Lower urinary tract problemsDiseases affecting the bladder and associated structures lead to lethargy, discomfort, and sometimes an inability to urinate. Senior cats may slow down a bit more, but extreme or sudden changes are usually a sign of a health problem. After a few days, you can expect your pet to revert to his true personality. If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. 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. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. The FeLV vaccine is recommended as core for kittens. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. 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.. Respiratory illnesses, which certain vaccinations protect against, can be lethal for senior cats. Adverse effects from vaccines are very rare, especially in view of the millions of doses that are administered every year. Did they do routine blood work including a complete blood count, diagnostic profile, feline leukemia and feline aids tests? The panel comprisesdedicated feline veterinarians and scientists and is regarded as a reputable source of cat vaccination standards. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. 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. WebDecreased appetite and activity. Very few cats may be allergic to one or more components of the vaccine and have more serious side effects such as difficulty in breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea. Cat Personality Change After Vaccinations Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from diseases that are really serious, contagious and often fatal. Bordetella: 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. Seefeline herpes virusandfeline calicivirus. Vaccinations It is not entirely clear why cats experience FISS. However, vaccination is essential for his health and your familys safety. The disease is commutable among animals and humans. 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. Vaccines that are appropriate for some cats in some circumstances are considered noncore vaccines (or lifestyle vaccines). Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalitiesWater and appropriate electrolyte levels are essential for a cats body to produce energy and function normally. PainIts difficult for a cat to move around or be interested in much of anything if they are in moderate to severe pain. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. What Are the Side Effects of Vaccinations for Senior Cats? Cat Vaccinations Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. Cat Acting Strange After Vaccination Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)Glucose (a type of sugar) is needed to fuel cells in a cats body, especially in the brain. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in 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. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). The same isnt true for lethargy. Here at MyCuteAnimals.com we cover everything from training, care, health, nutrition, breeds, products, and much more. 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. 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. Assess whether your cat isnt eating or is just reluctant to walk to its bowl. Then they must be boostered a year later.. It is common for cats to experience mild reactions like lethargy, slight fever, localized swelling and reduced appetite in a few hours after getting the shot. 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. 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. Affected cats typically show sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, eye discharge, and mouth ulcers. They could even react to the rubber gloves that your vet wears to administer the vaccine. A vet must assess a cat with a lump that persists for weeks after vaccination. Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Is she weak? Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. On the other, theyll be more affected by any of the side effects. Cat Vaccinations A number of other vaccines may be available in certain countries but not others. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Commonly, your feline friend reacts to these side effects of vaccination with a strange behavior that may concern you. So, it was with a heavy heart I had to leave again without an answer. Cat booster shots While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. It may also run a high fever. In many cases, lethargy is the bodys way of conserving energy to fight off illness or heal from injury. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. Transmitted through body fluids including saliva, urine, and feces, FeLV is spread when an infected cat comes into close contact with another cat that they groom or share bowls with. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. 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. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. Cats of any age can get FeLV, but its typically considered a core vaccine for cats under 1 year old. Most cats want to sleep for a few hours after getting their shot. Some people are tempted to use homoeopathic vaccines or may have these recommended by a friend. 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. Is your cat lying around more than normal? Behavior change in a kitten after vaccination Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. Non-core vaccines arent necessary for all cats. As cats age, they often spend more time quietly observing the world around them (or napping), but this isnt lethargy; its growing up. All rights reserved. However, be aware that your cats appetite may not be normal during this period. The cat can behave strangely, get aggressive, show lethargy or refuse to eat. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccination in cats. Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. An article that might be helpful to you is Dealing with Cats that Wont Eat. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. After coming home, your cats may seem like total strangers. All rights reserved. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy worsens or fails to improve in a day or two. You have to understand that cats that share a home pass each others scent to one another. Even if you reside in a state that doesnt mandate rabies shots by law, it remains advisable. As a cat owner, you need to be aware of your pets fear at the clinic. Keep in mind that vaccines dont offer total immunity from diseases. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. Because of this, after your cat receives any vaccine, it is sensible to monitor the injection site regularly and if a swelling at the site persists for several weeks and/or continues to enlarge, get it checked immediately by your vet. It sounds like your cat is having some neurologic symptoms that are very abnormal. I had then decided to take her to our local emergency vet clinic. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. These dangers alone are not enough to avoid getting feline vaccinations, though. These diseases are highly infectious and seen worldwide. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. 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. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. Vaccinating your cat Cat Vaccinations 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. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Hormonal abnormalities (e.g., diabetes)Abnormal hormone levels change physiologic processes throughout the body, which can make cats feel sick. What Is FIV and Why Is the FIV Vaccine No Longer Available? Kittens may also acquire infections from the queen before birth. Vaccinations I have noticed she is not seeing very well but can hear us call her and will follow our calls. WebDecreased appetite and activity. Cat Personality Change After Vaccinations Though rare, your cat may undergo a complete personality change. Find whether it does not have an appetite or it is not willing to walk to its bowl. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. 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. Lethargy is a very nonspecific clinical signits seen with almost every health problem a cat could develop. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? If your cat takes its vaccinations intranasally, it will sneeze and sniff for a while afterward. Her eyes have a hazy cloudy look and she is still stumbling around, however, her strength and will to keep her balance has greatly improved. The most alarming reaction to vaccination is Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. Goodness, this sounds like a very complicated case. Then the next day I called him back because The same thing can happen to people. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. To help your pet stay healthy, limit their contact with infected animals and to environments where diseases may be more common. FVCRP, FIP, and Bordetella can be inhaled nasally but may not be as effective as injections. As vaccinations are injected into a cats leg, some limited mobility is to be expected. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. In more severe cases, your cat may require intravenous fluids and further observation. This is because the cat that came from the vet smells differently that the other cat can no longer recognize the first cats scent. For more information, please see ourPrivacy Policy. Complete Guide To Cat Paw Pad Growth, Cat Acting Strange After Vaccination? FeLVis an important disease that can be spread through fighting, through mutual grooming, and through sharing of food/water bowls and litter trays. So The Dodos compiled everything you need to know about cat vaccinations. 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 Stay current on important veterinary news, AVMA activities, and member services. He did not know what was wrong. Id encourage her to eat hand feed her, give her some smelling food, whatever it takes to get her to eat. But some cats will behave differently. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. If your kitten or senior cat becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian right away. Also, she wants to clean herself and tries to play like she used to. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. Rabies is an important disease and although it is more common in dogs (and more commonly passed from dogs to humans than cats to humans) cats can be infected and can be a source of human infection. Vaccines and Vaccinations: Individual Animals Gastrointestinal problemsDiseases leading to poor digestion or nutrient absorption can reduce a cats energy levels. The virus also kills off white blood cells, leaving the young cats even more susceptible to secondary infections. 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. She started to get more aggressive. The cost of your cats vaccines will vary depending on where you get them done. Lethargy can be defined as an abnormal decrease in a cats activity level and alertness. A cats body will go through an adjustment after a vaccine is administered. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. You can find out more about infectious upper respiratory disease at Todays Veterinary Practice (TVP). This usually takes a day. Recommendations for treatment or additional diagnostic testing will be based on the specifics of your cats case and the results of their initial workup. Cats that struggle with this side effect bounce back as quickly as they experienced the issue. Not all vaccines must be injected. A feline that has been vaccinated will want to be on its own to get some sleep for several hours. Indoor cats may also pick up bacteria and viruses when they stay at a kennel and if you bring a new cat home. 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? If your cat is still unwell 48 hours after its vaccination, then you should call your vet for advice. 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. Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies. The other three core vaccines are combined into a single three-in-one vaccine called the FVRCP vaccine. It is possible to perform blood tests to identify cats that are infected with this virus, and isolating such cats and preventing them from coming into contact with others is one way of preventing infection. Lethargic and Not Eating / DrinkingLike lethargy, not eating or drinking well are nonspecific clinical signs that are seen with many cat diseases. Heres What It Means, Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. If you go to the vet, you can probably expect an office visit charge in addition to the cost of the vaccine. To read most recent questions Click here! While the disease usually starts with decreased energy and low appetite, it progresses to vomiting and diarrhea. They are very dangerous to young cats, and the vaccines are considered to provide a good deal of protection with minimal risk. Contact your veterinarian if you have a lethargic kitten. Vaccines 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. 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. Your cat may experience a small amount of swelling at the injection site, making it more difficult for your cat to move. Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? Vaccine Related Sarcomas 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. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. Cats that stay at a boarding cattery will generally require an annual vaccination (or booster vaccine before the cat goes into the cattery) as this is a higher risk situation. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Understanding vaccinosis in dogs and cats Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)vaccination is available in some, but not all counties. The first one is called the prodromal stage. 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. All vaccines have to undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing before they are licensed for use in cats by regulatory authorities. Some cats are allergic to vaccines. It is normal for your cat to experience mild symptoms ranging from soreness at the site of injection to fever, lethargy and allergic reactions. Anemia (low red blood cell count)A cats body needs the oxygen that red blood cells carry to make energy. That can upset your cats stomach. WebDecreased appetite and activity. He gave her a shot of cortizone. An allergic reaction is more concerning than a typical reaction to a vaccine. Behavior change in a kitten after vaccination Read the latest news about the AVMA and the veterinary profession, and search archives dating back to 2000. Your vet always tells you how important it is to get your cat vaccinated, but you might still be wondering if its worth it. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. Its easy to be overwhelmed when you hear conflicting information about whether your cat needs them and the adverse effects they may have. Your purchase directly supports the leading global cat welfare charity, International Cat Care. We also discuss common cat vaccination concerns to help pet owners determine what they should expect. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? 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. Vaccines and Vaccinations: Individual Animals This can even happen to cats that have bonded quite well. The inflammation caused by the vaccination activates the malignant tumor and causes it to spread. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Feline panleucopenia virus(also known as feline parvovirus or feline infectious enteritis) is a severe and frequently fatal cause of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Your veterinarian can assess your cats risk of FeLV infection and decide on an appropriate vaccination schedule. She started to get more aggressive. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. 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. 1. after Cat Lethargic and Limping After a Vaccine Get best-in-class CE in some of your favorite cities. Previously, many vets chose to administer shots to the neck. Then the next day I called him back because 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. These symptoms are common and should subside independently in a few hours. Support International Cat Care from as little 3, Sign up to our monthly newsletter and free e-magazine Intelligent Cat Care, Sign up to our monthly charity newsletter, Reg Charity 1117342 (England and Wales) Place Farm, Chilmark Road, Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6LW, You are now being re-directed to an external website www.thecatgallery.co.uk. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Like any other medical treatment, vaccinations have their risks and adverse effects. However, a trip to the clinic is often a traumatizing experience for most cats. Watch out for symptoms like diarrhea, collapse, and breathing difficulties. 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. Tell any children in the home not to disturb your cat. Woman Tries Every Day For A Month To Rescue This Dog. Rabies vaccination is given every year or every three years, depending on state laws and the brand of vaccine used. The rabies vaccine is so important that its required by law, since the disease is fatal, highly contagious and transmissible to humans. He told me to bring her in and he would get to her when he could. As a pet owner, one of your first responsibilities is to get your four-legged friend vaccinated on schedule. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy does not improve. Others will continue showing fear and anxiety after coming home. Cat vaccination 10 things you should Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. These protect against the following conditions: Of these vaccines, rabies is the only one that is required by law in most U.S. states. If you see your cat shivering after vaccination, it can be from the pain or swelling at the injection site.