Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. More marked side effects may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lameness, fever, signs of respiratory tract infection, or lumps at the site of injection. Cats Could it be infectious? They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy does not improve. WebDecreased appetite and activity. But usually, these behavioral changes are temporary in nature. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. Cat Acting Strange After 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. Technically, lethargy in cats is never normal, but it is sometimes expected. We took her to our vet. Some cats are allergic to vaccines. Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? Then they must be boostered a year later.. The most alarming reaction to vaccination is Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS). Cats Have a Reaction to Vaccinations In some cases, it also causes oral ulceration andpneumonia. Some symptoms you can expect to see include sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, andconjunctivitis. 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. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper). Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Talk to your vet to figure out which approach is best for your pet. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. 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. 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. The FeLV vaccine protects against feline leukemia virus, which is a fatal disease in cats. 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. After vaccination, some cats will go back to their routines as if nothing happened to them. 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. Lower urinary tract problemsDiseases affecting the bladder and associated structures lead to lethargy, discomfort, and sometimes an inability to urinate. Then the next day I called him back because Cat Enema Side Effects What To Expect After Cat Enema? This is because the vaccine causes a chemical reaction in a cats brain. On average, your cats core vaccines alone (without the office visit charge) can cost $40 to $80 for the first years worth of shots. Some that may be available include: Vaccination is generally a very safe procedure that has substantially reduced the impact of several very serious diseases. All kittens should receive their core vaccinations and any others that are agreed between you and your vet. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. 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. Cat Vaccinations Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. Provide for his needs and keep some distance. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. Affected cats typically show sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, eye discharge, and mouth ulcers. American Association of Feline Practitioners. Press Enter / Return to begin your search. The first one is called the prodromal stage. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? 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. These are perfectly normal although it can be disconcerting to see your happy cat lack his usual vigor. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. 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. 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. The Veterinary Leadership Conference draws veterinarians from across the U.S. for education sessions that help develop leaders for the veterinary profession. Adult cats need shots less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last. Assess whether your cat isnt eating or is just reluctant to walk to its bowl. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become For example, fleas may remove so much blood from cats that they become anemic. Though rare, your cat may undergo a complete personality change. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. A lethargic cat can look a lot like a tired cat, but there is an important difference. For further information on FeLV, seeFeline leukaemia virus. This is because the immune system has started reacting to the vaccine. In many cases, lethargy is the bodys way of conserving energy to fight off illness or heal from injury. Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. Heres What It Means, Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. Not all vaccines must be injected. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Another sign of FISS includes the lump exceeding 2cm in diameter, especially if it keeps growing. Cat This, in turn, will allow cancerous cells to spread. Cats of any age can get FeLV, but its typically considered a core vaccine for cats under 1 year old. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. Clinical signs vary from mild to extremely severe, and occasionally other complications may develop including viral pneumonia. 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.. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. Most vets will highly recommend the FVRCP and rabies vaccines. This will naturally make them more lethargic. The key? We took her to our vet. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccination in cats. 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. 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. 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The FeLV vaccine works to protect your cat againstfeline leukemia virus. Affected cats can be treated successfully with appropriate antibiotics, but vaccination may be helpful in some circumstances as part of a control programme in an infected household, For further information onChlamydophila felis, seeChlamydophila felisinfection in cats. 2022 MyCuteAnimals. These effects should subside in a few hours or days. However, it is not a concern if the cat gets better with time and recovers in a few hours. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. Lethargic and WobblyCats who are wobbly could be suffering from a neurologic problem or metabolic disease, or they could simply be very weak. As cats age, they often spend more time quietly observing the world around them (or napping), but this isnt lethargy; its growing up. If your cat seems to have undergone a complete personality transformation, seek further guidance from a vet. They tend to be either fully onrunning around like maniacsor fully offresting up for another round. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Behavior change in a kitten after vaccination Neurologic disordersDisease or injury affecting the neurologic system, especially the brain, can lead to lethargy in cats. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. The most commonly available vaccines are used to provide protection against the following infections: Vaccines can be divided into core vaccines and non-core vaccines. 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. But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. Liver and kidney diseaseWaste products build up when these organs fail, which disrupts normal chemical processes and makes cats feel terrible. Tiredness is a temporary state that resolves with rest or sleep. A cat that does not eat for more than 24 hours is a matter of concern. We took her to our vet. Cat Personality Change After Vaccinations It might be tempting to sit beside your pet to give him comfort. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. Previously, many vets chose to administer shots to the neck. Cat Vaccination The core vaccines are considered essential for all cats (including indoor-only cats) because of the widespread and/or severe nature of the diseases being protected against. 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. This is more likely for older cats with arthritis or joint pain. Not all cats experience these problems after vaccination. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). 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. As a cat owner, you need to be aware of your pets fear at the clinic. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. Understand that your cat is still in recovery and that he may not be his usual self. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. 