Then the next day I called him back because 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. However, your pet may want to be alone during this period. In more severe cases, your cat may require intravenous fluids and further observation. 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. Feline herpesvirus, also known asfeline rhinotracheitis virus, causes severe signs of upper respiratory infection. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. These dangers alone are not enough to avoid getting feline vaccinations, though. The most alarming reaction to vaccination is Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS). This is because the vaccine causes a chemical reaction in a cats brain. Cat Vaccination We took her to our vet. Vaccinating your cat Also, other vaccinations are highly recommended to protect your cat against infectious diseases. Now, I am here on the internet trying to get answers. Some symptoms you can expect to see include sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, andconjunctivitis. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. Heres how to tell the difference between a tired cat and a lethargic cat, some possible causes of the lethargy, and what you should do. 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. Cat Enema Side Effects What To Expect After Cat Enema? 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. Tell any children in the home not to disturb your cat. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. Clinical signs vary from mild to extremely severe, and occasionally other complications may develop including viral pneumonia. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common to see some changes in behavior of your feline friend for a few hours once it gets its vaccine shot. Any cat that has not eaten for 24 hours is a cause for concern. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. An article that might be helpful to you is Dealing with Cats that Wont Eat. A vaccination against rabies would usually happen in the right back leg, while a vaccination for FVCRP would happen in the right front leg. The first one is called the prodromal stage. Just as in humans, vaccinating your cat helps to protect him or her against several serious and/or life-threatening diseases. 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. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. Let us try to understand whether it is normal for your cat to act strangely after getting a shot. Heres What It Means, Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. 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. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. Cats heading into stressful situations, such as boarding, may benefit from a core vaccine booster 7-10 days before. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. Some of these problems, like cancer, are more common as pets get older, but lethargy can strike cats at any age. 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. Behavior change in a kitten after vaccination 1. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. Sometimes, the pet may even need further observation or other treatments. Lethargy can be defined as an abnormal decrease in a cats activity level and alertness. Kittens and seniors tend to have fewer reserves and be a bit more fragile than adults in their prime, so lethargy may develop more quickly or be more severe in the very young or very old. The lungs and other internal organs will soon be affected. Cats WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. Find whether it does not have an appetite or it is not willing to walk to its bowl. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. Vaccine Related Sarcomas A potential problem is that vaccinated cats will also test positive on the routine tests used to detect FIV-infected cats, but newer diagnostic assays are becoming available that may overcome this problem. Many cats are fortunate to go into a regressive state and appear perfectly healthy throughout their lives, but some do not fare as well. While the disease usually starts with decreased energy and low appetite, it progresses to vomiting and diarrhea. Understand that your cat is still in recovery and that he may not be his usual self. Then the next day I called him back because Cats that struggle with this side effect bounce back as quickly as they experienced the issue. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. The FeLV vaccine is recommended as core for kittens. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and redness in the injection site, appetite loss, and even lethargy and general malaise. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. Cats can react badly to vaccines, which is an unavoidable side effect of the process. There are some clinics that will vaccinate your cat for free. Lower urinary tract problemsDiseases affecting the bladder and associated structures lead to lethargy, discomfort, and sometimes an inability to urinate. This virus is quite common among cats, especially cats that go outdoors and are involved in fighting (infection is mainly spread through cat bites). While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. 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. After the cat recovers from the initial infection, the virus enters a latency period in the nerves. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. There are some risks and side effects associated with cat vaccination. Any movement will be painful for the full duration of this side effect. 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. So there you have it everything you need to know about cat vaccinations to keep your pet safe from super preventable diseases. There are so many possibilities of what it could be. After getting injected with a vaccine, you may also experience the same symptoms. He told me to bring her in and he would get to her when he could. 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. The FeLV vaccine works to protect your cat againstfeline leukemia virus. Vaccination can and do affect a cats behavior. A vaccine is usually given by an injection under the skin, although sometimes may be given as drops into the eyes or nose. 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. Other vaccines are regarded as non-core and used when vaccination would provide valuable protection for an individual cat. They are very dangerous to young cats, and the vaccines are considered to provide a good deal of protection with minimal risk. Tiredness is a temporary state that resolves with rest or sleep. FISS can cause a cancerous tumor at the site of the vaccination. What Are the Side Effects of Vaccinations for Senior Cats? Any vomiting should be monitored after vaccinations. