One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. Keep in mind that vaccines dont offer total immunity from diseases. The inflammation caused by the vaccination activates the malignant tumor and causes it to spread. Another sign of FISS includes the lump exceeding 2cm in diameter, especially if it keeps growing. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. After those initial rounds of vaccinations are finished, all youll have to do to keep your cat vaccinated is periodically get him booster shots. They include: If your cat stays inside all of the time, you might think they areautomatically protected from these kinds of diseases. Some symptoms you can expect to see include sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, andconjunctivitis. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Make a note of all the changes to your cats behavior. These reactions can be life-threatening and are medical emergencies. On the other, theyll be more affected by any of the side effects. 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. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. Respiratory illnesses, which certain vaccinations protect against, can be lethal for senior cats. But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. Again, this is normal behavior. 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. After a few days, you can expect your pet to revert to his true personality. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. Its advisable to get your cat inoculated if your cat roams outside. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. He did not know what was wrong. Woman Tries Every Day For A Month To Rescue This Dog. 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. Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. The effects are similar to human babies who become lethargic, cranky and even get fever after getting their shots. 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. 1. Beyond this, all other vaccines are optional. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. 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. 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. Non-core vaccines arent necessary for all cats. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. Your cat may also need to undergo radiotherapy or chemotherapy. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. 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. Cats that have this vaccination often experience stiffened joints. You need to ensure that your cat is left alone. This will help minimize aggression because they will be both familiar with the scents in the clinic. This virus is quite common among cats, especially cats that go outdoors and are involved in fighting (infection is mainly spread through cat bites). And preventive care recommendations for our cats are no exception. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. 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. 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. FeLV is an important disease, causing a wide variety of problems in persistently infected cats including immunosuppression, anaemia, and lymphoma. 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. Lethargic and DroolingDiseases or injuries affecting the mouth are common causes of drooling, and they can cause lethargy too. Heart diseaseA heart that isnt pumping normally cant move blood around the body well. Feline panleukopenia, also known asfeline parvovirus, is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate in kittens. A loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccinations. Better yet, schedule routine visits to the clinic so that you can bring your cats together. 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. A number of FeLV vaccines are also available and are effective in protecting cats. 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. I just dont think putting her down without knowing exactly what she has is a reasonable option, but it seems to be the in thing to do these days. After coming home, your cats may seem like total strangers. Read the latest news about the AVMA and the veterinary profession, and search archives dating back to 2000. Stay current on important veterinary news, AVMA activities, and member services. Cat booster shots Featured image: iStock.com/GoodLifeStudio. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. iCatCare may receive a commission or share in the net profit of some purchases made through the affiliate links. Let us try to understand whether it is normal for your cat to act strangely after getting a shot. All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. Nutritional disordersCats cant be energetic and engaged without good nutrition. The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. This will give the other cats something familiar to smell in the recently vaccinated pet. If your cat gets outside, you want to make sure they areprotected. Keep track of product alerts for pet foods, animal feed, and products used by veterinarians or animal owners. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common The cat can behave strangely, get aggressive, show lethargy or refuse to eat. Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from diseases that are really serious, contagious and often fatal. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. This is a cancerous tumor that develops following inflammation around the site of the injection. If you see your cat shivering after vaccination, it can be from the pain or swelling at the injection site. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. The disease is commutable among animals and humans. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? Your vet should examine the cat to determine whether it has developed a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. Chlamydophila felisis a type of bacteria that mainly causes conjunctivitis in cats. When the underlying cause can be successfully treated, the lethargy should resolve as well. After getting injected with a vaccine, you may also experience the same symptoms. 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). Here at MyCuteAnimals.com we cover everything from training, care, health, nutrition, breeds, products, and much more. Any cat that has not eaten for 24 hours is a cause for concern. Dog Ate Uncooked Rice? Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)Glucose (a type of sugar) is needed to fuel cells in a cats body, especially in the brain. If they are outdoor or indoor/outdoor, or they are young cats or seniors, your vet may recommend yearly FVRCP shots. PainIts difficult for a cat to move around or be interested in much of anything if they are in moderate to severe pain. 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. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Most cats want to sleep for a few hours after getting their shot. A vaccination against rabies would usually happen in the right back leg, while a vaccination for FVCRP would happen in the right front leg. Cat vaccination recommendations are among the most contentious debates in veterinary medicine. Some cats even exhibit lingering fear and anxiety days after coming from the vet. This tumor would need to be removed, and this is not easy around the neck. You can try comforting it with some food or drink to alleviate the pain or discomfort associated with vaccination. It is not entirely clear why cats experience FISS. 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 you go to the vet, you can probably expect an office visit charge in addition to the cost of the vaccine. Designate this as his recovery area where he can rest without being disturbed by the other members of the household. 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. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. 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. She stayed there and then was released. Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, your vet can help you figure out which vaccines are best and how often your kitty should get shots. We use cookies to improve our website to make sure you have a better browsing experience. 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. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. This, in turn, will allow cancerous cells to spread. These treatments can aggravate problems with the heart and kidneys. If the sarcoma that is caused by vaccination is not treated, it will continue to grow. FeLV is found worldwide. As cats age, they often spend more time quietly observing the world around them (or napping), but this isnt lethargy; its growing up. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. 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. Previously, many vets chose to administer shots to the neck. Any vomiting should be monitored after vaccinations. Try to assess the cats condition if it is not eating. A lethargic cat can look a lot like a tired cat, but there is an important difference. 1. A vet must assess a cat with a lump that persists for weeks after vaccination. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. Assess whether your cat isnt eating or is just reluctant to walk to its bowl. The first one is called the prodromal stage. If your cat does not show any such severe symptoms, you can wait for a few hours to see if it stops shivering. Limping syndrome in cats is a temporary problem. Commonly, your feline friend reacts to these side effects of vaccination with a strange behavior that may concern you. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. As a cat receives a shot, its immune system responds to the antibodies, causing it to look sick and uneasy. This is partly because, should a fibrosarcoma develop at these sites, limb amputation is possible and offers a better chance of complete removal than trying to remove an invasive tumour from the neck region. What Is FIV and Why Is the FIV Vaccine No Longer Available? Traumatic injuriesSignificant trauma leads to pain, and healing requires extra energy. A cat can have an allergic reaction to a vaccination. I have noticed she is not seeing very well but can hear us call her and will follow our calls. Such reactions can occur almost every time the cat gets a shot. Get best-in-class CE in some of your favorite cities. We took her to our vet. This normally lasts for around 48 hours. Get the latest updates on your choice of veterinary topics delivered straight to your inbox. Cat Enema Side Effects What To Expect After Cat Enema? If you present your cat to a vet with FISS, surgery will be required to remove the tumor. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.). It sounds like your cat is having some neurologic symptoms that are very abnormal. The most commonly reported problem in cats is sleeping. 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. Outbreaks of infection with this virus are common and a high proportion of affected cats can die. The rabies vaccine is so important that its required by law, since the disease is fatal, highly contagious and transmissible to humans. Gastrointestinal problemsDiseases leading to poor digestion or nutrient absorption can reduce a cats energy levels. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. What Are the Side Effects of Vaccinations for Senior Cats? 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. 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. However, be aware that your cats appetite may not be normal during this period. To prevent aggression between your cats after a visit to the vet, it is a good idea to isolate the vaccinated cat. Affected cats typically show sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, eye discharge, and mouth ulcers. Your purchase directly supports the leading global cat welfare charity, International Cat Care. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. Many cats are fortunate to go into a regressive state and appear perfectly healthy throughout their lives, but some do not fare as well. This is only a concern if it does not quickly recover. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) This will naturally make them more lethargic. The FeLV vaccine works to protect your cat againstfeline leukemia virus. Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. Some common side effects of feline vaccinations include: These side effects should be short-lived. 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. 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. However, these shouldneverbe used they have no scientific basis and cannot provoke the specific immune response that is needed to provide protection. This can even happen to cats that have bonded quite well. Then they must be boostered a year later.. 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. He gave her a shot of cortizone. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Cat Vaccinations? In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become Some owners report that their cats never remained the same after vaccination. Do they seem drowsy or out of it? Are they not interested in whats going on around them? WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. 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. Could it be infectious? All rights reserved. Others will continue showing fear and anxiety after coming home. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. Typically, these symptoms, including lethargy and lack of appetite, vanish after two to three days. Did they do routine blood work including a complete blood count, diagnostic profile, feline leukemia and feline aids tests? 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. As a pet owner, one of your first responsibilities is to get your four-legged friend vaccinated on schedule. 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. If they have not done some basic tests, Id recommend letting them do that. Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Goodness, this sounds like a very complicated case. This was due to the flexibility of the skin in this area. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. 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. These symptoms are common and should subside independently in a few hours. Is your cat lying around more than normal? Some streaming from the eyes and nose may also follow. A vet will offeressential vaccinations for your cat. To read most recent questions Click here! This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. 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. Many pet owners report their cats not eating after getting their vaccines. 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. Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia), Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1), and Feline Calicivirus (FCV), These three vaccines are combined into one (FVCRP vaccine), Swelling around the location of the injection, Swelling around the face, eyes, mouth, and neck, Low blood pressure and decreased heart rate. I had then decided to take her to our local emergency vet clinic. This allows them to identify one another. Make sure that food and water are readily available to him. Also, other vaccinations are highly recommended to protect your cat against infectious diseases. 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. Some of these problems, like cancer, are more common as pets get older, but lethargy can strike cats at any age. Certain medicationsLethargy can be a side effect of certain medications, including some anti-anxiety and pain-relieving medications commonly given to cats. The disease can negatively impact your cats immune system or cause anemia or cancer. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. There are some risks and side effects associated with cat vaccination. We took her to our vet. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)vaccination is available in some, but not all counties. All vaccines have to undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing before they are licensed for use in cats by regulatory authorities. Although the experience is never pleasant, felines must be vaccinated against rabies by law. The most alarming reaction to vaccination is Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS). It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. Please consider making a contribution, big or small, to keep our content free, accurate and relevant. Cats can have vaccine reactions but they are relatively uncommon and do not present like this. However, you do not have to worry much about your cat. There are so many possibilities of what it could be. To help your pet stay healthy, limit their contact with infected animals and to environments where diseases may be more common. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). 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. More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. You have to understand that cats that share a home pass each others scent to one another. The non-core costs range from $15 to $20 for the year. Some people are tempted to use homoeopathic vaccines or may have these recommended by a friend. They told me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me I should have her put down. Some cats are allergic to vaccines. Heres What You Should Know! While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common Many cats experience mild side effects after vaccination like fever, lethargy, swelling and reduced energy. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become If your cat takes its vaccinations intranasally, it will sneeze and sniff for a while afterward. side effects associated with cat vaccination. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? This usually takes a day. She started to get more aggressive. Hormonal abnormalities (e.g., diabetes)Abnormal hormone levels change physiologic processes throughout the body, which can make cats feel sick. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? Always inform your veterinarian if your pet has had prior reactions to any vaccine or medication. 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. So there you have it everything you need to know about cat vaccinations to keep your pet safe from super preventable diseases.