Vaccines that are appropriate for some cats in some circumstances are considered noncore vaccines (or lifestyle vaccines). In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. They include: If your cat stays inside all of the time, you might think they areautomatically protected from these kinds of diseases. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. 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.. Senior cats may slow down a bit more, but extreme or sudden changes are usually a sign of a health problem. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. While the disease usually starts with decreased energy and low appetite, it progresses to vomiting and diarrhea. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. These diseases are highly infectious and seen worldwide. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. Many factors affect the likelihood of a cat developing an infectious disease. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. 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 To read most recent questions Click here! FeLVis an important disease that can be spread through fighting, through mutual grooming, and through sharing of food/water bowls and litter trays. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. The rabies virus targets your cats central nervous system, causing aggression, paralysis and coma. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccination in cats. Youll need to make an informed decision about whether to vaccinate your cat based on the available medical evidence. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. The vaccine wont prevent the disease, but it will keep your kitty from getting very sick from it. Because fibrosarcomas can be very difficult to completely remove by surgery, it has been recommended by groups in the USA that rabies vaccines are given in the right hind leg, FeLV vaccines in the left hind leg and FHV-1/FCV vaccines in the right front leg. After a couple of days, he will bounce back to his normal self. What You Need to Know About Rabies Vaccines for Cats. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. The lungs and other internal organs will soon be affected. The non-core costs range from $15 to $20 for the year. Ondansetron For Cats (Zofran) All You Need To Know, Mini Hippo Dog - Everything You Need To Know. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. It is common for pets to experience some or all of the following mild side effects after receiving a vaccine, usually starting within hours of the 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. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? How To Euthanize A Cat With Over The Counter Drugs? 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. Traumatic injuriesSignificant trauma leads to pain, and healing requires extra energy. We took her to our vet. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. 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. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. The virus also kills off white blood cells, leaving the young cats even more susceptible to secondary infections. 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. The most alarming reaction to vaccination is Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS). Poisoning or envenomationToxins and venomous stings or bites can cause pain, damage tissues, and disrupt normal physiologic functions. Cats heading into stressful situations, such as boarding, may benefit from a core vaccine booster 7-10 days before. 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. You can try comforting it with some food or drink to alleviate the pain or discomfort associated with vaccination. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. I had then decided to take her to our local emergency vet clinic. Is she eating? Black Spots, Gunk & Blackheads On Dog Nipples: What Do They Mean?? Some experts believe that the felines already have tumors. These reactions can be life-threatening and are medical emergencies. These effects should subside in a few hours or days. The cost of your cats vaccines will vary depending on where you get them done. The factors that your veterinarian will consider to determine yourcats vaccination scheduleinclude: Discuss your cats lifestyle and risk factors with your veterinarian to determine an optimal, individualized vaccination protocol. In more severe cases, your cat may require intravenous fluids and further observation. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. So The Dodos compiled everything you need to know about cat vaccinations. A loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccinations. Then they must be boostered a year later.. Thank you for supporting International Cat Care through your shop purchases! This is because the vaccine causes a chemical reaction in a cats brain. Is she running a fever? 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. However, be aware that your cats appetite may not be normal during this period. The initial vaccine course is often started at 8-9 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. I cant see how that can be rabies. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. However, if you see any severe reactions like swollen eyes or face, breathing difficulty, diarrhea or collapse, you should report to the veterinarian. Basic lab work will often be needed as well. American Association of Feline Practitioners. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. As cats age, they often spend more time quietly observing the world around them (or napping), but this isnt lethargy; its growing up. Some owners report that their cats never remained the same after vaccination. However, it is a good idea to monitor your cat from time to time to ensure that he does not have an adverse reaction to the vaccine. Many cats experience mild side effects after vaccination like fever, lethargy, swelling and reduced energy. The same thing can happen to people. If you present your cat to a vet with FISS, surgery will be required to remove the tumor. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.). Lower urinary tract problemsDiseases affecting the bladder and associated structures lead to lethargy, discomfort, and sometimes an inability to urinate. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. Your vet always tells you how important it is to get your cat vaccinated, but you might still be wondering if its worth it. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. 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. Decisions regarding the requirement for non-core vaccines may be based on the cats age, lifestyle and contact with other cats. As a cat owner, you need to be aware of your pets fear at the clinic. Diarrhea is also a possibility for the same reasons. You can seek guidance and advice from your vet regarding such behavioral transformation. 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. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Like any other medical treatment, vaccinations have their risks and adverse effects. Outbreaks of infection with this virus are common and a high proportion of affected cats can die. 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. Sometimes, the pet may even need further observation or other treatments. He also might. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. If they are outdoor or indoor/outdoor, or they are young cats or seniors, your vet may recommend yearly FVRCP shots. Put simply, lethargy is a cat slowing down when they dont feel good. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) 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. Read the latest news about the AVMA and the veterinary profession, and search archives dating back to 2000. Then the next day I called him back because 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 should start to disappear within a couple weeks. This will help minimize aggression because they will be both familiar with the scents in the clinic. This tumor would need to be removed, and this is not easy around the neck. We took her to our vet. Then the next day I called him back because 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. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. If your kitten or senior cat becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian right away. It is possible that it has little energy to walk to the bowl after vaccination. The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. Heart diseaseA heart that isnt pumping normally cant move blood around the body well. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. The same isnt true for lethargy. 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. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. Click Yes to help us continue to make these improvements. Well, it totally is. Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. Some of these problems, like cancer, are more common as pets get older, but lethargy can strike cats at any age. 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 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. 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. Only use vaccines that are recommended by your vet. Its natural for a cat to become listless and sleepy after vaccines are administered. Future vaccine recommendation will be based on the cat's lifestyle.Feline leukemia cannot be cured, so prevention is a priority. As a pet owner, one of your first responsibilities is to get your four-legged friend vaccinated on schedule. Cat Enema Side Effects What To Expect After Cat Enema? However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It may also run a high fever. And preventive care recommendations for our cats are no exception. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. After coming home, your cats may seem like total strangers. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. More marked side effects may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lameness, fever, signs of respiratory tract infection, or lumps at the site of injection. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) We took her to our vet. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. 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. Many cats are fortunate to go into a regressive state and appear perfectly healthy throughout their lives, but some do not fare as well. Lethargic and VomitingVomiting is seen with problems directly affecting the digestive tract (inflammatory bowel disease, for example) and metabolic diseases like diabetes or kidney failure. If it persists more than three weeks, or seems to be getting larger, you should contact your veterinarian. Cat vaccination recommendations are among the most contentious debates in veterinary medicine. 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. Some common side effects of feline vaccinations include: These side effects should be short-lived. FVCRP, FIP, and Bordetella can be inhaled nasally but may not be as effective as injections. This is only a concern if it does not quickly recover. Owners should not get concerned if their cat starts acting strange after vaccination. All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. Some of the more virulent strains cause hair loss and crusting on other parts of the body, as well as hepatitis and even death. They told me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me I should have her put down. 1. If you see your cat shivering after vaccination, it can be from the pain or swelling at the injection site. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. This should go away on its own in 2-3 days as the symptoms ease. The first one is called the prodromal stage. It is not entirely clear why cats experience FISS. If youre up too late, youll be tired the next day but will feel fine once you get some extra sleep. Lethargic cats often do sleep more than normal, but their lethargy remains unless the underlying problem is addressed. At the vet, do your best to soothe your pet and put minimal restraint on him. After those initial rounds of vaccinations are finished, all youll have to do to keep your cat vaccinated is periodically get him booster shots. Here at MyCuteAnimals.com we cover everything from training, care, health, nutrition, breeds, products, and much more. However, a trip to the clinic is often a traumatizing experience for most cats. Liver and kidney diseaseWaste products build up when these organs fail, which disrupts normal chemical processes and makes cats feel terrible. However, as a charity, we need your support to enable us to keep delivering high quality and up to date information for everyone. If your cat does not show any such severe symptoms, you can wait for a few hours to see if it stops shivering. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Its rare, but it does happen. Not all cats experience these problems after vaccination. 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. A cat can have an allergic reaction to a vaccination. The FeLV vaccine works to protect your cat againstfeline leukemia virus. A vaccination against rabies would usually happen in the right back leg, while a vaccination for FVCRP would happen in the right front leg. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? Some pet owners report a temporary change in the behavior or personality of the cat after vaccination. She started to get more aggressive. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common You have to understand that cats that share a home pass each others scent to one another. Hormonal abnormalities (e.g., diabetes)Abnormal hormone levels change physiologic processes throughout the body, which can make cats feel sick. Understand that your cat is still in recovery and that he may not be his usual self. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. A cats immune system starts to adapt following a vaccine, which means that a cat may feel sick. If your cat belongs to the second camp, there are a few things that you can do to make him feel better while recovering.