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. The virus also kills off white blood cells, leaving the young cats even more susceptible to secondary infections. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. She started to get more aggressive. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. She started to get more aggressive. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. Cat Vaccinations Is she weak? WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. Certain medicationsLethargy can be a side effect of certain medications, including some anti-anxiety and pain-relieving medications commonly given to cats. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)vaccination is available in some, but not all counties. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? The non-core costs range from $15 to $20 for the year. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. If it persists more than three weeks, or seems to be getting larger, you should contact your veterinarian. Get best-in-class CE in some of your favorite cities. This can even happen to cats that have bonded quite well. Heres how to tell the difference between a tired cat and a lethargic cat, some possible causes of the lethargy, and what you should do. Owners should not get concerned if their cat starts acting strange after vaccination. Understanding vaccinosis in dogs and cats However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. In recent years, the risk of Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS) has become more of a concern. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. Even though its a confusing topic, making sure your cat has the shots they need and keeping up with booster shots is very important. Vaccines and Vaccinations: Individual Animals This is partly because, should a fibrosarcoma develop at these sites, limb amputation is possible and offers a better chance of complete removal than trying to remove an invasive tumour from the neck region. For example, cats that have just been vaccinated are often lethargic. The bacterium can also be an occasional cause of pneumonia in young kittens. 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. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common to see some changes in behavior of your feline friend for a few hours once it gets its vaccine shot. The inflammation caused by the vaccination activates the malignant tumor and causes it to spread. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. Rabies vaccination is given every year or every three years, depending on state laws and the brand of vaccine used. On the other, theyll be more affected by any of the side effects. 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. Behavior change in a kitten after vaccination These reactions can be life-threatening and are medical emergencies. 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. 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. You can try feeding the cat to see if it helps. Copyright 1999 - 2023. If you go to the vet, you can probably expect an office visit charge in addition to the cost of the vaccine. Vaccinating your cat Your vet should examine the cat to determine whether it has developed a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. It usually depends on theirage, overall health, and lifestyle. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.). Some common side effects of feline vaccinations include: These side effects should be short-lived. Any vomiting should be monitored after vaccinations. 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. Keep in mind that vaccines dont offer total immunity from diseases. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Was her glucose normal? Is your cat lying around more than normal? The same thing can happen to people. Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies. These symptoms are common and should subside independently in a few hours. Cats that have this vaccination often experience stiffened joints. If your cat belongs to the second camp, there are a few things that you can do to make him feel better while recovering. Because fibrosarcomas can be very difficult to completely remove by surgery, it has been recommended by groups in the USA that rabies vaccines are given in the right hind leg, FeLV vaccines in the left hind leg and FHV-1/FCV vaccines in the right front leg. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy worsens or fails to improve in a day or two. 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. 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 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. If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. Typically, these symptoms, including lethargy and lack of appetite, vanish after two to three days. Poisoning or envenomationToxins and venomous stings or bites can cause pain, damage tissues, and disrupt normal physiologic functions. So, it was with a heavy heart I had to leave again without an answer. He did not know what was wrong. Vaccines These dangers alone are not enough to avoid getting feline vaccinations, though. Which shots they need. FeLV is an important disease, causing a wide variety of problems in persistently infected cats including immunosuppression, anaemia, and lymphoma. You need to ensure that your cat is left alone. 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. If your kitten or senior cat becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian right away. An article that might be helpful to you is Dealing with Cats that Wont Eat. 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. You can discuss all these issues with your vet. When it comes to medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. To make a diagnosis, your veterinarian will start by taking a thorough health history and performing a complete physical examination. The rabies vaccine is so important that its required by law, since the disease is fatal, highly contagious and transmissible to humans. The virus can also survive for long periods in the environment so vaccination is the only real way to protect cats. However, a trip to the clinic is often a traumatizing experience for most cats. 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? And a visit to the vet can be doubly scary for a feline if injections are added to the equation. Some vaccines are recommended for all cats. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it. 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. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. After the cat recovers from the initial infection, the virus enters a latency period in the nerves. Just as in humans, vaccinating your cat helps to protect him or her against several serious and/or life-threatening diseases. For further information on FIV, seeFeline immunodeficiency virus. Vaccinating your cat In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. Its easier to stretch the skin and administer a shot. However, your pet may want to be alone during this period. Future vaccine recommendation will be based on the cat's lifestyle.Feline leukemia cannot be cured, so prevention is a priority. Here at MyCuteAnimals.com we cover everything from training, care, health, nutrition, breeds, products, and much more. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. Many pet owners report their cats not eating after getting their vaccines. The cost of your cats vaccines will vary depending on where you get them done. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common Outbreaks of infection with this virus are common and a high proportion of affected cats can die. Lethargic and DroolingDiseases or injuries affecting the mouth are common causes of drooling, and they can cause lethargy too. They are very dangerous to young cats, and the vaccines are considered to provide a good deal of protection with minimal risk. The journal Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica has stated that instances remain as low as 1 in 10,000. Let us try to understand whether it is normal for your cat to act strangely after getting a shot. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours.
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