The rabies virus targets your cats central nervous system, causing aggression, paralysis and coma. They include: If your cat stays inside all of the time, you might think they areautomatically protected from these kinds of diseases. Young kittens in multicat households (eg, breeding households) are most likely to be affected and there may also be mild upper respiratory signs. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) Recommendations for treatment or additional diagnostic testing will be based on the specifics of your cats case and the results of their initial workup. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common 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. 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. Feline calicivirusencompasses a number of viral strains that cause signs of upper respiratory infection, such as sneezing and nasal discharge as well as oral ulcerations. These treatments can aggravate problems with the heart and kidneys. Read the latest news about the AVMA and the veterinary profession, and search archives dating back to 2000. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. A cat can have an allergic reaction to a vaccination. Some people are tempted to use homoeopathic vaccines or may have these recommended by a friend. The vaccine wont prevent the disease, but it will keep your kitty from getting very sick from it. We use cookies to improve our website to make sure you have a better browsing experience. Fearful cats will often display anxiety or even aggression even before the trip to the vet. Contact your veterinarian if you have a lethargic kitten. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. 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. Some owners report that their cats never remained the same after vaccination. Cat booster shots Many cats are fortunate to go into a regressive state and appear perfectly healthy throughout their lives, but some do not fare as well. The most alarming reaction to vaccination is Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS). Could it be infectious? 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. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. A number of other vaccines may be available in certain countries but not others. 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.. A first booster vaccination should be given 12 months later to ensure a good level of continuing protection. 2022 MyCuteAnimals. Your cats lifestyle and geographic location will help you and your vet determine whether or not he needs a non-core vaccine. Although the experience is never pleasant, felines must be vaccinated against rabies by law. Others will continue showing fear and anxiety after coming home. Adverse effects from vaccines are very rare, especially in view of the millions of doses that are administered every year. To read most recent questions Click here! This means that the neck should always be avoided. Some of these problems, like cancer, are more common as pets get older, but lethargy can strike cats at any age. FCV is thought to be associated with chronicgingivitis/stomatitis, a very painful inflammation of the gums and teeth. I have noticed she is not seeing very well but can hear us call her and will follow our calls. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy worsens or fails to improve in a day or two. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. 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. TheFeline Vaccination Advisory Panelregularly evaluates and researches cat vaccination developments to make science-based recommendations. 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. Cats lack the fat reserves to sustain them. Then they must be boostered a year later.. After a couple of days, he will bounce back to his normal self. They could even react to the rubber gloves that your vet wears to administer the vaccine. While cat vaccinations generally have no serious side effects, some people report changes in their poochs behavior after getting vaccinated. This is more likely for older cats with arthritis or joint pain. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. 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). In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. Then the next day I called him back because Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. You can find out more about infectious upper respiratory disease at Todays Veterinary Practice (TVP). Lower urinary tract problemsDiseases affecting the bladder and associated structures lead to lethargy, discomfort, and sometimes an inability to urinate. 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. 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. Neurologic disordersDisease or injury affecting the neurologic system, especially the brain, can lead to lethargy in cats. 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. FeLV is found worldwide. They can also strengthen theirimmune system. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. It might be tempting to sit beside your pet to give him comfort. Assess whether your cat isnt eating or is just reluctant to walk to its bowl. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Its natural for a cat to become listless and sleepy after vaccines are administered. Owners should not get concerned if their cat starts acting strange after vaccination. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. While it is no longer routinely recommended for grooming or boarding, it may be required by individual businesses. 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. Some that may be available include: Vaccination is generally a very safe procedure that has substantially reduced the impact of several very serious diseases. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) Cat vaccines protect pets against fatal and infectious feline diseases, keeping them healthy and living longer. It is not entirely clear why cats experience FISS. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. Decisions regarding the requirement for non-core vaccines may be based on the cats age, lifestyle and contact with other cats. Any vomiting should be monitored after 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. 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. In recent years, the risk of Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS) has become more of a concern. The key? Rabies vaccination is given every year or every three years, depending on state laws and the brand of vaccine used. Many cats experience mild side effects after vaccination like fever, lethargy, swelling and reduced energy. This tumor would need to be removed, and this is not easy around the neck. 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. This will give the other cats something familiar to smell in the recently vaccinated pet. Id encourage her to eat hand feed her, give her some smelling food, whatever it takes to get her to eat. Your vet should examine the cat to determine whether it has developed a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. This behavior can last for about a day and your pet should start eating in few hours. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. Tiredness is a temporary state that resolves with rest or sleep. A number of FeLV vaccines are also available and are effective in protecting cats. Designate this as his recovery area where he can rest without being disturbed by the other members of the household. An allergic reaction is more concerning than a typical reaction to a vaccine. Every topic on our website is thoroughly researched and professionally written. