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. Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from diseases that are really serious, contagious and often fatal. The first one is called the prodromal stage. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. 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. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. Though rare, your cat may undergo a complete personality change. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. It can also be helpful to provide him with his favorite treats. And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it. Was her glucose normal? Future vaccine recommendation will be based on the cat's lifestyle.Feline leukemia cannot be cured, so prevention is a priority. You can find out more about infectious upper respiratory disease at Todays Veterinary Practice (TVP). She started to get more aggressive. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. 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. 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. Neurologic disordersDisease or injury affecting the neurologic system, especially the brain, can lead to lethargy in cats. Keep track of product alerts for pet foods, animal feed, and products used by veterinarians or animal owners. You should always discuss with your vet what vaccines your own cat may require. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. Dog Ate Uncooked Rice? However, after that, the frequency of booster vaccinations may be only every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine, disease and risk of with the individual cat. Read the latest news about the AVMA and the veterinary profession, and search archives dating back to 2000. 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. Non-core vaccines arent necessary for all cats. Lethargic and Not Eating / DrinkingLike lethargy, not eating or drinking well are nonspecific clinical signs that are seen with many cat diseases. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. He gave her a shot of cortizone. Vaccination is very effective in preventing disease. Cat Diseases: What Is Bobcat Fever and Why Is It Deadly to Cats? Brown Pigment In White of Dog's Eye Can Pigmentary Keratitis Cause Blindness? Stay current on important veterinary news, AVMA activities, and member services. 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. All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. The same isnt true for lethargy. However, you do not have to worry much about your cat. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. Respiratory conditionsAnything that hinders the lungs ability to move oxygen into the bloodstream can lead to lethargy in cats. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Not all vaccines must be injected. ParasitesParasites can pass on diseases and directly harm the body, leading to lethargy in cats. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become Therefore, veterinarians will often focus on any other symptoms a cat might have when they are trying to figure out what is wrong. The disease can negatively impact your cats immune system or cause anemia or cancer. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. Cats can be allergic to anything. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. The effects are similar to human babies who become lethargic, cranky and even get fever after getting their shots. Here are the general cat vaccination guidelines to use as a starting point: Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. 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 6 Challenges of Owning a Cat You Need to Know, Changes In Cat Behaviour After Vet Visit? In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. All rights reserved. The most commonly reported problem in cats is sleeping. 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. Featured image: iStock.com/GoodLifeStudio. 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. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Put simply, lethargy is a cat slowing down when they dont feel good. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? As vaccinations are injected into a cats leg, some limited mobility is to be expected. Cat booster shots The virus can also survive for long periods in the environment so vaccination is the only real way to protect cats. Is she weak? These side effects are short-term and should subside on their own. side effects associated with cat vaccination. Then the next day I called him back because Then the next day I called him back because This is a cancerous tumor that develops following inflammation around the site of the injection. 1. While cats are not natural carriers for the disease, they can be infected by a bite from any infected mammal and then pass it on to others. More marked side effects may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lameness, fever, signs of respiratory tract infection, or lumps at the site of injection. If your kitten or senior cat becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian right away. Keep in mind that vaccines dont offer total immunity from diseases. Its natural for a cat to become listless and sleepy after vaccines are administered. FISS can cause a cancerous tumor at the site of the vaccination. 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. To prevent aggression between your cats after a visit to the vet, it is a good idea to isolate the vaccinated cat. 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. Recent vaccinationCats may be lethargic for a day or two as their immune system responds to vaccination. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. FeLVis an important disease that can be spread through fighting, through mutual grooming, and through sharing of food/water bowls and litter trays. The most common side effects are mild and include lethargy, inappetence or tenderness at the injection site, usually lasting no longer than a few days. Id encourage her to eat hand feed her, give her some smelling food, whatever it takes to get her to eat. Even though its a confusing topic, making sure your cat has the shots they need and keeping up with booster shots is very important. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. Cat booster shots In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. All kittens should receive their core vaccinations and any others that are agreed between you and your vet. 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. I dont know how long after the vaccines that the signs start. Owners should not get concerned if their cat starts acting strange after vaccination. The bacterium can also be an occasional cause of pneumonia in young kittens. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. There are many different strains of the FIV virus and it is not entirely clear as of yet how well the available vaccine protects against all these different strains, but studies suggest that it is able to provide a valuable degree of protection for cats at risk of exposure. Is she eating? Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. 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. 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. A number of other vaccines may be available in certain countries but not others. There are so many possibilities of what it could be. However, in colonies of cats with repeated outbreaks of disease, vaccination may play a role in helping protect cats. If you let your cat go outdoors, you should probably consider giving him non-core vaccines, since you have no idea what he could be exposed to outside. 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). They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. Senior cats may slow down a bit more, but extreme or sudden changes are usually a sign of a health problem. American Association of Feline Practitioners, Feline rhinotracheitis virus/herpesvirus 1 (FVR/FHV-1), How likely they are to be exposed to a pathogen, FVRCP (core; only if first shot given at 10-12 weeks), FeLV (core; only if first shot given at 10-12 weeks), FVRCP (every 3 years for indoor cats, and every year for indoor/outdoor, outdoor-only, very young, or senior cats), Rabies (1-year or 3-year vaccine depending on state laws). This may include: Tests for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. WebDecreased appetite and activity. Watch out for symptoms like diarrhea, collapse, and breathing difficulties. Check the requirements in your state using this table compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. 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. This allows them to identify one another. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy does not improve. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. When to give vaccines. Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. On the other, theyll be more affected by any of the side effects. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)vaccination is available in some, but not all counties. 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. Anemia (low red blood cell count)A cats body needs the oxygen that red blood cells carry to make energy. What Is FIV and Why Is the FIV Vaccine No Longer Available? Some experts believe that the felines already have tumors. Any cat that has not eaten for 24 hours is a cause for concern. And preventive care recommendations for our cats are no exception. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalitiesWater and appropriate electrolyte levels are essential for a cats body to produce energy and function normally. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. 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. 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. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. This should go away on its own in 2-3 days as the symptoms ease. If your elderly cat has a chronic illness, then you should avoid vaccination. The Veterinary Leadership Conference draws veterinarians from across the U.S. for education sessions that help develop leaders for the veterinary profession. On average, your cats core vaccines alone (without the office visit charge) can cost $40 to $80 for the first years worth of shots. If your cat takes its vaccinations intranasally, it will sneeze and sniff for a while afterward. You can discuss all these issues with your vet. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. Then the next day I called him back because she started hanging her head and falling to the right and could not keep her balance. 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.. 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. Its advisable to get your cat inoculated if your cat roams outside. Let us try to understand whether it is normal for your cat to act strangely after getting a shot. We took her to our vet. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) You can try comforting it with some food or drink to alleviate the pain or discomfort associated with vaccination. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. Typically, these symptoms, including lethargy and lack of appetite, vanish after two to three days. The cat can behave strangely, get aggressive, show lethargy or refuse to eat. 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. If it persists more than three weeks, or seems to be getting larger, you should contact your veterinarian. Recommendations for treatment or additional diagnostic testing will be based on the specifics of your cats case and the results of their initial workup. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. If your cat gets outside, you want to make sure they areprotected. They should be left alone to rest and you should see improvement in their condition in a few hours. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. Commonly, your feline friend reacts to these side effects of vaccination with a strange behavior that may concern you. The lungs and other internal organs will soon be affected. Contact your veterinarian if you have a lethargic kitten. It is now common also to recommend a third vaccination (especially for FPV) at 16-20 weeks of age to ensure the kitten is properly protected. You should note all the changes you see in the cats behavior and find the pattern. Do they seem drowsy or out of it? Are they not interested in whats going on around them? Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. If your cat seems to have undergone a complete personality transformation, seek further guidance from a vet. Complete Guide To Cat Paw Pad Growth, Cat Acting Strange After Vaccination? Cat vaccination recommendations are among the most contentious debates in veterinary medicine. They are very dangerous to young cats, and the vaccines are considered to provide a good deal of protection with minimal risk. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. In most cases, the risks posed by vaccination are outweighed by the safety that vaccines provide. Gastrointestinal problemsDiseases leading to poor digestion or nutrient absorption can reduce a cats energy levels. 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. This will naturally make them more lethargic. 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. We took her to our vet. Goodness, this sounds like a very complicated case. For example, fleas may remove so much blood from cats that they become anemic. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. She started to get more aggressive. The FeLV vaccine protects against feline leukemia virus, which is a fatal disease in cats. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. Heart diseaseA heart that isnt pumping normally cant move blood around the body well. You need to ensure that your cat is left alone. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. 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. 