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. If you present your cat to a vet with FISS, surgery will be required to remove the tumor. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. 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). We took her to our vet. To help your pet stay healthy, limit their contact with infected animals and to environments where diseases may be more common. Vaccines JUMP TO: Core vaccines | Non-core vaccines | Vaccine costs | Vaccine schedule | Booster shots. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Its rare, but it does happen. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. 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. A number of FeLV vaccines are also available and are effective in protecting cats. Behavior change in a kitten after vaccination They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. Although vaccination does not always prevent infection with these viruses, it will help greatly in reducing the severity of disease if a vaccinated cat does become infected. 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. Some common side effects of feline vaccinations include: These side effects should be short-lived. Keep track of product alerts for pet foods, animal feed, and products used by veterinarians or animal owners. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. Even if you reside in a state that doesnt mandate rabies shots by law, it remains advisable. iCatCare may receive a commission or share in the net profit of some purchases made through the affiliate links. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. If your cat is still unwell 48 hours after its vaccination, then you should call your vet for advice. As vaccinations are injected into a cats leg, some limited mobility is to be expected. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. Although the experience is never pleasant, felines must be vaccinated against rabies by law. Indoor cats may also pick up bacteria and viruses when they stay at a kennel and if you bring a new cat home. FCV is thought to be associated with chronicgingivitis/stomatitis, a very painful inflammation of the gums and teeth. This will naturally make them more lethargic. After a few days, you can expect your pet to revert to his true personality. A vet must assess a cat with a lump that persists for weeks after vaccination. Cat Vaccinations The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. Cat vaccines protect pets against fatal and infectious feline diseases, keeping them healthy and living longer. Cat Vaccinations Cat Personality Change After Vaccinations FVCRP, FIP, and Bordetella can be inhaled nasally but may not be as effective as injections. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Many factors affect the likelihood of a cat developing an infectious disease. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. Anemia (low red blood cell count)A cats body needs the oxygen that red blood cells carry to make energy. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. But usually, these behavioral changes are temporary in nature. Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved. And if youre about to adopt a cat, some rescues and shelters will include the costs of the vaccines he already got in your cats adoption fees. Hormonal abnormalities (e.g., diabetes)Abnormal hormone levels change physiologic processes throughout the body, which can make cats feel sick. This will give the other cats something familiar to smell in the recently vaccinated pet. 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. The initial vaccine course is often started at 8-9 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Its easier to stretch the skin and administer a shot. Not all vaccines must be injected. 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. She stayed there and then was released. He gave her a shot of cortizone. 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. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become Many pet owners report their cats not eating after getting their vaccines. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)vaccination is available in some, but not all counties. Basic lab work will often be needed as well. Complete Guide To Cat Paw Pad Growth, Cat Acting Strange After Vaccination? Cat Personality Change After Vaccinations 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. Put simply, lethargy is a cat slowing down when they dont feel good. If the sarcoma that is caused by vaccination is not treated, it will continue to grow. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) If your cat does not show any such severe symptoms, you can wait for a few hours to see if it stops shivering. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Cats withBordetella bronchispeticacan be treated effectively with appropriate antibiotics, and vaccination is not required in most cats. Seefeline herpes virusandfeline calicivirus. 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. On average, your cats core vaccines alone (without the office visit charge) can cost $40 to $80 for the first years worth of shots. Diarrhea is also a possibility for the same reasons. However, as a charity, we need your support to enable us to keep delivering high quality and up to date information for everyone. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy does not improve. Though rare, your cat may undergo a complete personality change. Cat vaccination 10 things you should Limping syndrome in cats is a temporary problem. They tend to be either fully onrunning around like maniacsor fully offresting up for another round. 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. Cat They told me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me I should have her put down. It might be tempting to sit beside your pet to give him comfort. The Cat Gallery has partnered with International Cat Care to host the charitys online shop and manage the distribution of shop bought goods to customers. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? Some pet owners report a temporary change in the behavior or personality of the cat after vaccination. If you see your cat shivering after vaccination, it can be from the pain or swelling at the injection site. Some cats even exhibit lingering fear and anxiety days after coming from the vet. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. And a visit to the vet can be doubly scary for a feline if injections are added to the equation. They divide cat vaccines into two categories: Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions. Cat Lethargic and Limping After a Vaccine Kittens may also acquire infections from the queen before birth. These are perfectly normal although it can be disconcerting to see your happy cat lack his usual vigor. **Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers! 