A cats body will go through an adjustment after a vaccine is administered. Its natural for a cat to become listless and sleepy after vaccines are administered. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. These treatments can aggravate problems with the heart and kidneys. Hormonal abnormalities (e.g., diabetes)Abnormal hormone levels change physiologic processes throughout the body, which can make cats feel sick. However, these shouldneverbe used they have no scientific basis and cannot provoke the specific immune response that is needed to provide protection. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. You should call the vet for advice if your cat feels ill after 48 hours of vaccination. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat is extremely lethargic or if their lethargy occurs in combination with other serious symptoms like difficulty breathing or severe vomiting or diarrhea. They can also strengthen theirimmune system. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. 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 However, your pet may want to be alone during this period. It has also been strongly recommended that all kittens are vaccinated against FeLV on the basis that younger cats are more susceptible to this infection and it cannot usually be predicted what the risks for the cat would be as it grows up. If you go to the vet, you can probably expect an office visit charge in addition to the cost of the vaccine. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Your vet always tells you how important it is to get your cat vaccinated, but you might still be wondering if its worth it. 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. Cats heading into stressful situations, such as boarding, may benefit from a core vaccine booster 7-10 days before. 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. More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. 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. Many cats are fortunate to go into a regressive state and appear perfectly healthy throughout their lives, but some do not fare as well. Can you give me any feedback on your impressions and how I need to proceed with continued love and care for my little one? If the sarcoma that is caused by vaccination is not treated, it will continue to grow. 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Feline panleucopenia virus(also known as feline parvovirus or feline infectious enteritis) is a severe and frequently fatal cause of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. 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. A feline that has been vaccinated will want to be on its own to get some sleep for several hours. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. If your cat does not show any such severe symptoms, you can wait for a few hours to see if it stops shivering. FVCRP, FIP, and Bordetella can be inhaled nasally but may not be as effective as injections. The rabies virus targets your cats central nervous system, causing aggression, paralysis and coma. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) A first booster vaccination should be given 12 months later to ensure a good level of continuing protection. Then the next day I called him back because A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. 2022 MyCuteAnimals. If you see your cat shivering after vaccination, it can be from the pain or swelling at the injection site. Outbreaks of infection with this virus are common and a high proportion of affected cats can die. You can try feeding the cat to see if it helps. 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. Some vaccines are recommended for all cats. Is your cat lying around more than normal? 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. 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. We also discuss common cat vaccination concerns to help pet owners determine what they should expect. On average, your cats core vaccines alone (without the office visit charge) can cost $40 to $80 for the first years worth of shots. She started to get more aggressive. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Most vets will highly recommend the FVRCP and rabies vaccines. 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. Make a note of all the changes to your cats behavior. We took her to our vet. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. A cat can have an allergic reaction to a vaccination. 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. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. After coming home, your cats may seem like total strangers. 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). However, vaccination is essential for his health and your familys safety. You need to ensure that your cat is left alone. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. 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. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalitiesWater and appropriate electrolyte levels are essential for a cats body to produce energy and function normally. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. The cat can behave strangely, get aggressive, show lethargy or refuse to eat. Cat booster shots And a visit to the vet can be doubly scary for a feline if injections are added to the equation. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. These reactions should not be severe. You can discuss all these issues with your vet. This will give the other cats something familiar to smell in the recently vaccinated pet. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. 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. But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. 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. 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. Affected cats typically show sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, eye discharge, and mouth ulcers. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. This will give the feline enough time to groom and make himself smell familiar to the other cats. They include: If your cat stays inside all of the time, you might think they areautomatically protected from these kinds of diseases. 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. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. 1. She started to get more aggressive. 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). 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 some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. Like any other medical treatment, vaccinations have their risks and adverse effects. 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. Rabies vaccination is given every year or every three years, depending on state laws and the brand of vaccine used. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. When the underlying cause can be successfully treated, the lethargy should resolve as well. The same isnt true for lethargy. She stayed there and then was released. Is she eating? 