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. Make sure that food and water are readily available to him. These effects should subside in a few hours or days. 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. He also might. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. What You Need to Know About Rabies Vaccines for Cats. There are certain vaccines all cats need aka core vaccines. Well, it totally is. Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Nutritional disordersCats cant be energetic and engaged without good nutrition. Now, I am here on the internet trying to get answers. 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. Many factors affect the likelihood of a cat developing an infectious disease. 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. WebDecreased appetite and activity. Chlamydophila felisis a type of bacteria that mainly causes conjunctivitis in cats. These reactions are generally treated with antihistamines and steroids. The key? Which shots they need. The FeLV vaccine works to protect your cat againstfeline leukemia virus. Seek veterinary care immediately if any of these signs develop: 2023 American Veterinary Medical Association All rights reserved, Donate to American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network (CAN), Tools to help you transition to your new veterinary career, Answers to the questions you're facing as you start out in your professional life, Early-career resources to continue your professional and personal growth, AVMA Center for Veterinary Education Accreditation, Professional policy guidance, open for member input, Creating socially conscious work environments, Self-care and workplace wellbeing for the whole veterinary team, Profitability and finance, marketing, leadership, and team building, Loans, budgets, financial planning, and more, Interprofessional collaboration across animal, human, and environmental health, Disease and pain management, behavior, disaster preparedness, humane endings, and more, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR). These protect against the following conditions: Of these vaccines, rabies is the only one that is required by law in most U.S. states. 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. 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 I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. If they have not done some basic tests, Id recommend letting them do that. Did they do routine blood work including a complete blood count, diagnostic profile, feline leukemia and feline aids tests? There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. A cat that does not eat for more than 24 hours is a matter of concern. Get the latest updates on your choice of veterinary topics delivered straight to your inbox. 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. Just as in humans, vaccinating your cat helps to protect him or her against several serious and/or life-threatening diseases. He gave her a shot of cortizone. Some owners report that their cats never remained the same after vaccination. Cat Enema Side Effects What To Expect After Cat Enema? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. If the sarcoma that is caused by vaccination is not treated, it will continue to grow. Another sign of FISS includes the lump exceeding 2cm in diameter, especially if it keeps growing. You can seek guidance and advice from your vet regarding such behavioral transformation. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. 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. 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 a few days, you can expect your pet to revert to his true personality. It usually depends on theirage, overall health, and lifestyle. Here at MyCuteAnimals.com we cover everything from training, care, health, nutrition, breeds, products, and much more. 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. Inflammatory / immune diseasesAbnormal immune responses and inflammation can make cats feel unwell and damage the body. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. 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.. However, if you see any severe reactions like swollen eyes or face, breathing difficulty, diarrhea or collapse, you should report to the veterinarian. After those initial rounds of vaccinations are finished, all youll have to do to keep your cat vaccinated is periodically get him booster shots. 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. 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. Fearful cats will often display anxiety or even aggression even before the trip to the vet. Adult cats need shots less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last. From time to time, check on your cat. Respiratory illnesses, which certain vaccinations protect against, can be lethal for senior cats. You have to consider the fact that visiting the vet often entails a lot of things that can be scary for your pet, including getting handled by the clinic staff. Your cat may also need to undergo radiotherapy or chemotherapy. 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 exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.). Always inform your veterinarian if your pet has had prior reactions to any vaccine or medication. So, it was with a heavy heart I had to leave again without an answer. They told me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me I should have her put down. All rights reserved. Liver and kidney diseaseWaste products build up when these organs fail, which disrupts normal chemical processes and makes cats feel terrible. Although vaccination does not always prevent infection with these viruses, it will help greatly in reducing the severity of disease if a vaccinated cat does become infected. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. 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. 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. 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. I had then decided to take her to our local emergency vet clinic. 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. If your cat is still unwell 48 hours after its vaccination, then you should call your vet for advice. An article that might be helpful to you is Dealing with Cats that Wont Eat. They can also strengthen theirimmune system. 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 a cat receives a shot, its immune system responds to the antibodies, causing it to look sick and uneasy. A vaccine is usually given by an injection under the skin, although sometimes may be given as drops into the eyes or nose. Your vet always tells you how important it is to get your cat vaccinated, but you might still be wondering if its worth it. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. A lethargic cat can look a lot like a tired cat, but there is an important difference.
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