If youre up too late, youll be tired the next day but will feel fine once you get some extra sleep. Future vaccine recommendation will be based on the cat's lifestyle.Feline leukemia cannot be cured, so prevention is a priority. Cats that have this vaccination often experience stiffened joints. Its easier to stretch the skin and administer a shot. 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. Nutritional disordersCats cant be energetic and engaged without good nutrition. 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. 6 Challenges of Owning a Cat You Need to Know, Changes In Cat Behaviour After Vet Visit? In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. 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. Watch out for symptoms like diarrhea, collapse, and breathing difficulties. As a cat owner, you need to be aware of your pets fear at the clinic. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. While cat vaccinations generally have no serious side effects, some people report changes in their poochs behavior after getting vaccinated. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. There are so many possibilities of what it could be. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. 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. Let us try to understand whether it is normal for your cat to act strangely after getting a shot. Hi thanks for your email. Check the requirements in your state using this table compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association. 1. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. 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. As a pet owner, one of your first responsibilities is to get your four-legged friend vaccinated on schedule. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. At the vet, do your best to soothe your pet and put minimal restraint on him. This is because the vaccine causes a chemical reaction in a cats brain. In more severe cases, your cat may require intravenous fluids and further observation. The right vaccinations. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)vaccination is available in some, but not all counties. Anemia (low red blood cell count)A cats body needs the oxygen that red blood cells carry to make energy. Technically, lethargy in cats is never normal, but it is sometimes expected. For example, fleas may remove so much blood from cats that they become anemic. 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. 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 This is because the cat that came from the vet smells differently that the other cat can no longer recognize the first cats scent. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. I cant see how that can be rabies. Among the behavioral changes that you can see in your cat are lethargy, aggression, and fear. You have to consider the fact that visiting the vet often entails a lot of things that can be scary for your pet, including getting handled by the clinic staff. Senior cats may slow down a bit more, but extreme or sudden changes are usually a sign of a health problem. However, these shouldneverbe used they have no scientific basis and cannot provoke the specific immune response that is needed to provide protection. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. Older cats have weaker immune systems and are more prone to illness. FISS can cause a cancerous tumor at the site of the vaccination. Lethargic and DroolingDiseases or injuries affecting the mouth are common causes of drooling, and they can cause lethargy too. Their guidelines, published by theAmerican Association of Feline Practitioners, are among the most trusted and utilized recommendations in the field. 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. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. And a visit to the vet can be doubly scary for a feline if injections are added to the equation. The disease can negatively impact your cats immune system or cause anemia or cancer. Your vet always tells you how important it is to get your cat vaccinated, but you might still be wondering if its worth it. Typically, these symptoms, including lethargy and lack of appetite, vanish after two to three days. 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 The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Rabiesis significant not only for its effect on the cat but because it is a disease that is transmissible to humans and can be fatal. If they are outdoor or indoor/outdoor, or they are young cats or seniors, your vet may recommend yearly FVRCP shots. It may also run a high fever. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it. Feline panleukopenia, also known asfeline parvovirus, is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate in kittens. Assess whether your cat isnt eating or is just reluctant to walk to its bowl. Click Yes to help us continue to make these improvements. He told me to bring her in and he would get to her when he could. They told me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me I should have her put down. What You Need to Know About Rabies Vaccines for Cats. Cat vaccines protect pets against fatal and infectious feline diseases, keeping them healthy and living longer. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. They are very dangerous to young cats, and the vaccines are considered to provide a good deal of protection with minimal risk. These are perfectly normal although it can be disconcerting to see your happy cat lack his usual vigor. It only means that your cat is experiencing these symptoms due to the interaction between his body and the vaccine. If your cat gets outside, you want to make sure they areprotected. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. side effects associated with cat vaccination. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. FeLV is an important disease, causing a wide variety of problems in persistently infected cats including immunosuppression, anaemia, and lymphoma. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. If so, your cat is showing the classic signs of lethargy. 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. Basic lab work will often be needed as well. Is she running a fever? While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common Non-core vaccines arent necessary for all cats. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. This is more likely for older cats with arthritis or joint pain. 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. What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Cat Vaccinations? For further information on FIV, seeFeline immunodeficiency virus. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? 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. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. TheFeline Vaccination Advisory Panelregularly evaluates and researches cat vaccination developments to make science-based recommendations. Inflammatory / immune diseasesAbnormal immune responses and inflammation can make cats feel unwell and damage the body. I have noticed she is not seeing very well but can hear us call her and will follow our calls. This should go away on its own in 2-3 days as the symptoms ease. Bordetella bronchisepticais another bacterial infection that can be a part of the upper respiratory infection complex (cat flu) in cats. A cat can have an allergic reaction to a vaccination. Its natural for a cat to become listless and sleepy after vaccines are administered. The effects are similar to human babies who become lethargic, cranky and even get fever after getting their shots. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. The other three core vaccines are combined into a single three-in-one vaccine called the FVRCP vaccine. Brown Pigment In White of Dog's Eye Can Pigmentary Keratitis Cause Blindness? Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalitiesWater and appropriate electrolyte levels are essential for a cats body to produce energy and function normally. He did not know what was wrong. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. A vaccine is usually given by an injection under the skin, although sometimes may be given as drops into the eyes or nose. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. 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. You should note all the changes you see in the cats behavior and find the pattern. That can upset your cats stomach. Keep in mind that vaccines dont offer total immunity from diseases. The journal Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica has stated that instances remain as low as 1 in 10,000. Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. The cat can behave strangely, get aggressive, show lethargy or refuse to eat. It can also be helpful to provide him with his favorite treats. Cats dont actually have nine lives, so you need to do what you can to protect them. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. 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. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. When to give vaccines. Any movement will be painful for the full duration of this side effect. Not all vaccines must be injected. The bacterium can also be an occasional cause of pneumonia in young kittens. 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. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. Flat Feet In Dogs UPDATED 2022 A Complete Guide. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. Always inform your veterinarian if your pet has had prior reactions to any vaccine or medication. 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. Ondansetron For Cats (Zofran) All You Need To Know, Mini Hippo Dog - Everything You Need To Know. More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. For example, cats that have just been vaccinated are often lethargic. Cats can have vaccine reactions but they are relatively uncommon and do not present like this. The panel comprisesdedicated feline veterinarians and scientists and is regarded as a reputable source of cat vaccination standards. Could it be infectious? An article that might be helpful to you is Dealing with Cats that Wont Eat. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. The inflammation caused by the vaccination activates the malignant tumor and causes it to spread. This means that the neck should always be avoided. FeLVis an important disease that can be spread through fighting, through mutual grooming, and through sharing of food/water bowls and litter trays. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. It is normal for your cat to experience mild symptoms ranging from soreness at the site of injection to fever, lethargy and allergic reactions. The rabies virus targets your cats central nervous system, causing aggression, paralysis and coma. Vaccines are necessary for most cats, especially those that spend most of their time outdoors. Talk to your vet to figure out which approach is best for your pet. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). 1. As vaccinations are injected into a cats leg, some limited mobility is to be expected. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Lethargic cats often do sleep more than normal, but their lethargy remains unless the underlying problem is addressed. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. It is not as common as FHV-1 or FCV (see above), but can sometimes be a problem especially in stressed cats and cats from large colonies. 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. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? 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. FCV is thought to be associated with chronicgingivitis/stomatitis, a very painful inflammation of the gums and teeth. These treatments can aggravate problems with the heart and kidneys. Put simply, lethargy is a cat slowing down when they dont feel good. Many factors affect the likelihood of a cat developing an infectious disease.