They protect against: The feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccinations often come in a combination shot (FVRCP), which is sometimes called the distemper shot.. Some pet owners report a temporary change in the behavior or personality of the cat after vaccination. 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. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. Watch out for symptoms like diarrhea, collapse, and breathing difficulties. 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. Heart diseaseA heart that isnt pumping normally cant move blood around the body 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. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. They could even react to the rubber gloves that your vet wears to administer the vaccine. 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. These are perfectly normal although it can be disconcerting to see your happy cat lack his usual vigor. Your cat may also need to undergo radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Lethargic and DroolingDiseases or injuries affecting the mouth are common causes of drooling, and they can cause lethargy too. Black Spots, Gunk & Blackheads On Dog Nipples: What Do They Mean?? Make a note of all the changes to your cats behavior. 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. Adverse effects from vaccines are very rare, especially in view of the millions of doses that are administered every year. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. Please consider making a contribution, big or small, to keep our content free, accurate and relevant. These diseases are highly infectious and seen worldwide. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. Some cats are temporarily different or never quite the same after vaccination. 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). Some symptoms you can expect to see include sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, andconjunctivitis. Even though its a confusing topic, making sure your cat has the shots they need and keeping up with booster shots is very important. Hormonal abnormalities (e.g., diabetes)Abnormal hormone levels change physiologic processes throughout the body, which can make cats feel sick. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. She started to get more aggressive. A vet must assess a cat with a lump that persists for weeks after vaccination. This was due to the flexibility of the skin in this area. 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. Thank you for supporting International Cat Care through your shop purchases! Which shots they need. Press Enter / Return to begin your search. As a cat receives a shot, its immune system responds to the antibodies, causing it to look sick and uneasy. Is she eating? You can discuss all these issues with your vet. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. This is more likely for older cats with arthritis or joint pain. The rabies vaccine is so important that its required by law, since the disease is fatal, highly contagious and transmissible to humans. Put simply, lethargy is a cat slowing down when they dont feel good. Find whether it does not have an appetite or it is not willing to walk to its bowl. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become Inflammatory / immune diseasesAbnormal immune responses and inflammation can make cats feel unwell and damage the body. This virus is quite common among cats, especially cats that go outdoors and are involved in fighting (infection is mainly spread through cat bites). Cats that struggle with this side effect bounce back as quickly as they experienced the issue. Tell any children in the home not to disturb your cat. Rabies vaccination is given every year or every three years, depending on state laws and the brand of vaccine used. Every topic on our website is thoroughly researched and professionally written. 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. We took her to our vet. Well, it totally is. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. More marked side effects may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lameness, fever, signs of respiratory tract infection, or lumps at the site of injection. 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. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. 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. Respiratory illnesses, which certain vaccinations protect against, can be lethal for senior cats. After coming home, your cats may seem like total strangers. This may include: Tests for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. You have to understand that cats that share a home pass each others scent to one another. This will give the feline enough time to groom and make himself smell familiar to the other cats. The virus also kills off white blood cells, leaving the young cats even more susceptible to secondary infections. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)vaccination is available in some, but not all counties. Diarrhea is also a possibility for the same reasons. Most cats will need booster shots every one to three years, but always double-check with your vet to make sure because thats something youll want to stay on top of. These reactions are generally treated with antihistamines and steroids. We took her to our vet. It may also run a high fever. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. Ondansetron For Cats (Zofran) All You Need To Know, Mini Hippo Dog - Everything You Need To Know. Vaccination is very effective in preventing disease. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. All vaccines have to undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing before they are licensed for use in cats by regulatory authorities. Cat Enema Side Effects What To Expect After Cat Enema? Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. Lethargy can be defined as an abnormal decrease in a cats activity level and alertness. 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. 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. 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 They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. But is it possible for vaccines to alter a cats personality? 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. 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. A loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccinations. iCatCare may receive a commission or share in the net profit of some purchases made through the affiliate links. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies. Decisions regarding the requirement for non-core vaccines may be based on the cats age, lifestyle and contact with other cats. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. A lot of cats will start their vaccines around 6 to 8 weeks old, and you can decide to either give your cat all the different types of shots he needs at once or stagger them out. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You can try comforting it with some food or drink to alleviate the pain or discomfort associated with vaccination. Also, other vaccinations are highly recommended to protect your cat against infectious diseases. Brown Pigment In White of Dog's Eye Can Pigmentary Keratitis Cause Blindness? Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. After the cat recovers from the initial infection, the virus enters a latency period in the nerves. For further information on FIV, seeFeline immunodeficiency virus. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. There are some risks and side effects associated with cat vaccination. This normally lasts for around 48 hours. Cats withBordetella bronchispeticacan be treated effectively with appropriate antibiotics, and vaccination is not required in most cats. And a visit to the vet can be doubly scary for a feline if injections are added to the equation. 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. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. Seefeline herpes virusandfeline calicivirus. I have noticed she is not seeing very well but can hear us call her and will follow our calls. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccination 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. If your elderly cat has a chronic illness, then you should avoid vaccination. So The Dodos compiled everything you need to know about cat vaccinations. Any movement will be painful for the full duration of this side effect. how long do cat vaccine side effects last, how long do side effects of distemper vaccine last, how long does a vaccine lump last in dogs, how to make cat feel better after vaccines, how to make cat feel better after vaccines uk, negative side effects of rabies vaccine in dogs, side effects of distemper vaccine in cats, side effects of distemper vaccine in dogs, side effects of feline leukemia vaccination, side effects of rabies vaccine in older dogs. Previously, many vets chose to administer shots to the neck. