1. 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. The bacterium can also be an occasional cause of pneumonia in young kittens. Feline vaccinations are commonly administered by injection, typically behind the legs. 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. Your vet always tells you how important it is to get your cat vaccinated, but you might still be wondering if its worth it. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. 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. Heres What It Means, Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. Chlamydophila felisis a type of bacteria that mainly causes conjunctivitis in cats. 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. 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. Previously, many vets chose to administer shots to the neck. A Complete Guide, 10 Fun Facts About Cat Teeth You Probably Didnt Know Until Now, Interrupted Labour In Cats UPDATED 2022 A Complete Guide, Cat Claw Growing Out of Pad? Clinical signs vary from mild to extremely severe, and occasionally other complications may develop including viral pneumonia. Lethargic and WobblyCats who are wobbly could be suffering from a neurologic problem or metabolic disease, or they could simply be very weak. Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. 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. The rabies vaccine is so important that its required by law, since the disease is fatal, highly contagious and transmissible to humans. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy does not improve. Keep track of product alerts for pet foods, animal feed, and products used by veterinarians or animal owners. A vaccine is usually given by an injection under the skin, although sometimes may be given as drops into the eyes or nose. how long do cat vaccine side effects last, how long do side effects of distemper vaccine last, how long does a vaccine lump last in dogs, how to make cat feel better after vaccines, how to make cat feel better after vaccines uk, negative side effects of rabies vaccine in dogs, side effects of distemper vaccine in cats, side effects of distemper vaccine in dogs, side effects of feline leukemia vaccination, side effects of rabies vaccine in older dogs. Lethargic cats often do sleep more than normal, but their lethargy remains unless the underlying problem is addressed. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalitiesWater and appropriate electrolyte levels are essential for a cats body to produce energy and function normally. In many cases, lethargy is the bodys way of conserving energy to fight off illness or heal from injury. I didnt feel that I had enough evidence of rabies and that it could also have been some other possible diseases but significant testing would have to be done which would end up costing us over $5,000.00. 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. 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. 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. Again, this is normal behavior. A cats body will go through an adjustment after a vaccine is administered. There are some clinics that will vaccinate your cat for free. 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 people are tempted to use homoeopathic vaccines or may have these recommended by a friend. This is because the cat that came from the vet smells differently that the other cat can no longer recognize the first cats scent. Theres no better place to network, learn, and meet up with the friends and colleagues who make veterinary medicine so rewarding. As a cat owner, you need to be aware of your pets fear at the clinic. 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. Cats can be allergic to anything. To make a diagnosis, your veterinarian will start by taking a thorough health history and performing a complete physical examination. 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. However, be aware that your cats appetite may not be normal during this period. Cat booster shots 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). Adverse effects from vaccines are very rare, especially in view of the millions of doses that are administered every year. Some common side effects of feline vaccinations include: These side effects should be short-lived. Fearful cats will often display anxiety or even aggression even before the trip to the vet. Their guidelines, published by theAmerican Association of Feline Practitioners, are among the most trusted and utilized recommendations in the field. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. Rabies is a zoonotic disease (it can be transmitted from animals to humans), so it is a public safety issue to keep your cat up to date on their rabies vaccine. Its rare, but it does happen. Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become Your cat may experience a small amount of swelling at the injection site, making it more difficult for your cat to move. From time to time, check on your cat. However, it is normal for cats to feel ill for a few hours or days after vaccination. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? Seefeline herpes virusandfeline calicivirus. Vaccines are necessary for most cats, especially those that spend most of their time outdoors. Anemia (low red blood cell count)A cats body needs the oxygen that red blood cells carry to make energy. And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it. Put simply, lethargy is a cat slowing down when they dont feel good. More marked side effects may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lameness, fever, signs of respiratory tract infection, or lumps at the site of injection. Lethargic and Not Eating / DrinkingLike lethargy, not eating or drinking well are nonspecific clinical signs that are seen with many cat diseases. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. You should always discuss with your vet what vaccines your own cat may require. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. This usually takes a day. The key? He gave her a shot of cortizone. 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. Your purchase directly supports the leading global cat welfare charity, International Cat Care. Any cat that has not eaten for 24 hours is a cause for concern. However, vaccination is essential for his health and your familys safety. