These treatments can aggravate problems with the heart and kidneys. Cat Acting Strange After Vaccination Some of the more virulent strains cause hair loss and crusting on other parts of the body, as well as hepatitis and even death. I have noticed she is not seeing very well but can hear us call her and will follow our calls. The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. 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. Cat vaccination 10 things you should All kittens should receive their core vaccinations and any others that are agreed between you and your vet. A vaccine is usually given by an injection under the skin, although sometimes may be given as drops into the eyes or nose. This normally lasts for around 48 hours. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. 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. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. Vaccines FISS can cause a cancerous tumor at the site of the vaccination. 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. And a visit to the vet can be doubly scary for a feline if injections are added to the equation. Cat 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. 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. Cat We took her to our vet. However, based on most recent data, the Vaccine Advisory Panel recommends that subsequent vaccines may be administered based on risk: yearly for high-risk cats, and every two years for lower-risk cats. If your cat is still unwell 48 hours after its vaccination, then you should call your vet for advice. These reactions should not be severe. And preventive care recommendations for our cats are no exception. It usually depends on theirage, overall health, and lifestyle. Indoor cats may also pick up bacteria and viruses when they stay at a kennel and if you bring a new cat home. 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 Make a note of all the changes to your cats behavior. 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. A cat can have an allergic reaction to a vaccination. All vaccines have to undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing before they are licensed for use in cats by regulatory authorities. Cat Personality Change After Vaccinations Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. You can seek guidance and advice from your vet regarding such behavioral transformation. Chlamydophila felisis a type of bacteria that mainly causes conjunctivitis in cats. **Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers! Cat Lethargic and Limping After a Vaccine What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Cat Vaccinations? Rabies vaccination is given every year or every three years, depending on state laws and the brand of vaccine used. Your veterinarian can assess your cats risk of FeLV infection and decide on an appropriate vaccination schedule. Cat Vaccination Vaccines forfeline herpes virus(FHV-1) andfeline calicivirus(FCV) are always combined, as these two viruses together are the main causes of upper respiratory tract infections in cats (cat flu). This is a cancerous tumor that develops following inflammation around the site of the injection. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Hi thanks for your email. Sometimes, the pet may even need further observation or other treatments. What Is FIV and Why Is the FIV Vaccine No Longer Available? 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. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. An article that might be helpful to you is Dealing with Cats that Wont Eat. Even though its a confusing topic, making sure your cat has the shots they need and keeping up with booster shots is very important. While it is no longer routinely recommended for grooming or boarding, it may be required by individual businesses. If so, your cat is showing the classic signs of lethargy. Decisions regarding the requirement for non-core vaccines may be based on the cats age, lifestyle and contact with other cats. Can you give me any feedback on your impressions and how I need to proceed with continued love and care for my little one? Limping syndrome in cats is a temporary problem. Diarrhea is also a possibility for the same reasons. Some symptoms you can expect to see include sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, andconjunctivitis. 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. If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. Gastrointestinal problemsDiseases leading to poor digestion or nutrient absorption can reduce a cats energy levels. Cat However, it is not a concern if the cat gets better with time and recovers in a few hours. 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. 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. Check the requirements in your state using this table compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association. 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. JUMP TO: Core vaccines | Non-core vaccines | Vaccine costs | Vaccine schedule | Booster shots. But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. Cat Personality Changes After Vaccination. 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. 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. This tumor would need to be removed, and this is not easy around the neck. But is it possible for vaccines to alter a cats personality? 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. The most commonly reported problem in cats is sleeping. This can manifest in the form of aggression or clinginess. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. So The Dodos compiled everything you need to know about cat vaccinations. Vaccinating your cat If your elderly cat has a chronic illness, then you should avoid vaccination. 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. Now, I am here on the internet trying to get answers. 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. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. He gave her a shot of cortizone. Even if you reside in a state that doesnt mandate rabies shots by law, it remains advisable. Poisoning or envenomationToxins and venomous stings or bites can cause pain, damage tissues, and disrupt normal physiologic functions. Your vet always tells you how important it is to get your cat vaccinated, but you might still be wondering if its worth it. The same thing can happen to people. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. This is only a concern if it does not quickly recover. 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. Watch out for symptoms like diarrhea, collapse, and breathing difficulties. Other vaccines are regarded as non-core and used when vaccination would provide valuable protection for an individual cat. Many pet owners report their cats not eating after getting their vaccines. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. 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. Behavior change in a kitten after vaccination WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. 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. Any cat that has not eaten for 24 hours is a cause for concern. Tiredness is a temporary state that resolves with rest or sleep. 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. Cats of any age can get FeLV, but its typically considered a core vaccine for cats under 1 year old. Both of these viruses are ubiquitous in cat populations, and because infection is so common, and can often be quite severe (especially in younger cats), vaccination is considered important for all cats. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) Cats that struggle with this side effect bounce back as quickly as they experienced the issue. 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. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. He gave her a shot of cortizone. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? These symptoms are common and should subside independently in a few hours. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. 2022 MyCuteAnimals. Cat Lethargic and Limping After a Vaccine Bordetella bronchisepticais another bacterial infection that can be a part of the upper respiratory infection complex (cat flu) in cats. They divide cat vaccines into two categories: Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions. Lower urinary tract problemsDiseases affecting the bladder and associated structures lead to lethargy, discomfort, and sometimes an inability to urinate. Most cats want to sleep for a few hours after getting their shot. Cat vaccination recommendations are among the most contentious debates in veterinary medicine. