A number of FeLV vaccines are also available and are effective in protecting cats. Now, I am here on the internet trying to get answers. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. 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. The same thing can happen to people. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Ondansetron For Cats (Zofran) All You Need To Know, Mini Hippo Dog - Everything You Need To Know. 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. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. These treatments can aggravate problems with the heart and kidneys. 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. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. If the sarcoma that is caused by vaccination is not treated, it will continue to grow. Any vomiting should be monitored after vaccinations. Anemia (low red blood cell count)A cats body needs the oxygen that red blood cells carry to make energy. These protect against the following conditions: Of these vaccines, rabies is the only one that is required by law in most U.S. states. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. 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. Keep in mind that vaccines dont offer total immunity from diseases. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. This was due to the flexibility of the skin in this area. Stay current on important veterinary news, AVMA activities, and member services. A lethargic cat can look a lot like a tired cat, but there is an important difference. Such reactions can occur almost every time the cat gets a shot. 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. Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become It usually depends on theirage, overall health, and lifestyle. Cats can have vaccine reactions but they are relatively uncommon and do not present like this. 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. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. 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. If they are outdoor or indoor/outdoor, or they are young cats or seniors, your vet may recommend yearly FVRCP shots. If your cat takes its vaccinations intranasally, it will sneeze and sniff for a while afterward. 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 Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. 1. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. Beyond this, all other vaccines are optional. The first one is called the prodromal stage. 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. Anyone who cares for his or her cat will want to protect it in this way and vaccination is a critical part of a proper preventive healthcare programme. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. 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. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. Non-core vaccines arent necessary for all cats. When to give vaccines. Is she running a fever? You can find out more about infectious upper respiratory disease at Todays Veterinary Practice (TVP). Most vets will highly recommend the FVRCP and rabies vaccines. 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. 1. 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. You can discuss all these issues with your vet. 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. Cats withBordetella bronchispeticacan be treated effectively with appropriate antibiotics, and vaccination is not required in most cats. While it is no longer routinely recommended for grooming or boarding, it may be required by individual businesses. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Other vaccines are regarded as non-core and used when vaccination would provide valuable protection for an individual cat. I dont know how long after the vaccines that the signs start. As cats age, they often spend more time quietly observing the world around them (or napping), but this isnt lethargy; its growing up. Copyright 1999 - 2023. JUMP TO: Core vaccines | Non-core vaccines | Vaccine costs | Vaccine schedule | Booster shots. He gave her a shot of cortizone. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. 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. We also discuss common cat vaccination concerns to help pet owners determine what they should expect. The right vaccinations. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. Some streaming from the eyes and nose may also follow. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. All rights reserved. Ultimately, cat owners should work with their veterinarians to limit the stress associated with visiting a clinic. Lethargic cats often do sleep more than normal, but their lethargy remains unless the underlying problem is addressed. Do they seem drowsy or out of it? Are they not interested in whats going on around them? We use cookies to improve our website to make sure you have a better browsing experience. Cat booster shots 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. However, these shouldneverbe used they have no scientific basis and cannot provoke the specific immune response that is needed to provide protection. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. This is a cancerous tumor that develops following inflammation around the site of the injection. It sounds like your cat is having some neurologic symptoms that are very abnormal. The initial vaccine course is often started at 8-9 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. iCatCare may receive a commission or share in the net profit of some purchases made through the affiliate links. Try to assess the cats condition if it is not eating. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. 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. Any cat that has not eaten for 24 hours is a cause for concern. Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from diseases that are really serious, contagious and often fatal. 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. 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. The disease is commutable among animals and humans. The journal Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica has stated that instances remain as low as 1 in 10,000. These symptoms are common and should subside independently in a few hours. Cat vaccination recommendations are among the most contentious debates in veterinary medicine. 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. These reactions should not be severe. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. However, based on most recent data, the Vaccine Advisory Panel recommends that subsequent vaccines may be administered based on risk: yearly for high-risk cats, and every two years for lower-risk cats. 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. 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. And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it. 