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. The first one is called the prodromal stage. Now, I am here on the internet trying to get answers. Put simply, lethargy is a cat slowing down when they dont feel good. This should go away on its own in 2-3 days as the symptoms ease. If they have not done some basic tests, Id recommend letting them do that. Limping syndrome in cats is a temporary problem. This is because the vaccine causes a chemical reaction in a cats brain. Inflammatory / immune diseasesAbnormal immune responses and inflammation can make cats feel unwell and damage the body. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. The disease is commutable among animals and humans. On the other, theyll be more affected by any of the side effects. 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. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. There are certain vaccines all cats need aka core vaccines. 6 Challenges of Owning a Cat You Need to Know, Changes In Cat Behaviour After Vet Visit? It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? The most commonly reported problem in cats is sleeping. All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Featured image: iStock.com/GoodLifeStudio. If your cat gets outside, you want to make sure they areprotected. For further information on FeLV, seeFeline leukaemia virus. Is she weak? Infection with FeLV is not an automatic death sentence. 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.. More marked side effects may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lameness, fever, signs of respiratory tract infection, or lumps at the site of injection. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)Glucose (a type of sugar) is needed to fuel cells in a cats body, especially in the brain. Lower urinary tract problemsDiseases affecting the bladder and associated structures lead to lethargy, discomfort, and sometimes an inability to urinate. Youll need to make an informed decision about whether to vaccinate your cat based on the available medical evidence. Some cats even exhibit lingering fear and anxiety days after coming from the vet. Even though its a confusing topic, making sure your cat has the shots they need and keeping up with booster shots is very important. 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. FISS remains rare. Cats dont actually have nine lives, so you need to do what you can to protect them. The FeLV vaccine is tricky because it is required for kittens but optional for cats that are at least a year old. Make sure that food and water are readily available to him. This can even happen to cats that have bonded quite well. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. The vaccine wont prevent the disease, but it will keep your kitty from getting very sick from it. This was due to the flexibility of the skin in this area. An allergic reaction is more concerning than a typical reaction to a vaccine. Older cats have weaker immune systems and are more prone to illness. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Always inform your veterinarian if your pet has had prior reactions to any vaccine or medication. The initial vaccine course is often started at 8-9 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. From time to time, check on your cat. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. After the cat recovers from the initial infection, the virus enters a latency period in the nerves. Also, other vaccinations are highly recommended to protect your cat against infectious diseases. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. 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. The non-core costs range from $15 to $20 for the year. All rights reserved. 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. In recent years, the risk of Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS) has become more of a concern. 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. WebDecreased appetite and activity. Its advisable to get your cat inoculated if your cat roams outside. We took her to our vet. Feline panleukopenia, also known asfeline parvovirus, is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate in kittens. The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. Some cats are allergic to vaccines. You can find out more about infectious upper respiratory disease at Todays Veterinary Practice (TVP). Its easier to stretch the skin and administer a shot. 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. 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. You can try comforting it with some food or drink to alleviate the pain or discomfort associated with vaccination. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy does not improve. He gave her a shot of cortizone. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. Other vaccines are regarded as non-core and used when vaccination would provide valuable protection for an individual cat. However, as a charity, we need your support to enable us to keep delivering high quality and up to date information for everyone. These effects should subside in a few hours or days. What Are the Side Effects of Vaccinations for Senior Cats? 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. Owners should not get concerned if their cat starts acting strange after vaccination. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. The disease can negatively impact your cats immune system or cause anemia or cancer. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. CancerDifferent types of cancer affect cats in distinct ways, but lethargy is a common clinical sign. Previously, many vets chose to administer shots to the neck. You should note all the changes you see in the cats behavior and find the pattern. Others will continue showing fear and anxiety after coming home. For further information on FIV, seeFeline immunodeficiency virus. FeLV is an important disease, causing a wide variety of problems in persistently infected cats including immunosuppression, anaemia, and lymphoma. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. Not all vaccines must be injected. It usually depends on theirage, overall health, and lifestyle. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. He did not know what was wrong. 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. To prevent aggression between your cats after a visit to the vet, it is a good idea to isolate the vaccinated cat. FISS can cause a cancerous tumor at the site of the vaccination. Among the behavioral changes that you can see in your cat are lethargy, aggression, and fear. This allows veterinarians to efficiently administer the vaccines all at once, instead of having to inject a cat three separate times in one visit: If your cat is an indoor adult cat, FVRCP can be done every three years.