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. 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. They include: If your cat stays inside all of the time, you might think they areautomatically protected from these kinds of diseases. Youll need to make an informed decision about whether to vaccinate your cat based on the available medical evidence. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. Is your cat lying around more than normal? As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. Vaccine Related Sarcomas WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become Talk to your vet to figure out which approach is best for your pet. So there you have it everything you need to know about cat vaccinations to keep your pet safe from super preventable diseases. She started to get more aggressive. 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. Hormonal abnormalities (e.g., diabetes)Abnormal hormone levels change physiologic processes throughout the body, which can make cats feel sick. Technically, lethargy in cats is never normal, but it is sometimes expected. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Many cats experience mild side effects after vaccination like fever, lethargy, swelling and reduced energy. Any movement will be painful for the full duration of this side effect. Goodness, this sounds like a very complicated case. 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. Some that may be available include: Vaccination is generally a very safe procedure that has substantially reduced the impact of several very serious diseases. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. 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. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. Cat booster shots WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. 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. They tend to be either fully onrunning around like maniacsor fully offresting up for another round. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. An allergic reaction is more concerning than a typical reaction to a vaccine. Vaccination is very effective in preventing disease. You can discuss all these issues 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. 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. Every week we publish insightful pet articles to educate, inspire, and make your life easier. Here are the general cat vaccination guidelines to use as a starting point: Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Cat Acting Strange After Vaccination Better yet, schedule routine visits to the clinic so that you can bring your cats together. While cat vaccinations generally have no serious side effects, some people report changes in their poochs behavior after getting vaccinated. That can upset your cats stomach. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. The shots come in a series every 3 to 4 weeks. Vaccines Keep track of product alerts for pet foods, animal feed, and products used by veterinarians or animal owners. 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. Before going to the vet, it is a good idea to prepare a warm and cozy place for your cat. If youre up too late, youll be tired the next day but will feel fine once you get some extra sleep. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. Lethargy can be defined as an abnormal decrease in a cats activity level and alertness. Not all cats experience these problems after vaccination. Every topic on our website is thoroughly researched and professionally written. A vaccination against rabies would usually happen in the right back leg, while a vaccination for FVCRP would happen in the right front leg. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. However, vaccination is essential for his health and your familys safety. Cat Acting Strange After Vaccination WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. Lethargic and Losing WeightA poor appetite can lead to weight loss, but so can diseases like hyperthyroidism or diabetes, even if your cat is eating well. Contact your veterinarian if you have a lethargic kitten. FCV is thought to be associated with chronicgingivitis/stomatitis, a very painful inflammation of the gums and teeth. When to give vaccines. 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. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)vaccination is available in some, but not all counties. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. 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. From time to time, check on your cat. 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. A cats body will go through an adjustment after a vaccine is administered. 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. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. Cat booster shots The same isnt true for lethargy. Featured image: iStock.com/GoodLifeStudio. Liver and kidney diseaseWaste products build up when these organs fail, which disrupts normal chemical processes and makes cats feel terrible. iCatCare may receive a commission or share in the net profit of some purchases made through the affiliate links. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. Cats can react badly to vaccines, which is an unavoidable side effect of the process. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. Your vet should examine the cat to determine whether it has developed a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. Vaccination reactions in pets Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. 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. Do they seem drowsy or out of it? Are they not interested in whats going on around them? A vet will offeressential vaccinations for your cat. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. He did not know what was wrong. These diseases are highly infectious and seen worldwide. Some experts believe that the felines already have tumors. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) Respiratory illnesses, which certain vaccinations protect against, can be lethal for senior cats. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. 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. Kittens may also acquire infections from the queen before birth. 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. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. However, be aware that your cats appetite may not be normal during this period. Its easier to stretch the skin and administer a shot. Cat vaccines protect pets against fatal and infectious feline diseases, keeping them healthy and living longer. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). On average, your cats core vaccines alone (without the office visit charge) can cost $40 to $80 for the first years worth of shots. Vaccines and Vaccinations: Individual Animals If the cat has not eaten for over a day or it has other symptoms like fever or pain, you should consult the vet to see what is wrong. The rabies virus targets your cats central nervous system, causing aggression, paralysis and coma. Seefeline herpes virusandfeline calicivirus. Cats Have a Reaction to Vaccinations 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. 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. For more information, please see ourPrivacy Policy. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? The lungs and other internal organs will soon be affected. Your vet may prescribe a feline-safe painkiller. The inflammation caused by the vaccination activates the malignant tumor and causes it to spread. Respiratory conditionsAnything that hinders the lungs ability to move oxygen into the bloodstream can lead to lethargy in cats. Then the next day I called him back because Flat Feet In Dogs UPDATED 2022 A Complete Guide. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. Most persistently infected cats will die as a result of their infection. 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. But some cats will behave differently. Vaccines are necessary for most cats, especially those that spend most of their time outdoors.