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. Its natural for a cat to become listless and sleepy after vaccines are administered. This is because the cat that came from the vet smells differently that the other cat can no longer recognize the first cats scent. Again, this is normal behavior. He gave her a shot of cortizone. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. Cat vaccines protect pets against fatal and infectious feline diseases, keeping them healthy and living longer. Respiratory illnesses, which certain vaccinations protect against, can be lethal for senior cats. For further information on FeLV, seeFeline leukaemia virus. Vaccines are necessary for most cats, especially those that spend most of their time outdoors. Some pet owners report a temporary change in the behavior or personality of the cat after vaccination. This allows them to identify one another. We took her to our vet. In more severe cases, your cat may require intravenous fluids and further observation. He gave her a shot of cortizone. 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. If your cat is still unwell 48 hours after its vaccination, then you should call your vet for advice. They divide cat vaccines into two categories: Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions. To help your pet stay healthy, limit their contact with infected animals and to environments where diseases may be more common. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. She stayed there and then was released. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. 1. 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. 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. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. A cats immune system starts to adapt following a vaccine, which means that a cat may feel sick. The initial vaccine course is often started at 8-9 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. This should go away on its own in 2-3 days as the symptoms ease. This will help minimize aggression because they will be both familiar with the scents in the clinic. This was due to the flexibility of the skin in this area. The shots come in a series every 3 to 4 weeks. What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Cat Vaccinations? CancerDifferent types of cancer affect cats in distinct ways, but lethargy is a common clinical sign. iCatCare may receive a commission or share in the net profit of some purchases made through the affiliate links. These dangers alone are not enough to avoid getting feline vaccinations, though. 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. The non-core costs range from $15 to $20 for the year. Check the requirements in your state using this table compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association. 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. The effectiveness of these vaccines should be evaluated carefully, and none of these should be regarded as core (or essential) vaccines. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. Some experts believe that the felines already have tumors. Theres no better place to network, learn, and meet up with the friends and colleagues who make veterinary medicine so rewarding. Liver and kidney diseaseWaste products build up when these organs fail, which disrupts normal chemical processes and makes cats feel terrible. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. 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. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). 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. Cat Diseases: What Is Bobcat Fever and Why Is It Deadly to Cats? A vet will offeressential vaccinations for your cat. The panel comprisesdedicated feline veterinarians and scientists and is regarded as a reputable source of cat vaccination standards. However, your pet may want to be alone during this period. If your cat gets outside, you want to make sure they areprotected. Even if you reside in a state that doesnt mandate rabies shots by law, it remains advisable. The disease can negatively impact your cats immune system or cause anemia or cancer. This normally lasts for around 48 hours. If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. It is not entirely clear why cats experience FISS. Flat Feet In Dogs UPDATED 2022 A Complete Guide. The right vaccinations. Owners should not get concerned if their cat starts acting strange after vaccination. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become Lethargy is a very nonspecific clinical signits seen with almost every health problem a cat could develop. Cats heading into stressful situations, such as boarding, may benefit from a core vaccine booster 7-10 days before. 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. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Ondansetron For Cats (Zofran) All You Need To Know, Mini Hippo Dog - Everything You Need To Know. Many pet owners report their cats not eating after getting their vaccines. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. Some owners report that their cats never remained the same after vaccination. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. 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. side effects associated with cat vaccination. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. They told me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me I should have her put down. 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. Other vaccines are regarded as non-core and used when vaccination would provide valuable protection for an individual cat. However, these shouldneverbe used they have no scientific basis and cannot provoke the specific immune response that is needed to provide protection. Designate this as his recovery area where he can rest without being disturbed by the other members of the household. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. As a pet owner, one of your first responsibilities is to get your four-legged friend vaccinated on schedule. All vaccines have to undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing before they are licensed for use in cats by regulatory authorities. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. If youre up too late, youll be tired the next day but will feel fine once you get some extra sleep. All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. Heart diseaseA heart that isnt pumping normally cant move blood around the body well. WebDecreased appetite and activity. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). We took her to our vet. The FeLV vaccine is recommended as core for kittens. If your cat does not show any such severe symptoms, you can wait for a few hours to see if it stops shivering. After getting injected with a vaccine, you may also experience the same symptoms. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) Nutritional disordersCats cant be energetic and engaged without good nutrition. 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. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. A feline that has been vaccinated will want to be on its own to get some sleep for several hours. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. Make sure that food and water are readily available to him. Some of these problems, like cancer, are more common as pets get older, but lethargy can strike cats at any age. There are some risks and side effects associated with cat vaccination. It sounds like your cat is having some neurologic symptoms that are very abnormal. 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? 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. Senior cats may slow down a bit more, but extreme or sudden changes are usually a sign of a health problem. Let us try to understand whether it is normal for your cat to act strangely after getting a shot. If your cat takes its vaccinations intranasally, it will sneeze and sniff for a while afterward. Cats can have vaccine reactions but they are relatively uncommon and do not present like this. 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. Young kittens in multicat households (eg, breeding households) are most likely to be affected and there may also be mild upper respiratory signs. After vaccination, some cats will go back to their routines as if nothing happened to them. Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. Core vaccines for cats are: The FVRCP vaccine is a combination vaccine to protect your cat from three pretty serious diseases: These diseases can affect things like your cats respiratory system and white blood cell count. Many cats are fortunate to go into a regressive state and appear perfectly healthy throughout their lives, but some do not fare as well. Some vaccines are recommended for all cats. He told me to bring her in and he would get to her when he could. 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. Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies. This can manifest in the form of aggression or clinginess. Among the behavioral changes that you can see in your cat are lethargy, aggression, and fear. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. Make a note of all the changes to your cats behavior. 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. 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. The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. 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). (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. Understand that your cat is still in recovery and that he may not be his usual self. 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 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. Lethargic and Not Eating / DrinkingLike lethargy, not eating or drinking well are nonspecific clinical signs that are seen with many cat diseases. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. Some symptoms you can expect to see include sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, andconjunctivitis. After the cat recovers from the initial infection, the virus enters a latency period in the nerves. Dog Ate Uncooked Rice? As a cat owner, you need to be aware of your pets fear at the clinic. FeLVis an important disease that can be spread through fighting, through mutual grooming, and through sharing of food/water bowls and litter trays. Seek veterinary care immediately if any of these signs develop: 2023 American Veterinary Medical Association All rights reserved, Donate to American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network (CAN), Tools to help you transition to your new veterinary career, Answers to the questions you're facing as you start out in your professional life, Early-career resources to continue your professional and personal growth, AVMA Center for Veterinary Education Accreditation, Professional policy guidance, open for member input, Creating socially conscious work environments, Self-care and workplace wellbeing for the whole veterinary team, Profitability and finance, marketing, leadership, and team building, Loans, budgets, financial planning, and more, Interprofessional collaboration across animal, human, and environmental health, Disease and pain management, behavior, disaster preparedness, humane endings, and more, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR). After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Hormonal abnormalities (e.g., diabetes)Abnormal hormone levels change physiologic processes throughout the body, which can make cats feel sick. Heres What You Should Know! For example, fleas may remove so much blood from cats that they become anemic. More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. That can upset your cats stomach. If so, your cat is showing the classic signs of lethargy. A cat that does not eat for more than 24 hours is a matter of concern. And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it. 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. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Some of the more virulent strains cause hair loss and crusting on other parts of the body, as well as hepatitis and even death. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy worsens or fails to improve in a day or two. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. The journal Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica has stated that instances remain as low as 1 in 10,000. These symptoms are common and should subside independently in a few hours. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. This will give the other cats something familiar to smell in the recently vaccinated pet. As cats age, they often spend more time quietly observing the world around them (or napping), but this isnt lethargy; its growing up. 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. The Veterinary Leadership Conference draws veterinarians from across the U.S. for education sessions that help develop leaders for the veterinary profession. Not all vaccines must be injected. 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. But some cats will behave differently. There are some clinics that will vaccinate your cat for free. When used appropriately and as recommended they are both safe and provide crucial protection for cats against a number of diseases. Some that may be available include: Vaccination is generally a very safe procedure that has substantially reduced the impact of several very serious diseases. FISS remains rare. This will naturally make them more lethargic. It is normal for your cat to experience mild symptoms ranging from soreness at the site of injection to fever, lethargy and allergic reactions. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? Put simply, lethargy is a cat slowing down when they dont feel good. Recommendations for treatment or additional diagnostic testing will be based on the specifics of your cats case and the results of their initial workup. