What You Need to Know About Rabies Vaccines for Cats. 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. While the disease usually starts with decreased energy and low appetite, it progresses to vomiting and diarrhea. This will give the other cats something familiar to smell in the recently vaccinated pet. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. Typically, these symptoms, including lethargy and lack of appetite, vanish after two to three days. It sounds like your cat is having some neurologic symptoms that are very abnormal. You should call the vet for advice if your cat feels ill after 48 hours of vaccination. A vet must assess a cat with a lump that persists for weeks after vaccination. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from diseases that are really serious, contagious and often fatal. Cat vaccination 10 things you should All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. These reactions can be life-threatening and are medical emergencies. Cat Vaccinations The effectiveness of these vaccines should be evaluated carefully, and none of these should be regarded as core (or essential) vaccines. If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. Cat Personality Change After Vaccinations Theres no better place to network, learn, and meet up with the friends and colleagues who make veterinary medicine so rewarding. Such reactions can occur almost every time the cat gets a shot. Some pet owners report a temporary change in the behavior or personality of the cat after vaccination. Neurologic disordersDisease or injury affecting the neurologic system, especially the brain, can lead to lethargy in cats. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. These symptoms are common and should subside independently in a few hours. On average, your cats core vaccines alone (without the office visit charge) can cost $40 to $80 for the first years worth of shots. Then they must be boostered a year later.. This can manifest in the form of aggression or clinginess. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. It is not entirely clear why cats experience FISS. Respiratory illnesses, which certain vaccinations protect against, can be lethal for senior cats. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. This normally lasts for around 48 hours. Floating Ribs In Dogs Dog Rib Cage Protruding On One Side? This usually takes a day. The same thing can happen to people. The bacterium can also be an occasional cause of pneumonia in young kittens. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. If they have not done some basic tests, Id recommend letting them do that. Do they seem drowsy or out of it? Are they not interested in whats going on around them? While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common Cat Enema Side Effects What To Expect After Cat Enema? Its easy to be overwhelmed when you hear conflicting information about whether your cat needs them and the adverse effects they may have. He did not know what was wrong. This can even happen to cats that have bonded quite well. Cat booster shots Is your cat lying around more than normal? This is because the immune system has started reacting to the vaccine. Dog Ate Uncooked Rice? Cats 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. When used appropriately and as recommended they are both safe and provide crucial protection for cats against a number of diseases. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. 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. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. The first one is called the prodromal stage. The initial vaccine course is often started at 8-9 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. The most alarming reaction to vaccination is Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS). (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) Your vet should examine the cat to determine whether it has developed a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. They could even react to the rubber gloves that your vet wears to administer the vaccine. 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. 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. **Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers! As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. Therefore, veterinarians will often focus on any other symptoms a cat might have when they are trying to figure out what is wrong. 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. Let us try to understand whether it is normal for your cat to act strangely after getting a shot. 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. Cat In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. However, it is normal for cats to feel ill for a few hours or days after vaccination. Feline herpesvirus, also known asfeline rhinotracheitis virus, causes severe signs of upper respiratory infection. Among the behavioral changes that you can see in your cat are lethargy, aggression, and fear. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. Cat vaccines protect pets against fatal and infectious feline diseases, keeping them healthy and living longer. 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. Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. 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. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. The availability of different vaccines will vary between different countries, because some diseases are not present everywhere, and because vaccines are not necessarily licensed (and therefore available) in every country. Seefeline herpes virusandfeline calicivirus. Put simply, lethargy is a cat slowing down when they dont feel good. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). 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. Adult cats need shots less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last. These dangers alone are not enough to avoid getting feline vaccinations, though. However, be aware that your cats appetite may not be normal during this period. Beyond this, all other vaccines are optional. 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. Certain medicationsLethargy can be a side effect of certain medications, including some anti-anxiety and pain-relieving medications commonly given to 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. In recent years, the risk of Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS) has become more of a concern. Ultimately, cat owners should work with their veterinarians to limit the stress associated with visiting a clinic. Any cat that has not eaten for 24 hours is a cause for concern. Its natural for a cat to become listless and sleepy after vaccines are administered. Some of these problems, like cancer, are more common as pets get older, but lethargy can strike cats at any age. WebDecreased appetite and activity. Understanding vaccinosis in dogs and cats A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? So, it was with a heavy heart I had to leave again without an answer. Assess whether your cat isnt eating or is just reluctant to walk to its bowl. After vaccination, some cats will go back to their routines as if nothing happened to them. 