at any age. Chlamydophila felisis a type of bacteria that mainly causes conjunctivitis in cats. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. You can also use a towel to extract the scent of the other cats and then rub that towel on the cat that visited the vet. WebDecreased appetite and activity. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from diseases that are really serious, contagious and often fatal. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. This usually takes a day. Some vaccines are recommended for all cats. Understanding vaccinosis in dogs and cats Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. Then the next day I called him back because There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. Get best-in-class CE in some of your favorite cities. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. Therefore, veterinarians will often focus on any other symptoms a cat might have when they are trying to figure out what is wrong. Vaccines and Vaccinations: Individual Animals Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. Gastrointestinal problemsDiseases leading to poor digestion or nutrient absorption can reduce a cats energy levels. A number of other vaccines may be available in certain countries but not others. 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Anyone who cares for his or her cat will want to protect it in this way and vaccination is a critical part of a proper preventive healthcare programme. Cat Vaccinations Their guidelines, published by theAmerican Association of Feline Practitioners, are among the most trusted and utilized recommendations in the field. However, vaccination is essential for his health and your familys safety. Although the experience is never pleasant, felines must be vaccinated against rabies by law. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. A cat that does not eat for more than 24 hours is a matter of concern. In many cases, lethargy is the bodys way of conserving energy to fight off illness or heal from injury. If these side effects last for more than a day or two, or cause your pet significant discomfort, it is important for you to contact your veterinarian: A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. Infection with FeLV is not an automatic death sentence. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. 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. Feline calicivirusencompasses a number of viral strains that cause signs of upper respiratory infection, such as sneezing and nasal discharge as well as oral ulcerations. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). As a pet owner, one of your first responsibilities is to get your four-legged friend vaccinated on schedule. If your cat has little energy or limping syndrome, the walk can feel like a long journey, especially for an older cat with joint problems or arthritis pain. But usually, these behavioral changes are temporary in nature. 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. 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. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. 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. If the sarcoma that is caused by vaccination is not treated, it will continue to grow. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. Affected cats can be treated successfully with appropriate antibiotics, but vaccination may be helpful in some circumstances as part of a control programme in an infected household, For further information onChlamydophila felis, seeChlamydophila felisinfection in cats. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. With FHV-1, even after the initial signs subside, most cats will remain permanently infected with the virus and some go on to develop recurrent eye infections or other signs. Then they must be boostered a year later..