However, as with any other product, no vaccine can ever be entirely without side effects so it is important to carefully choose which vaccines are necessary for any individual cat and to evaluate how frequently they should be given. He gave her a shot of cortizone. 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 Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. Heres What You Should Know! WebDecreased appetite and activity. 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. Anemia (low red blood cell count)A cats body needs the oxygen that red blood cells carry to make energy. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. 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. For more information, please see ourPrivacy Policy. After a few days, you can expect your pet to revert to his true personality. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. And a visit to the vet can be doubly scary for a feline if injections are added to the equation. To prevent aggression between your cats after a visit to the vet, it is a good idea to isolate the vaccinated cat. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. 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. On the other, theyll be more affected by any of the side effects. For further information on FIV, seeFeline immunodeficiency virus. Bordetella bronchisepticais another bacterial infection that can be a part of the upper respiratory infection complex (cat flu) in cats. Cats of any age can get FeLV, but its typically considered a core vaccine for cats under 1 year old. Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it. Any vomiting should be monitored after vaccinations. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. A loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccinations. These protect against the following conditions: Of these vaccines, rabies is the only one that is required by law in most U.S. states. Vaccination is very effective in preventing disease. The panel comprisesdedicated feline veterinarians and scientists and is regarded as a reputable source of cat vaccination standards. Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies. You can seek guidance and advice from your vet regarding such behavioral transformation. Cat vaccination recommendations are among the most contentious debates in veterinary medicine. Put simply, lethargy is a cat slowing down when they dont feel good. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become The FVCRP vaccine is most likely to cause limping because lameness is a symptom of feline calicivirus. **Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers! If your cat has little energy or limping syndrome, the walk can feel like a long journey, especially for an older cat with joint problems or arthritis pain. Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Was her glucose normal? Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. This is more likely for older cats with arthritis or joint pain. Cat booster shots That can upset your cats stomach. Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. Like any other medical treatment, vaccinations have their risks and adverse effects. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. This is a cancerous tumor that develops following inflammation around the site of the injection. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? 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. But for cats who are older than 1 year and are at low risk of exposure, the FeLV vaccine is considered a non-core vaccine. An allergic reaction is more concerning than a typical reaction to a vaccine. In other cases, the cat that was recently vaccinated becomes the victim of aggression by the other feline members of your home. As a cat owner, you need to be aware of your pets fear at the clinic. These symptoms are common and should subside independently in a few hours. Cat vaccines protect pets against fatal and infectious feline diseases, keeping them healthy and living longer. As a cat receives a shot, its immune system responds to the antibodies, causing it to look sick and uneasy. 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. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. Decisions regarding the requirement for non-core vaccines may be based on the cats age, lifestyle and contact with other 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. A cats body will go through an adjustment after a vaccine is administered. Neurologic disordersDisease or injury affecting the neurologic system, especially the brain, can lead to lethargy in cats. He gave her a shot of cortizone. We also discuss common cat vaccination concerns to help pet owners determine what they should expect. TheFeline Vaccination Advisory Panelregularly evaluates and researches cat vaccination developments to make science-based recommendations. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. Basic lab work will often be needed as well. 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. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. Some that may be available include: Vaccination is generally a very safe procedure that has substantially reduced the impact of several very serious diseases. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. Feline vaccinations are commonly administered by injection, typically behind the legs. But usually, these behavioral changes are temporary in nature. Can you give me any feedback on your impressions and how I need to proceed with continued love and care for my little one? The key? Lethargic cats often do sleep more than normal, but their lethargy remains unless the underlying problem is addressed. 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). A potential problem is that vaccinated cats will also test positive on the routine tests used to detect FIV-infected cats, but newer diagnostic assays are becoming available that may overcome this problem. The shots come in a series every 3 to 4 weeks. 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. 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. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. Attend topical CE meetings on subjects including animal welfare, wellbeing, economics, and public policy. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. And if youre about to adopt a cat, some rescues and shelters will include the costs of the vaccines he already got in your cats adoption fees. An article that might be helpful to you is Dealing with Cats that Wont Eat. If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. We took her to our vet. Your vet should examine the cat to determine whether it has developed a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. 