(The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. It may also run a high fever. Such reactions can occur almost every time the cat gets a shot. So, it was with a heavy heart I had to leave again without an answer. The disease is commutable among animals and humans. Lethargic and Not Eating / DrinkingLike lethargy, not eating or drinking well are nonspecific clinical signs that are seen with many cat diseases. 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. It can also be helpful to provide him with his favorite treats. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalitiesWater and appropriate electrolyte levels are essential for a cats body to produce energy and function normally. CancerDifferent types of cancer affect cats in distinct ways, but lethargy is a common clinical sign. The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. These reactions should not be severe. This will give the other cats something familiar to smell in the recently vaccinated pet. On average, your cats core vaccines alone (without the office visit charge) can cost $40 to $80 for the first years worth of shots. Heart diseaseA heart that isnt pumping normally cant move blood around the body well. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), What to expect after your pet's vaccination, Discomfort and local swelling at the vaccination site, Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine, Swelling of the muzzle and around the face, neck, or eyes. If your elderly cat has a chronic illness, then you should avoid vaccination. 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. Kittens may also acquire infections from the queen before birth. 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. Cats can have vaccine reactions but they are relatively uncommon and do not present like this. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. If your kitten or senior cat becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian right away. These protect against the following conditions: Of these vaccines, rabies is the only one that is required by law in most U.S. states. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. Provide for his needs and keep some distance. When the underlying cause can be successfully treated, the lethargy should resolve as well. Previously, many vets chose to administer shots to the neck. These reactions are generally treated with antihistamines and steroids. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Others will continue showing fear and anxiety after coming home. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common to see some changes in behavior of your feline friend for a few hours once it gets its vaccine shot. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. 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. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. The effectiveness of these vaccines should be evaluated carefully, and none of these should be regarded as core (or essential) vaccines. Cat Personality Changes After Vaccination. 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. Hi thanks for your email. Vaccination is very effective in preventing disease. Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. 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. All rights reserved. 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. TheFeline Vaccination Advisory Panelregularly evaluates and researches cat vaccination developments to make science-based recommendations. Indoor cats may also pick up bacteria and viruses when they stay at a kennel and if you bring a new cat home. 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. And preventive care recommendations for our cats are no exception. Therefore, veterinarians will often focus on any other symptoms a cat might have when they are trying to figure out what is wrong. 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. FeLV is found worldwide. A feline that has been vaccinated will want to be on its own to get some sleep for several hours. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. Your purchase directly supports the leading global cat welfare charity, International Cat Care. Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved. 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. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. However, vaccination is essential for his health and your familys safety. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. As a pet owner, one of your first responsibilities is to get your four-legged friend vaccinated on schedule. This may include: Tests for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. A cats body will go through an adjustment after a vaccine is administered. We took her to our vet. Other vaccines are regarded as non-core and used when vaccination would provide valuable protection for an individual cat. A vaccine is usually given by an injection under the skin, although sometimes may be given as drops into the eyes or nose. We took her to our vet. He gave her a shot of cortizone. 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. The most alarming reaction to vaccination is Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS). A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. Dog Ate Uncooked Rice? However, these shouldneverbe used they have no scientific basis and cannot provoke the specific immune response that is needed to provide protection. Your vet may prescribe a feline-safe painkiller. What Is FIV and Why Is the FIV Vaccine No Longer Available? Infection with FeLV is not an automatic death sentence. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Cat booster shots He gave her a shot of cortizone. An article that might be helpful to you is Dealing with Cats that Wont Eat. 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. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. 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. Feline panleukopenia, also known asfeline parvovirus, is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate in kittens. 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. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) After a few days, you can expect your pet to revert to his true personality. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. 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. If your cat seems to have undergone a complete personality transformation, seek further guidance from a vet. Now, I am here on the internet trying to get answers. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine?