He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. For example, fleas may remove so much blood from cats that they become anemic. 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. The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. 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. Lower urinary tract problemsDiseases affecting the bladder and associated structures lead to lethargy, discomfort, and sometimes an inability to urinate. If it persists more than three weeks, or seems to be getting larger, you should contact your veterinarian. They should be left alone to rest and you should see improvement in their condition in a few hours. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. Lethargic and DroolingDiseases or injuries affecting the mouth are common causes of drooling, and they can cause lethargy too. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. A loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccinations. She started to get more aggressive. ParasitesParasites can pass on diseases and directly harm the body, leading to lethargy in cats. The FeLV vaccine protects against feline leukemia virus, which is a fatal disease in cats. Decisions regarding the requirement for non-core vaccines may be based on the cats age, lifestyle and contact with other cats. Cat Vaccination Floating Ribs In Dogs Dog Rib Cage Protruding On One Side? Cats dont actually have nine lives, so you need to do what you can to protect them. Sometimes, the pet may even need further observation or other treatments. Some streaming from the eyes and nose may also follow. We took her to our vet. Bordetella bronchisepticais another bacterial infection that can be a part of the upper respiratory infection complex (cat flu) in cats. You can try comforting it with some food or drink to alleviate the pain or discomfort associated with vaccination. These dangers alone are not enough to avoid getting feline vaccinations, though. 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. Cat vaccines protect pets against fatal and infectious feline diseases, keeping them healthy and living longer. Most cats want to sleep for a few hours after getting their shot. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. He told me to bring her in and he would get to her when he could. Recent vaccinationCats may be lethargic for a day or two as their immune system responds to vaccination. Vaccines Its easy to be overwhelmed when you hear conflicting information about whether your cat needs them and the adverse effects they may have. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. These effects should subside in a few hours or days. Many factors affect the likelihood of a cat developing an infectious disease. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. Older cats have weaker immune systems and are more prone to illness. He also might. In some cases, it also causes oral ulceration andpneumonia. A lethargic cat can look a lot like a tired cat, but there is an important difference. Cats In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. Cat booster shots Technically, lethargy in cats is never normal, but it is sometimes expected. He did not know what was wrong. They divide cat vaccines into two categories: Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common Cat Vaccinations While the disease usually starts with decreased energy and low appetite, it progresses to vomiting and diarrhea. 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. Indoor cats may also pick up bacteria and viruses when they stay at a kennel and if you bring a new cat home. However, vaccination is essential for his health and your familys safety. However, a trip to the clinic is often a traumatizing experience for most cats. I had then decided to take her to our local emergency vet clinic. When it comes to medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Some cats are temporarily different or never quite the same after vaccination. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. WebYou may notice your cat has a temporary loss of appetite or is less lively a day or two after a vaccination, but this should resolve within 24-48 hours. Your vet always tells you how important it is to get your cat vaccinated, but you might still be wondering if its worth it. Is she running a fever? The key? Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. Many cats experience mild side effects after vaccination like fever, lethargy, swelling and reduced energy. 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. 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). (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.). Was her glucose normal? The most commonly reported problem in cats is sleeping. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Lethargic and VomitingVomiting is seen with problems directly affecting the digestive tract (inflammatory bowel disease, for example) and metabolic diseases like diabetes or kidney failure. But some cats will behave differently. It is normal for your cat to experience mild symptoms ranging from soreness at the site of injection to fever, lethargy and allergic reactions. They could even react to the rubber gloves that your vet wears to administer the vaccine. These reactions can be life-threatening and are medical emergencies. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. Understanding vaccinosis in dogs and cats The FeLV vaccine works to protect your cat againstfeline leukemia virus. This may include: Tests for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. 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. We took her to our vet. 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. Its natural for a cat to become listless and sleepy after vaccines are administered. FeLVis an important disease that can be spread through fighting, through mutual grooming, and through sharing of food/water bowls and litter trays. If your cat does not show any such severe symptoms, you can wait for a few hours to see if it stops shivering. Neurologic disordersDisease or injury affecting the neurologic system, especially the brain, can lead to lethargy in cats. Anemia (low red blood cell count)A cats body needs the oxygen that red blood cells carry to make energy. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Cat If your cat has tolerated vaccinations well in the past, then there is no reason to deny it boosters, provided that its health hasnt recently faltered. If your elderly cat has a chronic illness, then you should avoid vaccination. I have noticed she is not seeing very well but can hear us call her and will follow our calls. FISS remains rare. They are very dangerous to young cats, and the vaccines are considered to provide a good deal of protection with minimal risk. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. The first one is called the prodromal stage. To make a diagnosis, your veterinarian will start by taking a thorough health history and performing a complete physical examination. Some that may be available include: Vaccination is generally a very safe procedure that has substantially reduced the impact of several very serious diseases. When the underlying cause can be successfully treated, the lethargy should resolve as well. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. Let us try to understand whether it is normal for your cat to act strangely after getting a shot. If the sarcoma that is caused by vaccination is not treated, it will continue to grow. If your kitten or senior cat becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian right away. Cats can be allergic to anything. UTIs in Cats (Urinary Tract Infections in Cats). 