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. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. But some cats will behave differently. 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. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become If your cat refuses to eat after getting a shot, you should not worry about it. Is she running a fever? If youre up too late, youll be tired the next day but will feel fine once you get some extra sleep. The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) However, if you see any severe reactions like swollen eyes or face, breathing difficulty, diarrhea or collapse, you should report to the veterinarian. A trip to the vet for vaccination is never a pleasant experience for your cat. If your cat is still unwell 48 hours after its vaccination, then you should call your vet for advice. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it. Even if you reside in a state that doesnt mandate rabies shots by law, it remains advisable. This allows veterinarians to efficiently administer the vaccines all at once, instead of having to inject a cat three separate times in one visit: If your cat is an indoor adult cat, FVRCP can be done every three years. For example, cats that have just been vaccinated are often lethargic. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Cats After coming home, your cats may seem like total strangers. After those initial rounds of vaccinations are finished, all youll have to do to keep your cat vaccinated is periodically get him booster shots. After a couple of days, he will bounce back to his normal self. Read the latest news about the AVMA and the veterinary profession, and search archives dating back to 2000. A cats body will go through an adjustment after a vaccine is administered. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. She started to get more aggressive. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Cat Lethargic and Limping After a Vaccine In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. I cant see how that can be rabies. More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. After the cat recovers from the initial infection, the virus enters a latency period in the nerves. Cat Personality Change After Vaccinations Some symptoms you can expect to see include sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, andconjunctivitis. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. Others will continue showing fear and anxiety after coming home. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)vaccination is available in some, but not all counties. 1. This was due to the flexibility of the skin in this area. A loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccinations. Lower urinary tract problemsDiseases affecting the bladder and associated structures lead to lethargy, discomfort, and sometimes an inability to urinate. These treatments can aggravate problems with the heart and kidneys. Click Yes to help us continue to make these improvements. Its rare, but it does happen. Vaccination can and do affect a cats behavior. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Keep track of product alerts for pet foods, animal feed, and products used by veterinarians or animal owners. Heres What You Should Know! Featured image: iStock.com/GoodLifeStudio. Clinical signs vary from mild to extremely severe, and occasionally other complications may develop including viral pneumonia. 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. 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. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. When to give vaccines. The cost of your cats vaccines will vary depending on where you get them done. The journal Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica has stated that instances remain as low as 1 in 10,000. Cats Have a Reaction to Vaccinations 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 most cases, the risks posed by vaccination are outweighed by the safety that vaccines provide. However, these shouldneverbe used they have no scientific basis and cannot provoke the specific immune response that is needed to provide protection. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. With FHV-1, even after the initial signs subside, most cats will remain permanently infected with the virus and some go on to develop recurrent eye infections or other signs. Cats that have this vaccination often experience stiffened joints. 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FISS can cause a cancerous tumor at the site of the vaccination. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. If your cat does not show any such severe symptoms, you can wait for a few hours to see if it stops shivering. Respiratory conditionsAnything that hinders the lungs ability to move oxygen into the bloodstream can lead to lethargy in cats. We took her to our vet. Cat Vaccination side effects associated with cat vaccination. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Young kittens in multicat households (eg, breeding households) are most likely to be affected and there may also be mild upper respiratory signs. Some experts believe that the felines already have tumors. They include: If your cat stays inside all of the time, you might think they areautomatically protected from these kinds of diseases. 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. The virus can also survive for long periods in the environment so vaccination is the only real way to protect cats. Cat Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. Rabies vaccination is given every year or every three years, depending on state laws and the brand of vaccine used. Please consider making a contribution, big or small, to keep our content free, accurate and relevant. A cat that does not eat for more than 24 hours is a matter of concern. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. If your elderly cat has a chronic illness, then you should avoid vaccination. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? I dont know how long after the vaccines that the signs start. Any movement will be painful for the full duration of this side effect. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. 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. The inflammation caused by the vaccination activates the malignant tumor and causes it to spread. Diarrhea is also a possibility for the same reasons. 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. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). But usually, these behavioral changes are temporary in nature. Feline panleukopenia, also known asfeline parvovirus, is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate in kittens. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. There are certain vaccines all cats need aka core vaccines. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot.
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