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become Outbreaks of infection with this virus are common and a high proportion of affected cats can die. As a cat receives a shot, its immune system responds to the antibodies, causing it to look sick and uneasy. If your cat seems to have undergone a complete personality transformation, seek further guidance from a vet. Youll need to make an informed decision about whether to vaccinate your cat based on the available medical evidence. Keep track of product alerts for pet foods, animal feed, and products used by veterinarians or animal owners. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. 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. Future vaccine recommendation will be based on the cat's lifestyle.Feline leukemia cannot be cured, so prevention is a priority. 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). Always inform your veterinarian if your pet has had prior reactions to any vaccine or medication. You can try comforting it with some food or drink to alleviate the pain or discomfort associated with vaccination. Cats of any age can get FeLV, but its typically considered a core vaccine for cats under 1 year old. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. Commonly, your feline friend reacts to these side effects of vaccination with a strange behavior that may concern you. The viruses are often transmitted by direct or close contact between cats (eg, in sneezed droplets), but they may also survive for short periods in the environment. Some cats are allergic to vaccines. Cats lack the fat reserves to sustain them. 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. This, in turn, will allow cancerous cells to spread. 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. Most persistently infected cats will die as a result of their infection. 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. The rabies vaccine is so important that its required by law, since the disease is fatal, highly contagious and transmissible to humans. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Therefore, veterinarians will often focus on any other symptoms a cat might have when they are trying to figure out what is wrong. Any cat that has not eaten for 24 hours is a cause for concern. All rights reserved. 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. A number of other vaccines may be available in certain countries but not others. 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. He did not know what was wrong. This can even happen to cats that have bonded quite well. She started to get more aggressive. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. On the other, theyll be more affected by any of the side effects. Is your cat lying around more than normal? Tiredness is a temporary state that resolves with rest or sleep. These diseases are highly infectious and seen worldwide. Goodness, this sounds like a very complicated case. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. And preventive care recommendations for our cats are no exception. There are certain vaccines all cats need aka core vaccines. A loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccinations. After those initial rounds of vaccinations are finished, all youll have to do to keep your cat vaccinated is periodically get him booster shots. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalitiesWater and appropriate electrolyte levels are essential for a cats body to produce energy and function normally. A number of FeLV vaccines are also available and are effective in protecting cats. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. So there you have it everything you need to know about cat vaccinations to keep your pet safe from super preventable diseases. Cats can react badly to vaccines, which is an unavoidable side effect of the process. Id encourage her to eat hand feed her, give her some smelling food, whatever it takes to get her to eat. 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. Keep in mind that vaccines dont offer total immunity from diseases. 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. UTIs in Cats (Urinary Tract Infections in Cats). In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. Chlamydophila felisis a type of bacteria that mainly causes conjunctivitis in cats. Contact your veterinarian if you have a lethargic kitten. Another sign of FISS includes the lump exceeding 2cm in diameter, especially if it keeps growing. Cats withBordetella bronchispeticacan be treated effectively with appropriate antibiotics, and vaccination is not required in most cats. 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. Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from diseases that are really serious, contagious and often fatal. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Gastrointestinal problemsDiseases leading to poor digestion or nutrient absorption can reduce a cats energy levels. 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.. These reactions can be life-threatening and are medical emergencies. 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. Do they seem drowsy or out of it? Are they not interested in whats going on around them? 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. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. The first one is called the prodromal stage. I had then decided to take her to our local emergency vet clinic. However, a trip to the clinic is often a traumatizing experience for most cats. However, vaccination is essential for his health and your familys safety. Cats that struggle with this side effect bounce back as quickly as they experienced the issue. Lethargic and WobblyCats who are wobbly could be suffering from a neurologic problem or metabolic disease, or they could simply be very weak. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. While cat vaccinations generally have no serious side effects, some people report changes in their poochs behavior after getting vaccinated. These side effects are short-term and should subside on their own. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. Cats that stay at a boarding cattery will generally require an annual vaccination (or booster vaccine before the cat goes into the cattery) as this is a higher risk situation. Previously, many vets chose to administer shots to the neck. It only means that your cat is experiencing these symptoms due to the interaction between his body and the vaccine. Just as in humans, vaccinating your cat helps to protect him or her against several serious and/or life-threatening diseases. 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. 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. Vaccines that are appropriate for some cats in some circumstances are considered noncore vaccines (or lifestyle vaccines). Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. A lethargic cat can look a lot like a tired cat, but there is an important difference. **Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers! 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.

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