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. Ultimately, cat owners should work with their veterinarians to limit the stress associated with visiting a clinic. Again, this is normal behavior. Cat booster shots 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. Not all cats experience these problems after vaccination. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. Even though its a confusing topic, making sure your cat has the shots they need and keeping up with booster shots is very important. Cat Lethargic and Limping After a Vaccine 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 Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. 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. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. Cat vaccination 10 things you should document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. All rights reserved. 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. If your cat takes its vaccinations intranasally, it will sneeze and sniff for a while afterward. These treatments can aggravate problems with the heart and kidneys. Any cat that has not eaten for 24 hours is a cause for concern. Cat Vaccinations How To Euthanize A Cat With Over The Counter Drugs? Rabiesis significant not only for its effect on the cat but because it is a disease that is transmissible to humans and can be fatal. All rights reserved. Nutritional disordersCats cant be energetic and engaged without good nutrition. The most commonly available vaccines are used to provide protection against the following infections: Vaccines can be divided into core vaccines and non-core vaccines. 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. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. 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. 1. 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. She started to get more aggressive. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. Cat Lethargic and Limping After a Vaccine However, in colonies of cats with repeated outbreaks of disease, vaccination may play a role in helping protect cats. A cats body will go through an adjustment after a vaccine is administered. Cat Vaccination All vaccines have to undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing before they are licensed for use in cats by regulatory authorities. Tiredness is a temporary state that resolves with rest or sleep. Cats Your vet should examine the cat to determine whether it has developed a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. You can try feeding the cat to see if it helps. These symptoms are common and should subside independently in a few hours. 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. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. Transmitted through body fluids including saliva, urine, and feces, FeLV is spread when an infected cat comes into close contact with another cat that they groom or share bowls with. Vaccination reactions in pets Feline panleucopenia virus(also known as feline parvovirus or feline infectious enteritis) is a severe and frequently fatal cause of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Fearful cats will often display anxiety or even aggression even before the trip to the vet. The Veterinary Leadership Conference draws veterinarians from across the U.S. for education sessions that help develop leaders for the veterinary profession. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. Some common side effects of feline vaccinations include: These side effects should be short-lived. CancerDifferent types of cancer affect cats in distinct ways, but lethargy is a common clinical sign. This will give the other cats something familiar to smell in the recently vaccinated pet. When to give vaccines. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. Kittens may also acquire infections from the queen before birth. 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. It is not entirely clear why cats experience FISS. Just as in humans, vaccinating your cat helps to protect him or her against several serious and/or life-threatening diseases. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. Among the behavioral changes that you can see in your cat are lethargy, aggression, and fear. Provide for his needs and keep some distance. FCV is thought to be associated with chronicgingivitis/stomatitis, a very painful inflammation of the gums and teeth. This tumor would need to be removed, and this is not easy around the neck. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? 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. 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. 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. In more severe cases, your cat may require intravenous fluids and further observation. But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. Cornell Feline Health Center: Feline Vaccines: Benefits and Risks., American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Vaccinations for Your Pet., American Humane: Vaccinating Your Pet.. TheFeline Vaccination Advisory Panelregularly evaluates and researches cat vaccination developments to make science-based recommendations. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. Many pet owners report their cats not eating after getting their vaccines. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. What Is FIV and Why Is the FIV Vaccine No Longer Available? 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. 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. Cats Have a Reaction to Vaccinations In most cases, the risks posed by vaccination are outweighed by the safety that vaccines provide. 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. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. 1. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. 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. 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. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. If you go to the vet, you can probably expect an office visit charge in addition to the cost of the vaccine. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. Cats heading into stressful situations, such as boarding, may benefit from a core vaccine booster 7-10 days before. And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it. Cat vaccination 10 things you should Your cat may need extra shots depending on how much time they spendoutside, how often they arearound other cats, and the diseases that are common in your area. These side effects are short-term and should subside on their own. **Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers! Then the next day I called him back because Cat Personality Change After Vaccinations Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Vaccine Related Sarcomas Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? We use cookies to improve our website to make sure you have a better browsing experience. It sounds like your cat is having some neurologic symptoms that are very abnormal. This normally lasts for around 48 hours. Traumatic injuriesSignificant trauma leads to pain, and healing requires extra energy. A first booster vaccination should be given 12 months later to ensure a good level of continuing protection. However, be aware that your cats appetite may not be normal during this period. Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Also, other vaccinations are highly recommended to protect your cat against infectious diseases. Did they do routine blood work including a complete blood count, diagnostic profile, feline leukemia and feline aids tests? 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. Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. He gave her a shot of cortizone. Cat Personality Change After Vaccinations Vaccines and Vaccinations: Individual Animals Heres What It Means, Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. Cats Have a Reaction to Vaccinations