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. But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. After getting injected with a vaccine, you may also experience the same symptoms. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. This is more likely for older cats with arthritis or joint pain. 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. Lethargic and DroolingDiseases or injuries affecting the mouth are common causes of drooling, and they can cause lethargy too. Was her glucose normal? The Veterinary Leadership Conference draws veterinarians from across the U.S. for education sessions that help develop leaders for the veterinary profession. This is because the vaccine causes a chemical reaction in a cats brain. Understand that your cat is still in recovery and that he may not be his usual self. Some owners report that their cats never remained the same after vaccination. Many factors affect the likelihood of a cat developing an infectious disease. Some pet owners report a temporary change in the behavior or personality of the cat after vaccination. The effects are similar to human babies who become lethargic, cranky and even get fever after getting their shots. And a visit to the vet can be doubly scary for a feline if injections are added to the equation. This will help minimize aggression because they will be both familiar with the scents in the clinic. 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. The virus can also survive for long periods in the environment so vaccination is the only real way to protect cats. So, it was with a heavy heart I had to leave again without an answer. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. Watch out for symptoms like diarrhea, collapse, and breathing difficulties. side effects associated with cat vaccination. Id encourage her to eat hand feed her, give her some smelling food, whatever it takes to get her to eat. Could it be infectious? Some vaccines are recommended for all cats. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. Bordetella bronchisepticais another bacterial infection that can be a part of the upper respiratory infection complex (cat flu) in cats. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. The FeLV vaccine is tricky because it is required for kittens but optional for cats that are at least a year old. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. It is common for cats to experience mild reactions like lethargy, slight fever, localized swelling and reduced appetite in a few hours after getting the shot. 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. The cost of your cats vaccines will vary depending on where you get them done. So there you have it everything you need to know about cat vaccinations to keep your pet safe from super preventable diseases. Press Enter / Return to begin your search. Many cats are fortunate to go into a regressive state and appear perfectly healthy throughout their lives, but some do not fare as well. 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. 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 Typically, these symptoms, including lethargy and lack of appetite, vanish after two to three days. To prevent aggression between your cats after a visit to the vet, it is a good idea to isolate the vaccinated cat. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. It is normal for your cat to experience mild symptoms ranging from soreness at the site of injection to fever, lethargy and allergic reactions. Only use vaccines that are recommended by your vet. 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. She started to get more aggressive. UTIs in Cats (Urinary Tract Infections in Cats). The most alarming reaction to vaccination is Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS). This usually takes a day. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. You have to understand that cats that share a home pass each others scent to one another. **Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers! Tiredness is a temporary state that resolves with rest or sleep. Keep track of product alerts for pet foods, animal feed, and products used by veterinarians or animal owners. They could even react to the rubber gloves that your vet wears to administer the vaccine. Limping syndrome in cats is a temporary problem. If your kitten or senior cat becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian right away. The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. Although the experience is never pleasant, felines must be vaccinated against rabies by law. Nutritional disordersCats cant be energetic and engaged without good nutrition. Is your cat lying around more than normal? It is possible that it has little energy to walk to the bowl after vaccination. 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. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. It may also run a high fever. Indoor cats may also pick up bacteria and viruses when they stay at a kennel and if you bring a new cat home. The first one is called the prodromal stage. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. Some people are tempted to use homoeopathic vaccines or may have these recommended by a friend. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? Cat booster shots Seefeline herpes virusandfeline calicivirus. 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. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. 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. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. Click Yes to help us continue to make these improvements. They divide cat vaccines into two categories: Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions. Some experts believe that the felines already have tumors. Both of these viruses are ubiquitous in cat populations, and because infection is so common, and can often be quite severe (especially in younger cats), vaccination is considered important for all cats. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. We took her to our vet. You should always discuss with your vet what vaccines your own cat may require. In some cases, it also causes oral ulceration andpneumonia. But usually, these behavioral changes are temporary in nature. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. Make sure that food and water are readily available to him. 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. Because fibrosarcomas can be very difficult to completely remove by surgery, it has been recommended by groups in the USA that rabies vaccines are given in the right hind leg, FeLV vaccines in the left hind leg and FHV-1/FCV vaccines in the right front leg. Like any other medical treatment, vaccinations have their risks and adverse effects. However, vaccination is essential for his health and your familys safety.