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. Its advisable to get your cat inoculated if your cat roams outside. Future vaccine recommendation will be based on the cat's lifestyle.Feline leukemia cannot be cured, so prevention is a priority. Vaccines that are appropriate for some cats in some circumstances are considered noncore vaccines (or lifestyle vaccines). Since then we noticed her behavior changed. The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. A trip to the vet for vaccination is never a pleasant experience for your cat. FeLVis an important disease that can be spread through fighting, through mutual grooming, and through sharing of food/water bowls and litter trays. After a few days, you can expect your pet to revert to his true personality. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalitiesWater and appropriate electrolyte levels are essential for a cats body to produce energy and function normally. However, be aware that your cats appetite may not be normal during this period. However, it is not a concern if the cat gets better with time and recovers in a few hours. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. 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. This allows them to identify one another. Not all cats experience these problems after vaccination. When it comes to medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The bacterium can also be an occasional cause of pneumonia in young kittens. As vaccinations are injected into a cats leg, some limited mobility is to be expected. However, if you see any severe reactions like swollen eyes or face, breathing difficulty, diarrhea or collapse, you should report to the veterinarian. 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. Poisoning or envenomationToxins and venomous stings or bites can cause pain, damage tissues, and disrupt normal physiologic functions. This virus is quite common among cats, especially cats that go outdoors and are involved in fighting (infection is mainly spread through cat bites). There are certain vaccines all cats need aka core vaccines. Stay current on important veterinary news, AVMA activities, and member services. Feline panleukopenia, also known asfeline parvovirus, is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate in kittens. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. Like any other medical treatment, vaccinations have their risks and adverse effects. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. 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. 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. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Lethargic and WobblyCats who are wobbly could be suffering from a neurologic problem or metabolic disease, or they could simply be very weak. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. Cat booster shots 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 Veterinary Leadership Conference draws veterinarians from across the U.S. for education sessions that help develop leaders for the veterinary profession. In some cases, it also causes oral ulceration andpneumonia. Some of the more virulent strains cause hair loss and crusting on other parts of the body, as well as hepatitis and even death. For further information on FeLV, seeFeline leukaemia virus. Older cats have weaker immune systems and are more prone to illness. Is she weak? Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. The cost of your cats vaccines will vary depending on where you get them done. 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. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. 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. Sometimes, the pet may even need further observation or other treatments. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. Some symptoms you can expect to see include sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, andconjunctivitis. In most cases, the risks posed by vaccination are outweighed by the safety that vaccines provide. Vaccination is very effective in preventing disease. 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. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. Indoor cats may also pick up bacteria and viruses when they stay at a kennel and if you bring a new cat home. Lethargy can be defined as an abnormal decrease in a cats activity level and alertness. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. To prevent aggression between your cats after a visit to the vet, it is a good idea to isolate the vaccinated cat. 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. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? 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. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. Cats that have this vaccination often experience stiffened joints. The non-core costs range from $15 to $20 for the year. CancerDifferent types of cancer affect cats in distinct ways, but lethargy is a common clinical sign. So The Dodos compiled everything you need to know about cat vaccinations. Cats heading into stressful situations, such as boarding, may benefit from a core vaccine booster 7-10 days before. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. 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. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. As a cat owner, you need to be aware of your pets fear at the clinic. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. 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. 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. 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 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. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. It can also be helpful to provide him with his favorite treats. The same isnt true for lethargy. Some cats are allergic to vaccines. Its easier to stretch the skin and administer a shot. 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. **Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers! Dog Ate Uncooked Rice? Heres What You Should Know! 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 Limping syndrome in cats is a temporary problem. 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. Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved. The effectiveness of these vaccines should be evaluated carefully, and none of these should be regarded as core (or essential) 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. FeLV is an important disease, causing a wide variety of problems in persistently infected cats including immunosuppression, anaemia, and lymphoma. Some pet owners report a temporary change in the behavior or personality of the cat after vaccination. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccination in cats. These diseases are highly infectious and seen worldwide. Cat booster shots This, in turn, will allow cancerous cells to spread. She started to get more aggressive. If these side effects last for more than a day or two, or cause your pet significant discomfort, it is important for you to contact your veterinarian: A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. Chlamydophila felisis a type of bacteria that mainly causes conjunctivitis in cats. 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. After vaccination, some cats will go back to their routines as if nothing happened to them. A cats body will go through an adjustment after a vaccine is administered. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop.