The panel comprisesdedicated feline veterinarians and scientists and is regarded as a reputable source of cat vaccination standards. 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. It is not entirely clear why cats experience FISS. They provide cat owners, veterinary professionals and those who live and work with cats the resources, support, and advice they need to better care for cats. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. Cats of any age can get FeLV, but its typically considered a core vaccine for cats under 1 year old. Senior cats may slow down a bit more, but extreme or sudden changes are usually a sign of a health problem. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. There are some risks and side effects associated with cat vaccination. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Bordetella bronchisepticais another bacterial infection that can be a part of the upper respiratory infection complex (cat flu) 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. WebDecreased appetite and activity. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. All rights reserved. Limping syndrome in cats is a temporary problem. All rights reserved. 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. Its natural for a cat to become listless and sleepy after vaccines are administered. Id encourage her to eat hand feed her, give her some smelling food, whatever it takes to get her to eat. Another sign of FISS includes the lump exceeding 2cm in diameter, especially if it keeps growing. Is she weak? 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 seems to have undergone a complete personality transformation, seek further guidance from a vet. Let us try to understand whether it is normal for your cat to act strangely after getting a shot. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. 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. Woman Tries Every Day For A Month To Rescue This Dog. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become Adverse effects from vaccines are very rare, especially in view of the millions of doses that are administered every year. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. If you see your cat shivering after vaccination, it can be from the pain or swelling at the injection site. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. To help your pet stay healthy, limit their contact with infected animals and to environments where diseases may be more common. Tell any children in the home not to disturb your cat. Then the next day I called him back because So, it was with a heavy heart I had to leave again without an answer. This will give the feline enough time to groom and make himself smell familiar to the other cats. 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. However, you do not have to worry much about your cat. You should note all the changes you see in the cats behavior and find the pattern. Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, it should go without saying that vaccines are essential for your pets health and your safety. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. That can upset your cats stomach. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. In recent years, the risk of Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS) has become more of a concern. The initial vaccine course is often started at 8-9 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. They can also strengthen theirimmune system. This means that the neck should always be avoided. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become 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. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) There are so many possibilities of what it could be. 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. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. 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. While cat vaccinations generally have no serious side effects, some people report changes in their poochs behavior after getting vaccinated. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. Nutritional disordersCats cant be energetic and engaged without good nutrition. Heart diseaseA heart that isnt pumping normally cant move blood around the body well. I had then decided to take her to our local emergency vet clinic. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. The inflammation caused by the vaccination activates the malignant tumor and causes it to spread. In more severe cases, your cat may require intravenous fluids and further observation. The same isnt true for lethargy. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalitiesWater and appropriate electrolyte levels are essential for a cats body to produce energy and function normally. This should go away on its own in 2-3 days as the symptoms ease. The effectiveness of these vaccines should be evaluated carefully, and none of these should be regarded as core (or essential) vaccines. If they have not done some basic tests, Id recommend letting them do that. While cats are not natural carriers for the disease, they can be infected by a bite from any infected mammal and then pass it on to others. Do they seem drowsy or out of it? Are they not interested in whats going on around them? They told me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me I should have her put down. Even though its a confusing topic, making sure your cat has the shots they need and keeping up with booster shots is very important. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy worsens or fails to improve in a day or two. Cat vaccination recommendations are among the most contentious debates in veterinary medicine. 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. But is it possible for vaccines to alter a cats personality? 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. Ultimately, cat owners should work with their veterinarians to limit the stress associated with visiting a clinic. These are perfectly normal although it can be disconcerting to see your happy cat lack his usual vigor. Some symptoms you can expect to see include sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, andconjunctivitis. Your cat may also need to undergo radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The Veterinary Leadership Conference draws veterinarians from across the U.S. for education sessions that help develop leaders for the veterinary profession. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Try to assess the cats condition if it is not eating. 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. He told me to bring her in and he would get to her when he could. 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. Well, it totally is. Here at MyCuteAnimals.com we cover everything from training, care, health, nutrition, breeds, products, and much more. This tumor would need to be removed, and this is not easy around the neck. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Better yet, schedule routine visits to the clinic so that you can bring your cats together. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Featured image: iStock.com/GoodLifeStudio. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. However, in colonies of cats with repeated outbreaks of disease, vaccination may play a role in helping protect cats. Most cats want to sleep for a few hours after getting their shot. The disease can negatively impact your cats immune system or cause anemia or cancer. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Lower urinary tract problemsDiseases affecting the bladder and associated structures lead to lethargy, discomfort, and sometimes an inability to urinate. These reactions are generally treated with antihistamines and steroids. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. 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. Most persistently infected cats will die as a result of their infection. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. The FVCRP vaccine is most likely to cause limping because lameness is a symptom of feline calicivirus. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. She stayed there and then was released. He gave her a shot of cortizone. 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. Get best-in-class CE in some of your favorite cities. 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. In most cases, the risks posed by vaccination are outweighed by the safety that vaccines provide. A vet will offeressential vaccinations for your cat. However, it is not a concern if the cat gets better with time and recovers in a few hours. FISS can cause a cancerous tumor at the site of the vaccination. Lethargic and WobblyCats who are wobbly could be suffering from a neurologic problem or metabolic disease, or they could simply be very weak. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. Put simply, lethargy is a cat slowing down when they dont feel good. An article that might be helpful to you is Dealing with Cats that Wont Eat. Generally, cats that go outside and may come across other cats of unknown status may be at risk of being exposed to FeLV, and vaccinating such cats may be very valuable (although the risks will vary between different regions). 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. All rights reserved. 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. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Check the requirements in your state using this table compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The FeLV vaccine is tricky because it is required for kittens but optional for cats that are at least a year old. Lethargy is a very nonspecific clinical signits seen with almost every health problem a cat could develop. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. Vaccines are necessary for most cats, especially those that spend most of their time outdoors. Its easy to be overwhelmed when you hear conflicting information about whether your cat needs them and the adverse effects they may have. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. 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. Then the next day I called him back because Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. If your cat belongs to the second camp, there are a few things that you can do to make him feel better while recovering. Theres no better place to network, learn, and meet up with the friends and colleagues who make veterinary medicine so rewarding. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Ondansetron For Cats (Zofran) All You Need To Know, Mini Hippo Dog - Everything You Need To Know. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. In other cases, the cat that was recently vaccinated becomes the victim of aggression by the other feline members of your home. Some experts believe that the felines already have tumors. Cats that have this vaccination often experience stiffened joints. Owners should not get concerned if their cat starts acting strange after vaccination. If your cat gets outside, you want to make sure they areprotected. We use cookies to improve our website to make sure you have a better browsing experience. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. **Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers! It is possible that it has little energy to walk to the bowl after 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. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. It is now common also to recommend a third vaccination (especially for FPV) at 16-20 weeks of age to ensure the kitten is properly protected. 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. This usually takes a day. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. After those initial rounds of vaccinations are finished, all youll have to do to keep your cat vaccinated is periodically get him booster shots. 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. They tend to be either fully onrunning around like maniacsor fully offresting up for another round. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. Like any other medical treatment, vaccinations have their risks and adverse effects. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. While the disease usually starts with decreased energy and low appetite, it progresses to vomiting and diarrhea. They divide cat vaccines into two categories: Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions. 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. It may also run a high fever. Designate this as his recovery area where he can rest without being disturbed by the other members of the household. Though rare, your cat may undergo a complete personality change. 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. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. On average, your cats core vaccines alone (without the office visit charge) can cost $40 to $80 for the first years worth of shots. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Also, she wants to clean herself and tries to play like she used to. Copyright 1999 - 2023. Cat vaccines protect pets against fatal and infectious feline diseases, keeping them healthy and living longer. Cat Personality Changes After Vaccination. FVCRP, FIP, and Bordetella can be inhaled nasally but may not be as effective as injections. Youll need to make an informed decision about whether to vaccinate your cat based on the available medical evidence. Your vet should examine the cat to determine whether it has developed a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. 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. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. The first one is called the prodromal stage. The key? If you go to the vet, you can probably expect an office visit charge in addition to the cost of the vaccine. Its easier to stretch the skin and administer a shot. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Make sure that food and water are readily available to him. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. But usually, these behavioral changes are temporary in nature. They could even react to the rubber gloves that your vet wears to administer the vaccine. Gastrointestinal problemsDiseases leading to poor digestion or nutrient absorption can reduce a cats energy levels. Vaccination is very effective in preventing disease. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. Non-core vaccines arent necessary for all cats. 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. 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. The effects are similar to human babies who become lethargic, cranky and even get fever after getting their shots. If your elderly cat has a chronic illness, then you should avoid vaccination. Always inform your veterinarian if your pet has had prior reactions to any vaccine or medication. These treatments can aggravate problems with the heart and kidneys. 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. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. Your vet always tells you how important it is to get your cat vaccinated, but you might still be wondering if its worth it. So The Dodos compiled everything you need to know about cat vaccinations. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. If your cat refuses to eat after getting a shot, you should not worry about it. Find whether it does not have an appetite or it is not willing to walk to its bowl. When the underlying cause can be successfully treated, the lethargy should resolve as well. The cost of your cats vaccines will vary depending on where you get them done. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. 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. side effects associated with cat vaccination. Fearful cats will often display anxiety or even aggression even before the trip to the vet. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. 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. Cats heading into stressful situations, such as boarding, may benefit from a core vaccine booster 7-10 days before. They should be left alone to rest and you should see improvement in their condition in a few hours. Also, other vaccinations are highly recommended to protect your cat against infectious diseases. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy does not improve. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. Such reactions can occur almost every time the cat gets a shot. What Are the Side Effects of Vaccinations for Senior Cats? The rabies vaccine is so important that its required by law, since the disease is fatal, highly contagious and transmissible to humans. Press Enter / Return to begin your search. Get the latest updates on your choice of veterinary topics delivered straight to your inbox. In some cases, it also causes oral ulceration andpneumonia. The vaccine wont prevent the disease, but it will keep your kitty from getting very sick from it. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. Seefeline herpes virusandfeline calicivirus. However, if you see any severe reactions like swollen eyes or face, breathing difficulty, diarrhea or collapse, you should report to the veterinarian. Vaccination causes a chemical reaction in the cats brain that lasts 24-48 hours. Inflammatory / immune diseasesAbnormal immune responses and inflammation can make cats feel unwell and damage the body. Click Yes to help us continue to make these improvements. Beyond this, all other vaccines are optional. 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? Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? 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. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Basic lab work will often be needed as well. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. She started to get more aggressive. But some cats will behave differently. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. 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. These dangers alone are not enough to avoid getting feline vaccinations, though. This will naturally make them more lethargic. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. After coming home, your cats may seem like total strangers. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. After getting injected with a vaccine, you may also experience the same symptoms. 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. These effects should subside in a few hours or days. Feline panleukopenia, also known asfeline parvovirus, is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate in kittens. Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. The FeLV vaccine is recommended as core for kittens. 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. He gave her a shot of cortizone. She started to get more aggressive. You should call the vet for advice if your cat feels ill after 48 hours of vaccination. If your kitten or senior cat becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian right away.