While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. These are perfectly normal although it can be disconcerting to see your happy cat lack his usual vigor. Most cats want to sleep for a few hours after getting their shot. Certain medicationsLethargy can be a side effect of certain medications, including some anti-anxiety and pain-relieving medications commonly given to cats. Your purchase directly supports the leading global cat welfare charity, International Cat Care. This normally lasts for around 48 hours. WebDecreased appetite and activity. You can also use a towel to extract the scent of the other cats and then rub that towel on the cat that visited the vet. These dangers alone are not enough to avoid getting feline vaccinations, though. Technically, lethargy in cats is never normal, but it is sometimes expected. Lower urinary tract problemsDiseases affecting the bladder and associated structures lead to lethargy, discomfort, and sometimes an inability to urinate. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. We took her to our vet. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. 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. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. Hi thanks for your email. Respiratory illnesses, which certain vaccinations protect against, can be lethal for senior cats. Understand that your cat is still in recovery and that he may not be his usual self. 6 Challenges of Owning a Cat You Need to Know, Changes In Cat Behaviour After Vet Visit? It is not entirely clear why cats experience FISS. The side effect that has received the most attention in recent years is fibrosarcoma this is a type of malignant tumour that can develop at the site of vaccination. 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 One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved. These effects should subside in a few hours or days. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. 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. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. 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. Although the experience is never pleasant, felines must be vaccinated against rabies by law. However, you do not have to worry much about your cat. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. 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. However, these shouldneverbe used they have no scientific basis and cannot provoke the specific immune response that is needed to provide protection. Anyone who cares for his or her cat will want to protect it in this way and vaccination is a critical part of a proper preventive healthcare programme. Vaccination is very effective in preventing disease. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. Some cats are temporarily different or never quite the same after vaccination. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. 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. Cats can have vaccine reactions but they are relatively uncommon and do not present like this. It usually depends on theirage, overall health, and lifestyle. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. An article that might be helpful to you is Dealing with Cats that Wont Eat. In some cases, it also causes oral ulceration andpneumonia. While it is no longer routinely recommended for grooming or boarding, it may be required by individual businesses. This may include: Tests for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Inflammatory / immune diseasesAbnormal immune responses and inflammation can make cats feel unwell and damage the body. To prevent aggression between your cats after a visit to the vet, it is a good idea to isolate the vaccinated cat. If they are outdoor or indoor/outdoor, or they are young cats or seniors, your vet may recommend yearly FVRCP shots. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. Cats that have this vaccination often experience stiffened joints. Recent vaccinationCats may be lethargic for a day or two as their immune system responds to vaccination. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. If your cat seems to have undergone a complete personality transformation, seek further guidance from a vet. 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. But usually, these behavioral changes are temporary in nature. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. Heart diseaseA heart that isnt pumping normally cant move blood around the body well. Every topic on our website is thoroughly researched and professionally written. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. Also, she wants to clean herself and tries to play like she used to. 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. 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. 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. 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. This can even happen to cats that have bonded quite well. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) 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. If your cat is still unwell 48 hours after its vaccination, then you should call your vet for advice. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)Glucose (a type of sugar) is needed to fuel cells in a cats body, especially in the brain. A vet will offeressential vaccinations for your cat. And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it. 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. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. As cats age, they often spend more time quietly observing the world around them (or napping), but this isnt lethargy; its growing up. If the sarcoma that is caused by vaccination is not treated, it will continue to grow. Most vets will highly recommend the FVRCP and rabies vaccines. But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. She stayed there and then was released. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. Most persistently infected cats will die as a result of their infection. If you let your cat go outdoors, you should probably consider giving him non-core vaccines, since you have no idea what he could be exposed to outside. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. The rabies vaccine is so important that its required by law, since the disease is fatal, highly contagious and transmissible to humans. You should always discuss with your vet what vaccines your own cat may require. 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.. In recent years, the risk of Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS) has become more of a concern. This can manifest in the form of aggression or clinginess. You have to understand that cats that share a home pass each others scent to one another. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. In many cases, lethargy is the bodys way of conserving energy to fight off illness or heal from injury. If your cat gets outside, you want to make sure they areprotected. If your cat does not show any such severe symptoms, you can wait for a few hours to see if it stops shivering. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. She started to get more aggressive. The FeLV vaccine protects against feline leukemia virus, which is a fatal disease in cats. For example, cats that have just been vaccinated are often lethargic. Dog Ate Uncooked Rice? 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. Others will continue showing fear and anxiety after coming home. Read the latest news about the AVMA and the veterinary profession, and search archives dating back to 2000. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. So there you have it everything you need to know about cat vaccinations to keep your pet safe from super preventable diseases. 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. Designate this as his recovery area where he can rest without being disturbed by the other members of the household. Nutritional disordersCats cant be energetic and engaged without good nutrition. FISS remains rare. The cost of your cats vaccines will vary depending on where you get them done. This will give the other cats something familiar to smell in the recently vaccinated pet. What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Cat Vaccinations? After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. This is because the vaccine causes a chemical reaction in a cats brain. Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. It is a preparation designed to provide protection against a specific infectious disease through stimulating an immune response that will protect the cat if it is subsequently exposed to the infection. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Lethargic and WobblyCats who are wobbly could be suffering from a neurologic problem or metabolic disease, or they could simply be very weak. Traumatic injuriesSignificant trauma leads to pain, and healing requires extra energy. 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. Brown Pigment In White of Dog's Eye Can Pigmentary Keratitis Cause Blindness? In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. However, as a charity, we need your support to enable us to keep delivering high quality and up to date information for everyone. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. This tumor would need to be removed, and this is not easy around the neck. The vaccine wont prevent the disease, but it will keep your kitty from getting very sick from it. Affected cats typically show sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, eye discharge, and mouth ulcers. Its advisable to get your cat inoculated if your cat roams outside. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. Seefeline herpes virusandfeline calicivirus. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. This behavior can last for about a day and your pet should start eating in few hours. Senior cats may slow down a bit more, but extreme or sudden changes are usually a sign of a health problem. 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. Every week we publish insightful pet articles to educate, inspire, and make your life easier. Cat Personality Changes After Vaccination. Check the requirements in your state using this table compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. Stay current on important veterinary news, AVMA activities, and member services. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. FeLVis an important disease that can be spread through fighting, through mutual grooming, and through sharing of food/water bowls and litter trays. The first one is called the prodromal stage. To read most recent questions Click here! After a few days, you can expect your pet to revert to his true personality. But for cats who are older than 1 year and are at low risk of exposure, the FeLV vaccine is considered a non-core vaccine. You can try comforting it with some food or drink to alleviate the pain or discomfort associated with vaccination. 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. If your cat belongs to the second camp, there are a few things that you can do to make him feel better while recovering. This allows them to identify one another. 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. Fearful cats will often display anxiety or even aggression even before the trip to the vet. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. We took her to our vet. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. And preventive care recommendations for our cats are no exception. 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). Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies. Heres What It Means, Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. 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. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Bordetella bronchisepticais another bacterial infection that can be a part of the upper respiratory infection complex (cat flu) in cats. 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. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. The shots come in a series every 3 to 4 weeks. When to give vaccines. 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. 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. Before going to the vet, it is a good idea to prepare a warm and cozy place for your cat. It is now common also to recommend a third vaccination (especially for FPV) at 16-20 weeks of age to ensure the kitten is properly protected. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. What Are the Side Effects of Vaccinations for Senior Cats? WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. Feline panleucopenia virus(also known as feline parvovirus or feline infectious enteritis) is a severe and frequently fatal cause of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. After getting injected with a vaccine, you may also experience the same symptoms. 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 exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.). Lethargic and DroolingDiseases or injuries affecting the mouth are common causes of drooling, and they can cause lethargy too. 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. Youll need to make an informed decision about whether to vaccinate your cat based on the available medical evidence. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. As a cat receives a shot, its immune system responds to the antibodies, causing it to look sick and uneasy. A cat that does not eat for more than 24 hours is a matter of concern. Limping syndrome in cats is a temporary problem. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. All rights reserved. Talk to your vet to figure out which approach is best for your pet. 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. Although todays veterinarians are working hard to make a pets experience at a clinic less stressful, a visit to the clinic can still be scary for your cat, with all the unfamiliar faces, objects, and scents that he will encounter inside. More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. At the vet, do your best to soothe your pet and put minimal restraint on him. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. The first one is called the prodromal stage. Beyond this, all other vaccines are optional. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. Then the next day I called him back because Cats dont actually have nine lives, so you need to do what you can to protect them. Some cats are allergic to vaccines. Its easy to be overwhelmed when you hear conflicting information about whether your cat needs them and the adverse effects they may have. This means that the neck should always be avoided. Well, it totally is. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. She started to get more aggressive. 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. 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 American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. 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. Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from diseases that are really serious, contagious and often fatal. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. Even if you reside in a state that doesnt mandate rabies shots by law, it remains advisable. Vaccination causes a chemical reaction in the cats brain that lasts 24-48 hours. FeLV is an important disease, causing a wide variety of problems in persistently infected cats including immunosuppression, anaemia, and lymphoma. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. Chlamydophila felisis a type of bacteria that mainly causes conjunctivitis in cats. Not all vaccines must be injected. He gave her a shot of cortizone. 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. 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Here at MyCuteAnimals.com we cover everything from training, care, health, nutrition, breeds, products, and much more. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. Now, I am here on the internet trying to get answers. 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. They are very dangerous to young cats, and the vaccines are considered to provide a good deal of protection with minimal risk. 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. The virus can also survive for long periods in the environment so vaccination is the only real way to protect cats. She started to get more aggressive. PainIts difficult for a cat to move around or be interested in much of anything if they are in moderate to severe pain. Make sure that food and water are readily available to him. He gave her a shot of cortizone. 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 Older cats have weaker immune systems and are more prone to illness. Woman Tries Every Day For A Month To Rescue This Dog. Some people are tempted to use homoeopathic vaccines or may have these recommended by a friend. Vaccination can and do affect a cats behavior. 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. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalitiesWater and appropriate electrolyte levels are essential for a cats body to produce energy and function normally. Recommendations for treatment or additional diagnostic testing will be based on the specifics of your cats case and the results of their initial workup. He did not know what was wrong. Can you give me any feedback on your impressions and how I need to proceed with continued love and care for my little one? Adverse effects from vaccines are very rare, especially in view of the millions of doses that are administered every year. The same isnt true for lethargy. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. It might be tempting to sit beside your pet to give him comfort. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? Some of the more virulent strains cause hair loss and crusting on other parts of the body, as well as hepatitis and even death. This is because the immune system has started reacting to the vaccine. After vaccination, some cats will go back to their routines as if nothing happened to them. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. Cats lack the fat reserves to sustain them. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. It may also run a high fever. Many factors affect the likelihood of a cat developing an infectious disease. The effects are similar to human babies who become lethargic, cranky and even get fever after getting their shots. Kittens may also acquire infections from the queen before birth. Lethargy is a very nonspecific clinical signits seen with almost every health problem a cat could develop. And a visit to the vet can be doubly scary for a feline if injections are added to the equation. We took her to our vet. Is she running a fever? 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. Attend topical CE meetings on subjects including animal welfare, wellbeing, economics, and public policy. Your cat may experience a small amount of swelling at the injection site, making it more difficult for your cat to move. 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. 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. 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.