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. Affected cats typically show sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, eye discharge, and mouth ulcers. What Is FIV and Why Is the FIV Vaccine No Longer Available? 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. Make sure that food and water are readily available to him. 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. Your veterinarian can assess your cats risk of FeLV infection and decide on an appropriate vaccination schedule. Such reactions can occur almost every time the cat gets a shot. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Woman Tries Every Day For A Month To Rescue This Dog. Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) Older cats have weaker immune systems and are more prone to illness. Lethargic and DroolingDiseases or injuries affecting the mouth are common causes of drooling, and they can cause lethargy too. They tend to be either fully onrunning around like maniacsor fully offresting up for another round. Could it be infectious? In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. It may also run a high fever. 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. But some cats will behave differently. You should note all the changes you see in the cats behavior and find the pattern. Some pet owners report a temporary change in the behavior or personality of the cat after vaccination. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. You have to understand that cats that share a home pass each others scent to one another. 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. A loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccinations. They protect against: The feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccinations often come in a combination shot (FVRCP), which is sometimes called the distemper shot.. These are perfectly normal although it can be disconcerting to see your happy cat lack his usual vigor. Indoor cats may also pick up bacteria and viruses when they stay at a kennel and if you bring a new cat home. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. Complete Guide To Cat Paw Pad Growth, Cat Acting Strange After Vaccination? A lot of cats will start their vaccines around 6 to 8 weeks old, and you can decide to either give your cat all the different types of shots he needs at once or stagger them out. 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. 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. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Your cats lifestyle and geographic location will help you and your vet determine whether or not he needs a non-core vaccine. Contact your veterinarian if you have a lethargic kitten. Though rare, your cat may undergo a complete personality change. Most vets will highly recommend the FVRCP and rabies vaccines. All rights reserved. If your cat seems to have undergone a complete personality transformation, seek further guidance from a vet. If your kitten or senior cat becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian right away. She started to get more aggressive. 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. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. If your cat gets outside, you want to make sure they areprotected. If they have not done some basic tests, Id recommend letting them do that. However, after that, the frequency of booster vaccinations may be only every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine, disease and risk of with the individual cat. WebDecreased appetite and activity. 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. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). You need to ensure that your cat is left alone. Sometimes, the pet may even need further observation or other treatments. In recent years, the risk of Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS) has become more of a concern. FeLVis an important disease that can be spread through fighting, through mutual grooming, and through sharing of food/water bowls and litter trays. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. Recommendations for treatment or additional diagnostic testing will be based on the specifics of your cats case and the results of their initial workup. Only use vaccines that are recommended by your vet. They can also strengthen theirimmune system. And a visit to the vet can be doubly scary for a feline if injections are added to the equation. Senior cats may slow down a bit more, but extreme or sudden changes are usually a sign of a health problem. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) The cost of your cats vaccines will vary depending on where you get them done. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. In more severe cases, your cat may require intravenous fluids and further observation. They divide cat vaccines into two categories: Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions. This will naturally make them more lethargic. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. To help your pet stay healthy, limit their contact with infected animals and to environments where diseases may be more common. Stay current on important veterinary news, AVMA activities, and member services. It is possible that it has little energy to walk to the bowl after vaccination. side effects associated with cat vaccination. The other three core vaccines are combined into a single three-in-one vaccine called the FVRCP vaccine. Then the next day I called him back because 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. 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. These side effects are short-term and should subside on their own. Others will continue showing fear and anxiety after coming home. 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. All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. You can try feeding the cat to see if it helps. Kittens may also acquire infections from the queen before birth. They could even react to the rubber gloves that your vet wears to administer the vaccine. Some cats are temporarily different or never quite the same after vaccination. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become