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. Vaccinations 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. Lethargic and Not Eating / DrinkingLike lethargy, not eating or drinking well are nonspecific clinical signs that are seen with many cat diseases. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). 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. Provide for his needs and keep some distance. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. 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. 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. CancerDifferent types of cancer affect cats in distinct ways, but lethargy is a common clinical sign. For more information, please see ourPrivacy Policy. We took her to our vet. This is a cancerous tumor that develops following inflammation around the site of the injection. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. Cats Cat Vaccinations If they are outdoor or indoor/outdoor, or they are young cats or seniors, your vet may recommend yearly FVRCP shots. The key? What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Cat Vaccinations? This means that the neck should always be avoided. We use cookies to improve our website to make sure you have a better browsing experience. The same thing can happen to people. For further information on FIV, seeFeline immunodeficiency virus. 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. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. Cat Acting Strange After Vaccination He gave her a shot of cortizone. 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. What Is FIV and Why Is the FIV Vaccine No Longer Available? In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. Typically, these symptoms, including lethargy and lack of appetite, vanish after two to three days. 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. Get best-in-class CE in some of your favorite cities. In recent years, the risk of Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS) has become more of a concern. You can try comforting it with some food or drink to alleviate the pain or discomfort associated with vaccination. Cats of any age can get FeLV, but its typically considered a core vaccine for cats under 1 year old. However, these shouldneverbe used they have no scientific basis and cannot provoke the specific immune response that is needed to provide protection. Cat vaccination recommendations are among the most contentious debates in veterinary medicine. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. Cat Loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccination in cats. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. The shots come in a series every 3 to 4 weeks. Older cats have weaker immune systems and are more prone to illness. Better yet, schedule routine visits to the clinic so that you can bring your cats together. Cats can be allergic to anything. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. Some owners report that their cats never remained the same after vaccination. PainIts difficult for a cat to move around or be interested in much of anything if they are in moderate to severe pain. This tumor would need to be removed, and this is not easy around the neck. Inflammatory / immune diseasesAbnormal immune responses and inflammation can make cats feel unwell and damage the body. Watch out for symptoms like diarrhea, collapse, and breathing difficulties. He gave her a shot of cortizone. 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. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy worsens or fails to improve in a day or two. 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. Also, she wants to clean herself and tries to play like she used to. There are many different strains of the FIV virus and it is not entirely clear as of yet how well the available vaccine protects against all these different strains, but studies suggest that it is able to provide a valuable degree of protection for cats at risk of exposure. A first booster vaccination should be given 12 months later to ensure a good level of continuing protection. Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? Affected cats typically show sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, eye discharge, and mouth ulcers. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Most cats want to sleep for a few hours after getting their shot. Respiratory illnesses, which certain vaccinations protect against, can be lethal for senior cats. What You Need to Know About Rabies Vaccines for Cats. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalitiesWater and appropriate electrolyte levels are essential for a cats body to produce energy and function normally. Well, it totally is. ParasitesParasites can pass on diseases and directly harm the body, leading to lethargy in cats. 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. It is now well recognised that this is a very rare occurrence (probably less than 1 in 20,000 vaccines administered) and it seems that both vaccines and other injectable products can carry a small risk of inducing this in cats. Vaccination reactions in pets (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) 2022 MyCuteAnimals. Assess whether your cat isnt eating or is just reluctant to walk to its bowl. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. This can even happen to cats that have bonded quite well. Only use vaccines that are recommended by your vet. Keep in mind that vaccines dont offer total immunity from diseases. Then they must be boostered a year later.. 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. FeLV is an important disease, causing a wide variety of problems in persistently infected cats including immunosuppression, anaemia, and lymphoma. He gave her a shot of cortizone. Generally, cats that go outside and may come across other cats of unknown status may be at risk of being exposed to FeLV, and vaccinating such cats may be very valuable (although the risks will vary between different regions). Check the requirements in your state using this table compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association. If your elderly cat has a chronic illness, then you should avoid vaccination. Cats can have vaccine reactions but they are relatively uncommon and do not present like this. 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. Liver and kidney diseaseWaste products build up when these organs fail, which disrupts normal chemical processes and makes cats feel terrible.