All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. This, in turn, will allow cancerous cells to spread. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. Though rare, your cat may undergo a complete personality change. Every topic on our website is thoroughly researched and professionally written. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common FVCRP, FIP, and Bordetella can be inhaled nasally but may not be as effective as injections. Most cats want to sleep for a few hours after getting their shot. 6 Challenges of Owning a Cat You Need to Know, Changes In Cat Behaviour After Vet Visit? All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Nutritional disordersCats cant be energetic and engaged without good nutrition. This is only a concern if it does not quickly recover. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. Young kittens in multicat households (eg, breeding households) are most likely to be affected and there may also be mild upper respiratory signs. Lethargic and Not Eating / DrinkingLike lethargy, not eating or drinking well are nonspecific clinical signs that are seen with many cat diseases. Some cats are allergic to vaccines. Limping syndrome in cats is a temporary problem. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. They include: If your cat stays inside all of the time, you might think they areautomatically protected from these kinds of diseases. The vet will also think about how long vaccines are supposed to last and how likely your cat might be to come into contact with a certain disease. Decisions regarding the requirement for non-core vaccines may be based on the cats age, lifestyle and contact with other cats. If your cat belongs to the second camp, there are a few things that you can do to make him feel better while recovering. We took her to our vet. To make a diagnosis, your veterinarian will start by taking a thorough health history and performing a complete physical examination. You can try comforting it with some food or drink to alleviate the pain or discomfort associated with vaccination. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. The Veterinary Leadership Conference draws veterinarians from across the U.S. for education sessions that help develop leaders for the veterinary profession. 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. Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. This usually takes a day. When to give vaccines. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper). While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common During times of stress, the virus can reactivate, and the cat can start to show signs of infection againeven if they have not been re-exposed to the disease. 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. Your purchase directly supports the leading global cat welfare charity, International Cat Care. Youll need to make an informed decision about whether to vaccinate your cat based on the available medical evidence. The first one is called the prodromal stage. The cat can behave strangely, get aggressive, show lethargy or refuse to eat. 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. The right vaccinations. It has also been strongly recommended that all kittens are vaccinated against FeLV on the basis that younger cats are more susceptible to this infection and it cannot usually be predicted what the risks for the cat would be as it grows up. An article that might be helpful to you is Dealing with Cats that Wont Eat. What Are the Side Effects of Vaccinations for Senior Cats? Ultimately, cat owners should work with their veterinarians to limit the stress associated with visiting a clinic. Your cat may experience a small amount of swelling at the injection site, making it more difficult for your cat to move. So there you have it everything you need to know about cat vaccinations to keep your pet safe from super preventable diseases. 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. Owners should not get concerned if their cat starts acting strange after vaccination. If they are outdoor or indoor/outdoor, or they are young cats or seniors, your vet may recommend yearly FVRCP shots. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. These reactions should not be severe. It is possible to perform blood tests to identify cats that are infected with this virus, and isolating such cats and preventing them from coming into contact with others is one way of preventing infection. 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. The lungs and other internal organs will soon be affected. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. A vet must assess a cat with a lump that persists for weeks after vaccination. Although the experience is never pleasant, felines must be vaccinated against rabies by law. 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. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. The first one is called the prodromal stage. 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. And preventive care recommendations for our cats are no exception. Typically, these symptoms, including lethargy and lack of appetite, vanish after two to three days. Cats can react badly to vaccines, which is an unavoidable side effect of the process. Senior cats may slow down a bit more, but extreme or sudden changes are usually a sign of a health problem. This was due to the flexibility of the skin in this area. I didnt feel that I had enough evidence of rabies and that it could also have been some other possible diseases but significant testing would have to be done which would end up costing us over $5,000.00. Sometimes, a cat can become aggressive to their humans and other pets in the household after vaccination or even after a visit to the vet for other purposes. It may also run a high fever. In some cases, it also causes oral ulceration andpneumonia. Cats heading into stressful situations, such as boarding, may benefit from a core vaccine booster 7-10 days before. Floating Ribs In Dogs Dog Rib Cage Protruding On One Side? Feline panleucopenia virus(also known as feline parvovirus or feline infectious enteritis) is a severe and frequently fatal cause of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. However, as with any other product, no vaccine can ever be entirely without side effects so it is important to carefully choose which vaccines are necessary for any individual cat and to evaluate how frequently they should be given. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. FeLV is found worldwide. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. Cats can be allergic to anything. This will naturally make them more lethargic. Make a note of all the changes to your cats behavior. He did not know what was wrong. Gastrointestinal problemsDiseases leading to poor digestion or nutrient absorption can reduce a cats energy levels. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. Some pet owners report a temporary change in the behavior or personality of the cat after vaccination. Also, she wants to clean herself and tries to play like she used to. Your pet can temporarily change his usual behavior after getting vaccines either because he is experiencing side effects or if he was traumatized by the visit to the clinic. Clinical signs vary from mild to extremely severe, and occasionally other complications may develop including viral pneumonia. Many pet owners report their cats not eating after getting their vaccines. FISS can cause a cancerous tumor at the site of the vaccination. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Vaccines forfeline herpes virus(FHV-1) andfeline calicivirus(FCV) are always combined, as these two viruses together are the main causes of upper respiratory tract infections in cats (cat flu). One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. 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. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. Designate this as his recovery area where he can rest without being disturbed by the other members of the household. 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. Just as in humans, vaccinating your cat helps to protect him or her against several serious and/or life-threatening diseases. 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. Again, this is normal behavior. Not all cats experience these problems after vaccination. Watch out for symptoms like diarrhea, collapse, and breathing difficulties. Which shots they need. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. If it persists more than three weeks, or seems to be getting larger, you should contact your veterinarian. Support International Cat Care from as little 3, Sign up to our monthly newsletter and free e-magazine Intelligent Cat Care, Sign up to our monthly charity newsletter, Reg Charity 1117342 (England and Wales) Place Farm, Chilmark Road, Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6LW, You are now being re-directed to an external website www.thecatgallery.co.uk. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. The core vaccines are considered essential for all cats (including indoor-only cats) because of the widespread and/or severe nature of the diseases being protected against. 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. Previously, many vets chose to administer shots to the neck. It is possible that it has little energy to walk to the bowl after vaccination. Outbreaks of infection with this virus are common and a high proportion of affected cats can die. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. Then the next day I called him back because 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. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. This allows veterinarians to efficiently administer the vaccines all at once, instead of having to inject a cat three separate times in one visit: If your cat is an indoor adult cat, FVRCP can be done every three years. On the other hand, you can give a cat that is only mildly lethargic and otherwise okay a little time to see if they return to normal on their own. Such reactions can occur almost every time the cat gets a shot. These protect against the following conditions: Of these vaccines, rabies is the only one that is required by law in most U.S. states. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. Tell any children in the home not to disturb your cat. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. Your vet always tells you how important it is to get your cat vaccinated, but you might still be wondering if its worth it. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. To prevent aggression between your cats after a visit to the vet, it is a good idea to isolate the vaccinated cat. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. This is because the cat that came from the vet smells differently that the other cat can no longer recognize the first cats scent. We took her to our vet. As a pet owner, one of your first responsibilities is to get your four-legged friend vaccinated on schedule. Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. It is normal for your cat to experience mild symptoms ranging from soreness at the site of injection to fever, lethargy and allergic reactions. CancerDifferent types of cancer affect cats in distinct ways, but lethargy is a common clinical sign. The virus can also survive for long periods in the environment so vaccination is the only real way to protect cats. For these reasons, where rabies is present in a country or in a region, it is recommended that all cats should be vaccinated against this disease. Cats that have this vaccination often experience stiffened joints. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? A vet will offeressential vaccinations for your cat. Heres What You Should Know! If your kitten or senior cat becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian right away. A cats body will go through an adjustment after a vaccine is administered. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. If your cat seems to have undergone a complete personality transformation, seek further guidance from a vet. Theres no better place to network, learn, and meet up with the friends and colleagues who make veterinary medicine so rewarding. 1. If they have not done some basic tests, Id recommend letting them do that. side effects associated with cat vaccination. Cat Personality Changes After Vaccination. The most common side effects are mild and include lethargy, inappetence or tenderness at the injection site, usually lasting no longer than a few days. The disease can negatively impact your cats immune system or cause anemia or cancer. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. Copyright 1999 - 2023. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. He gave her a shot of cortizone. It only means that your cat is experiencing these symptoms due to the interaction between his body and the vaccine. The other three core vaccines are combined into a single three-in-one vaccine called the FVRCP vaccine. Among the behavioral changes that you can see in your cat are lethargy, aggression, and fear. These side effects are short-term and should subside on their own. American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), What to expect after your pet's vaccination, Discomfort and local swelling at the vaccination site, Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine, Swelling of the muzzle and around the face, neck, or eyes. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. Your veterinarian can assess your cats risk of FeLV infection and decide on an appropriate vaccination schedule. Non-core vaccines arent necessary for all cats. If your cat gets outside, you want to make sure they areprotected. Hormonal abnormalities (e.g., diabetes)Abnormal hormone levels change physiologic processes throughout the body, which can make cats feel sick. For further information on FIV, seeFeline immunodeficiency virus. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. If so, your cat is showing the classic signs of lethargy. They protect against: The feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccinations often come in a combination shot (FVRCP), which is sometimes called the distemper shot.. 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. Recommendations for treatment or additional diagnostic testing will be based on the specifics of your cats case and the results of their initial workup.