Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. 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. Its natural for a cat to become listless and sleepy after vaccines are administered. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. 6 Challenges of Owning a Cat You Need to Know, Changes In Cat Behaviour After Vet Visit? 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. Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia), Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1), and Feline Calicivirus (FCV), These three vaccines are combined into one (FVCRP vaccine), Swelling around the location of the injection, Swelling around the face, eyes, mouth, and neck, Low blood pressure and decreased heart rate. 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). Tell any children in the home not to disturb your cat. All kittens should receive their core vaccinations and any others that are agreed between you and your vet. FCV is thought to be associated with chronicgingivitis/stomatitis, a very painful inflammation of the gums and teeth. If your cat refuses to eat after getting a shot, you should not worry about it. Although vaccination does not always prevent infection with these viruses, it will help greatly in reducing the severity of disease if a vaccinated cat does become infected. They divide cat vaccines into two categories: Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions. Was her glucose normal? 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. Complete Guide To Cat Paw Pad Growth, Cat Acting Strange After Vaccination? If it persists more than three weeks, or seems to be getting larger, you should contact your veterinarian. However, your pet may want to be alone during this period. This is more likely for older cats with arthritis or joint pain. Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? 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. 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. The cat can behave strangely, get aggressive, show lethargy or refuse to eat. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? 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. These treatments can aggravate problems with the heart and kidneys. But some cats will behave differently. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? He did not know what was wrong. These are perfectly normal although it can be disconcerting to see your happy cat lack his usual vigor. 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. To make a diagnosis, your veterinarian will start by taking a thorough health history and performing a complete physical examination. Stay current on important veterinary news, AVMA activities, and member services. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy does not improve. Attend topical CE meetings on subjects including animal welfare, wellbeing, economics, and public policy. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. Even if you reside in a state that doesnt mandate rabies shots by law, it remains advisable. What Is FIV and Why Is the FIV Vaccine No Longer Available? Some common side effects of feline vaccinations include: These side effects should be short-lived. Traumatic injuriesSignificant trauma leads to pain, and healing requires extra energy. 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. Commonly, your feline friend reacts to these side effects of vaccination with a strange behavior that may concern you. That can upset your cats stomach. 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. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. Id encourage her to eat hand feed her, give her some smelling food, whatever it takes to get her to eat. Bordetella: 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 same isnt true for lethargy. 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. And a visit to the vet can be doubly scary for a feline if injections are added to the equation. They tend to be either fully onrunning around like maniacsor fully offresting up for another round. It is normal for your cat to experience mild symptoms ranging from soreness at the site of injection to fever, lethargy and allergic reactions. You can seek guidance and advice from your vet regarding such behavioral transformation. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. 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. Feline herpesvirus, also known asfeline rhinotracheitis virus, causes severe signs of upper respiratory infection. If you go to the vet, you can probably expect an office visit charge in addition to the cost of the vaccine. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. The rabies virus targets your cats central nervous system, causing aggression, paralysis and coma. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. Find whether it does not have an appetite or it is not willing to walk to its bowl. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. If youre up too late, youll be tired the next day but will feel fine once you get some extra sleep. A vet must assess a cat with a lump that persists for weeks after vaccination. Many pet owners report their cats not eating after getting their vaccines. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. And preventive care recommendations for our cats are no exception. Hi thanks for your email. Adult cats need shots less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. She started to get more aggressive. 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 can have vaccine reactions but they are relatively uncommon and do not present like this. 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. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. Although the experience is never pleasant, felines must be vaccinated against rabies by law. This is because the vaccine causes a chemical reaction in a cats brain. This may include: Tests for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. 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. FVCRP, FIP, and Bordetella can be inhaled nasally but may not be as effective as injections. However, if you see any severe reactions like swollen eyes or face, breathing difficulty, diarrhea or collapse, you should report to the veterinarian. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. This, in turn, will allow cancerous cells to spread. The lungs and other internal organs will soon be affected. While cat vaccinations generally have no serious side effects, some people report changes in their poochs behavior after getting vaccinated. While it is no longer routinely recommended for grooming or boarding, it may be required by individual businesses. She started to get more aggressive. Though rare, your cat may undergo a complete personality change. The effectiveness of these vaccines should be evaluated carefully, and none of these should be regarded as core (or essential) vaccines. But is it possible for vaccines to alter a cats personality? All rights reserved. A cat can have an allergic reaction to a 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). These protect against the following conditions: Of these vaccines, rabies is the only one that is required by law in most U.S. states. CancerDifferent types of cancer affect cats in distinct ways, but lethargy is a common clinical sign. 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. Cats heading into stressful situations, such as boarding, may benefit from a core vaccine booster 7-10 days before. Inflammatory / immune diseasesAbnormal immune responses and inflammation can make cats feel unwell and damage the body. However, you do not have to worry much about your cat. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. These reactions can be life-threatening and are medical emergencies. Cats dont actually have nine lives, so you need to do what you can to protect them. 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. 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. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. 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. Vaccination can and do affect a cats behavior. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Cats that have this vaccination often experience stiffened joints. Please consider making a contribution, big or small, to keep our content free, accurate and relevant. It might be tempting to sit beside your pet to give him comfort. She started to get more aggressive. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) However, in colonies of cats with repeated outbreaks of disease, vaccination may play a role in helping protect cats. 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. 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 only means that your cat is experiencing these symptoms due to the interaction between his body and the vaccine. Young kittens in multicat households (eg, breeding households) are most likely to be affected and there may also be mild upper respiratory signs. Cat vaccination recommendations are among the most contentious debates in veterinary medicine. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. Only use vaccines that are recommended by your vet. The FeLV vaccine protects against feline leukemia virus, which is a fatal disease in cats. More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. Its advisable to get your cat inoculated if your cat roams outside. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.). Rabies vaccination is given every year or every three years, depending on state laws and the brand of vaccine used. If you see your cat shivering after vaccination, it can be from the pain or swelling at the injection site. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. Understand that your cat is still in recovery and that he may not be his usual self. 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. 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. Hormonal abnormalities (e.g., diabetes)Abnormal hormone levels change physiologic processes throughout the body, which can make cats feel sick. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) Some pet owners report a temporary change in the behavior or personality of the cat after vaccination. Ondansetron For Cats (Zofran) All You Need To Know, Mini Hippo Dog - Everything You Need To Know. Make sure that food and water are readily available to him. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). 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. WebDecreased appetite and activity. You can discuss all these issues with your vet. Is your cat lying around more than normal? These reactions are generally treated with antihistamines and steroids. Some owners report that their cats never remained the same after vaccination. However, it is normal for cats to feel ill for a few hours or days after vaccination. Cat booster shots Watch out for symptoms like diarrhea, collapse, and breathing difficulties. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). For example, cats that have just been vaccinated are often lethargic. how long do cat vaccine side effects last, how long do side effects of distemper vaccine last, how long does a vaccine lump last in dogs, how to make cat feel better after vaccines, how to make cat feel better after vaccines uk, negative side effects of rabies vaccine in dogs, side effects of distemper vaccine in cats, side effects of distemper vaccine in dogs, side effects of feline leukemia vaccination, side effects of rabies vaccine in older dogs. If your cat takes its vaccinations intranasally, it will sneeze and sniff for a while afterward. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. Just as in humans, vaccinating your cat helps to protect him or her against several serious and/or life-threatening diseases. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. 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. A first booster vaccination should be given 12 months later to ensure a good level of continuing protection. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. Here at MyCuteAnimals.com we cover everything from training, care, health, nutrition, breeds, products, and much more. Kittens and seniors tend to have fewer reserves and be a bit more fragile than adults in their prime, so lethargy may develop more quickly or be more severe in the very young or very old.