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. Woman Tries Every Day For A Month To Rescue This Dog. When it comes to medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. But is it possible for vaccines to alter a cats personality? When used appropriately and as recommended they are both safe and provide crucial protection for cats against a number of diseases. Owners should not get concerned if their cat starts acting strange after vaccination. Press Enter / Return to begin your search. While it is no longer routinely recommended for grooming or boarding, it may be required by individual businesses. He told me to bring her in and he would get to her when he could. Many cats experience mild side effects after vaccination like fever, lethargy, swelling and reduced energy. Some cats even exhibit lingering fear and anxiety days after coming from the vet. Feline panleucopenia virus(also known as feline parvovirus or feline infectious enteritis) is a severe and frequently fatal cause of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. The rabies vaccine is so important that its required by law, since the disease is fatal, highly contagious and transmissible to humans. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. What You Need to Know About Rabies Vaccines for Cats. Is your cat lying around more than normal? In short, almost any health condition can lead to lethargy in cats, including: InfectionsFighting off bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens takes a lot of energy. Thank you for supporting International Cat Care through your shop purchases! UTIs in Cats (Urinary Tract Infections in Cats). In recent years, the risk of Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS) has become more of a concern. If you present your cat to a vet with FISS, surgery will be required to remove the tumor. If your cat seems to have undergone a complete personality transformation, seek further guidance from a vet. For example, fleas may remove so much blood from cats that they become anemic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)Glucose (a type of sugar) is needed to fuel cells in a cats body, especially in the brain. If your kitten or senior cat becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian right away. 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. All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. The lungs and other internal organs will soon be affected. Seefeline herpes virusandfeline calicivirus. Also, she wants to clean herself and tries to play like she used to. If your cat is still unwell 48 hours after its vaccination, then you should call your vet for advice. This is because the vaccine causes a chemical reaction in a cats brain. Infection with FeLV is not an automatic death sentence. Your purchase directly supports the leading global cat welfare charity, International Cat Care. All rights reserved. A trip to the vet for vaccination is never a pleasant experience for your cat. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Goodness, this sounds like a very complicated case. Future vaccine recommendation will be based on the cat's lifestyle.Feline leukemia cannot be cured, so prevention is a priority. 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. They told me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me I should have her put down. You can try comforting it with some food or drink to alleviate the pain or discomfort associated with 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. You can try feeding the cat to see if it helps. Nutritional disordersCats cant be energetic and engaged without good nutrition. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. Outbreaks of infection with this virus are common and a high proportion of affected cats can die. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. So The Dodos compiled everything you need to know about cat vaccinations. The most commonly available vaccines are used to provide protection against the following infections: Vaccines can be divided into core vaccines and non-core vaccines. 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). Not all vaccines must be injected. This normally lasts for around 48 hours. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. These dangers alone are not enough to avoid getting feline vaccinations, though. They include: If your cat stays inside all of the time, you might think they areautomatically protected from these kinds of diseases. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. A first booster vaccination should be given 12 months later to ensure a good level of continuing protection. It can also be helpful to provide him with his favorite treats. Cats that have this vaccination often experience stiffened joints. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. 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). In many cases, lethargy is the bodys way of conserving energy to fight off illness or heal from injury. Affected cats typically show sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, eye discharge, and mouth ulcers. 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. There are some clinics that will vaccinate your cat for free. You should note all the changes you see in the cats behavior and find the pattern. But some cats will behave differently. From time to time, check on your cat. Some owners report that their cats never remained the same after vaccination. Then the next day I called him back because 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. 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. When to give vaccines. If your cat belongs to the second camp, there are a few things that you can do to make him feel better while recovering. While the disease usually starts with decreased energy and low appetite, it progresses to vomiting and diarrhea. The initial vaccine course is often started at 8-9 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. A cat that does not eat for more than 24 hours is a matter of concern. Find whether it does not have an appetite or it is not willing to walk to its bowl. American Association of Feline Practitioners. Young kittens in multicat households (eg, breeding households) are most likely to be affected and there may also be mild upper respiratory signs. Therefore, veterinarians will often focus on any other symptoms a cat might have when they are trying to figure out what is wrong. Ultimately, cat owners should work with their veterinarians to limit the stress associated with visiting a clinic. Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. The same thing can happen to people. Cats lack the fat reserves to sustain them. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. A number of FeLV vaccines are also available and are effective in protecting cats. It might be tempting to sit beside your pet to give him comfort. What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Cat Vaccinations? Kittens may also acquire infections from the queen before birth. This is only a concern if it does not quickly recover. FeLVis an important disease that can be spread through fighting, through mutual grooming, and through sharing of food/water bowls and litter trays. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. These effects should subside in a few hours or days. Watch out for symptoms like diarrhea, collapse, and breathing difficulties. 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. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. After vaccination, some cats will go back to their routines as if nothing happened to them. It may also run a high fever. 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 WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. 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. Let us try to understand whether it is normal for your cat to act strangely after getting a shot. Understand that your cat is still in recovery and that he may not be his usual self. These reactions are generally treated with antihistamines and steroids. However, it is normal for cats to feel ill for a few hours or days after vaccination. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. The Veterinary Leadership Conference draws veterinarians from across the U.S. for education sessions that help develop leaders for the veterinary profession. However, it is not a concern if the cat gets better with time and recovers in a few hours. Some streaming from the eyes and nose may also follow. Cat Enema Side Effects What To Expect After Cat Enema? The rabies virus targets your cats central nervous system, causing aggression, paralysis and coma. Traumatic injuriesSignificant trauma leads to pain, and healing requires extra energy. Many cats are fortunate to go into a regressive state and appear perfectly healthy throughout their lives, but some do not fare as well. After coming home, your cats may seem like total strangers. Inflammatory / immune diseasesAbnormal immune responses and inflammation can make cats feel unwell and damage the body. 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. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. Your veterinarian can assess your cats risk of FeLV infection and decide on an appropriate vaccination schedule. This behavior can last for about a day and your pet should start eating in few hours. This is because the cat that came from the vet smells differently that the other cat can no longer recognize the first cats scent. 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. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. Many factors affect the likelihood of a cat developing an infectious disease. However, vaccination is essential for his health and your familys safety. Not all cats experience these problems after vaccination. This will naturally make them more lethargic. FISS remains rare. FVCRP, FIP, and Bordetella can be inhaled nasally but may not be as effective as injections. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Its natural for a cat to become listless and sleepy after vaccines are administered. Vaccines that are appropriate for some cats in some circumstances are considered noncore vaccines (or lifestyle vaccines). 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.. 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. 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. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. Stay current on important veterinary news, AVMA activities, and member services. Hi thanks for your email. 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. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. 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. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. You can discuss all these issues with your vet. Feline herpesvirus, also known asfeline rhinotracheitis virus, causes severe signs of upper respiratory infection. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. Some common side effects of feline vaccinations include: These side effects should be short-lived. A lethargic cat can look a lot like a tired cat, but there is an important difference. Most cats want to sleep for a few hours after getting their shot. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. 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. 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. Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from diseases that are really serious, contagious and often fatal. The other three core vaccines are combined into a single three-in-one vaccine called the FVRCP vaccine. Now, I am here on the internet trying to get answers. Keep in mind that vaccines dont offer total immunity from diseases. Copyright 1999 - 2023. Rabies vaccination is given every year or every three years, depending on state laws and the brand of vaccine used. 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. 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. This can manifest in the form of aggression or clinginess. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Transmitted through body fluids including saliva, urine, and feces, FeLV is spread when an infected cat comes into close contact with another cat that they groom or share bowls with. The most alarming reaction to vaccination is Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS). She started to get more aggressive. As a pet owner, one of your first responsibilities is to get your four-legged friend vaccinated on schedule. After those initial rounds of vaccinations are finished, all youll have to do to keep your cat vaccinated is periodically get him booster shots. Commonly, your feline friend reacts to these side effects of vaccination with a strange behavior that may concern you. Is she eating? The FeLV vaccine protects against feline leukemia virus, which is a fatal disease in cats. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)vaccination is available in some, but not all counties. Click Yes to help us continue to make these improvements. Although todays veterinarians are working hard to make a pets experience at a clinic less stressful, a visit to the clinic can still be scary for your cat, with all the unfamiliar faces, objects, and scents that he will encounter inside. The bacterium can also be an occasional cause of pneumonia in young kittens. If it persists more than three weeks, or seems to be getting larger, you should contact your veterinarian. Your vet may prescribe a feline-safe painkiller. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. He did not know what was wrong. A vet will offeressential vaccinations for your cat. 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. We took her to our vet. The virus also kills off white blood cells, leaving the young cats even more susceptible to secondary infections. 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. 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 It should start to disappear within a couple weeks.
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