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. As a pet owner, one of your first responsibilities is to get your four-legged friend vaccinated on schedule. UTIs in Cats (Urinary Tract Infections in Cats). If so, your cat is showing the classic signs of lethargy. A cats immune system starts to adapt following a vaccine, which means that a cat may feel sick. 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. There are certain vaccines all cats need aka core vaccines. 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. 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. 2022 MyCuteAnimals. 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. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. These effects should subside in a few hours or days. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. 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. She started to get more aggressive. Adult cats need shots less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last. There are so many possibilities of what it could be. However, you do not have to worry much about your cat. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. 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. Cat vaccines protect pets against fatal and infectious feline diseases, keeping them healthy and living longer. Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia), Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1), and Feline Calicivirus (FCV), These three vaccines are combined into one (FVCRP vaccine), Swelling around the location of the injection, Swelling around the face, eyes, mouth, and neck, Low blood pressure and decreased heart rate. For further information on FeLV, seeFeline leukaemia virus. Its advisable to get your cat inoculated if your cat roams outside. Commonly, your feline friend reacts to these side effects of vaccination with a strange behavior that may concern you. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. The FeLV vaccine works to protect your cat againstfeline leukemia virus. However, these shouldneverbe used they have no scientific basis and cannot provoke the specific immune response that is needed to provide protection. When the underlying cause can be successfully treated, the lethargy should resolve as well. However, a trip to the clinic is often a traumatizing experience for most cats. It sounds like your cat is having some neurologic symptoms that are very abnormal. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. Hi thanks for your email. Vaccines that are appropriate for some cats in some circumstances are considered noncore vaccines (or lifestyle vaccines). TheFeline Vaccination Advisory Panelregularly evaluates and researches cat vaccination developments to make science-based recommendations. A number of other vaccines may be available in certain countries but not others. But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. Cats dont actually have nine lives, so you need to do what you can to protect them. Affected cats can be treated successfully with appropriate antibiotics, but vaccination may be helpful in some circumstances as part of a control programme in an infected household, For further information onChlamydophila felis, seeChlamydophila felisinfection in cats. Senior cats may slow down a bit more, but extreme or sudden changes are usually a sign of a health problem. Some common side effects of feline vaccinations include: These side effects should be short-lived. 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. Some cats even exhibit lingering fear and anxiety days after coming from the vet. Cat booster shots Since then we noticed her behavior changed. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. 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. That can upset your cats stomach. Some cats are allergic to vaccines. Assess whether your cat isnt eating or is just reluctant to walk to its bowl. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? The bacterium can also be an occasional cause of pneumonia in young kittens. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. WebDecreased appetite and activity. Your pet can temporarily change his usual behavior after getting vaccines either because he is experiencing side effects or if he was traumatized by the visit to the clinic. 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. 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. Liver and kidney diseaseWaste products build up when these organs fail, which disrupts normal chemical processes and makes cats feel terrible. Outbreaks of infection with this virus are common and a high proportion of affected cats can die. You should note all the changes you see in the cats behavior and find the pattern. Vaccination can and do affect a cats behavior. The FeLV vaccine protects against feline leukemia virus, which is a fatal disease in cats. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. Older cats have weaker immune systems and are more prone to illness. Others will continue showing fear and anxiety after coming home. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. Then the next day I called him back because 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. As cats age, they often spend more time quietly observing the world around them (or napping), but this isnt lethargy; its growing up. And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common WebBordetella: 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. This tumor would need to be removed, and this is not easy around the neck. Vaccination causes a chemical reaction in the cats brain that lasts 24-48 hours. Clinical signs vary from mild to extremely severe, and occasionally other complications may develop including viral pneumonia. I cant see how that can be rabies. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. It is not entirely clear why cats experience FISS. Poisoning or envenomationToxins and venomous stings or bites can cause pain, damage tissues, and disrupt normal physiologic functions. Dog Ate Uncooked Rice? If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. 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. The rabies virus targets your cats central nervous system, causing aggression, paralysis and coma. Many cats experience mild side effects after vaccination like fever, lethargy, swelling and reduced energy. FISS remains rare. They told me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me I should have her put down. Gastrointestinal problemsDiseases leading to poor digestion or nutrient absorption can reduce a cats energy levels. Kittens may also acquire infections from the queen before birth. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become 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. If your cat gets outside, you want to make sure they areprotected. Lethargic and Not Eating / DrinkingLike lethargy, not eating or drinking well are nonspecific clinical signs that are seen with many cat diseases. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. If you see your cat shivering after vaccination, it can be from the pain or swelling at the injection site. The virus can also survive for long periods in the environment so vaccination is the only real way to protect cats. He did not know what was wrong. Some vaccines are recommended for all cats. Attend topical CE meetings on subjects including animal welfare, wellbeing, economics, and public policy. On average, your cats core vaccines alone (without the office visit charge) can cost $40 to $80 for the first years worth of shots. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. A vet will offeressential vaccinations for your cat. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. 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. Can you give me any feedback on your impressions and how I need to proceed with continued love and care for my little one? While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. A cat can have an allergic reaction to a vaccination. They tend to be either fully onrunning around like maniacsor fully offresting up for another round. 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. The first one is called the prodromal stage. 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. 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. 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 can even happen to cats that have bonded quite well. As a cat owner, you need to be aware of your pets fear at the clinic. It can also be helpful to provide him with his favorite treats. 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). Goodness, this sounds like a very complicated case. Cat vaccination recommendations are among the most contentious debates in veterinary medicine. When to give vaccines. Cats of any age can get FeLV, but its typically considered a core vaccine for cats under 1 year old. The right vaccinations. If the sarcoma that is caused by vaccination is not treated, it will continue to grow. Check the requirements in your state using this table compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from diseases that are really serious, contagious and often fatal.