cat behavior after vaccination cat behavior after vaccination

One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. 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. 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. Basic lab work will often be needed as well. Tell any children in the home not to disturb your cat. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. However, it is normal for cats to feel ill for a few hours or days after vaccination. Keep track of product alerts for pet foods, animal feed, and products used by veterinarians or animal owners. Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. Well, it totally is. 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. 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. 2022 MyCuteAnimals. While cat vaccinations generally have no serious side effects, some people report changes in their poochs behavior after getting vaccinated. However, if you see any severe reactions like swollen eyes or face, breathing difficulty, diarrhea or collapse, you should report to the veterinarian. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. To read most recent questions Click here! Goodness, this sounds like a very complicated case. As a pet owner, one of your first responsibilities is to get your four-legged friend vaccinated on schedule. Although the experience is never pleasant, felines must be vaccinated against rabies by law. Your vet should examine the cat to determine whether it has developed a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. Cats lack the fat reserves to sustain them. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. Many cats are fortunate to go into a regressive state and appear perfectly healthy throughout their lives, but some do not fare as well. Recent vaccinationCats may be lethargic for a day or two as their immune system responds to vaccination. This is because the vaccine causes a chemical reaction in a cats brain. A trip to the vet for vaccination is never a pleasant experience for your cat. A cat can have an allergic reaction to a vaccination. Many cats experience mild side effects after vaccination like fever, lethargy, swelling and reduced energy. To help your pet stay healthy, limit their contact with infected animals and to environments where diseases may be more common. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)vaccination is available in some, but not all counties. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Nutritional disordersCats cant be energetic and engaged without good nutrition. In recent years, the risk of Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS) has become more of a concern. More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. 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. All rights reserved. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. This normally lasts for around 48 hours. Try to assess the cats condition if it is not eating. Senior cats may slow down a bit more, but extreme or sudden changes are usually a sign of a health problem. The cat can behave strangely, get aggressive, show lethargy or refuse to eat. If the sarcoma that is caused by vaccination is not treated, it will continue to grow. If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. 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. It is not entirely clear why cats experience FISS. Seefeline herpes virusandfeline calicivirus. FeLV is found worldwide. Some symptoms you can expect to see include sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, andconjunctivitis. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. The rabies virus targets your cats central nervous system, causing aggression, paralysis and coma. Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, it should go without saying that vaccines are essential for your pets health and your safety. 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. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy worsens or fails to improve in a day or two. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. 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 the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. He told me to bring her in and he would get to her when he could. This tumor would need to be removed, and this is not easy around the neck. There are so many possibilities of what it could be. This should go away on its own in 2-3 days as the symptoms ease. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. 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. 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. Copyright 1999 - 2023. However, you do not have to worry much about your cat. Respiratory illnesses, which certain vaccinations protect against, can be lethal for senior cats. Put simply, lethargy is a cat slowing down when they dont feel good. The rabies vaccine is so important that its required by law, since the disease is fatal, highly contagious and transmissible to humans. Only use vaccines that are recommended by your vet. On the other, theyll be more affected by any of the side effects. Now, I am here on the internet trying to get answers. Read the latest news about the AVMA and the veterinary profession, and search archives dating back to 2000. Cats that struggle with this side effect bounce back as quickly as they experienced the issue. Youll need to make an informed decision about whether to vaccinate your cat based on the available medical evidence. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. You can find out more about infectious upper respiratory disease at Todays Veterinary Practice (TVP). In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become He gave her a shot of cortizone. Cat Enema Side Effects What To Expect After Cat Enema? However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. More marked side effects may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lameness, fever, signs of respiratory tract infection, or lumps at the site of injection. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. Thank you for supporting International Cat Care through your shop purchases! A first booster vaccination should be given 12 months later to ensure a good level of continuing protection. Lethargic cats often do sleep more than normal, but their lethargy remains unless the underlying problem is addressed. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. However, as a charity, we need your support to enable us to keep delivering high quality and up to date information for everyone. All vaccines have to undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing before they are licensed for use in cats by regulatory authorities. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. This may include: Tests for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Neurologic disordersDisease or injury affecting the neurologic system, especially the brain, can lead to lethargy in cats. American Association of Feline Practitioners. But usually, these behavioral changes are temporary in nature. The effectiveness of these vaccines should be evaluated carefully, and none of these should be regarded as core (or essential) vaccines. The bacterium can also be an occasional cause of pneumonia in young kittens. Get the latest updates on your choice of veterinary topics delivered straight to your inbox. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. Please consider making a contribution, big or small, to keep our content free, accurate and relevant. Commonly, your feline friend reacts to these side effects of vaccination with a strange behavior that may concern you. The FeLV vaccine is tricky because it is required for kittens but optional for cats that are at least a year old. 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. Adult cats need shots less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. Id encourage her to eat hand feed her, give her some smelling food, whatever it takes to get her to eat. Infection with FeLV is not an automatic death sentence. Did they do routine blood work including a complete blood count, diagnostic profile, feline leukemia and feline aids tests? Your cats lifestyle and geographic location will help you and your vet determine whether or not he needs a non-core vaccine. A vet must assess a cat with a lump that persists for weeks after vaccination. A number of other vaccines may be available in certain countries but not others. Most persistently infected cats will die as a result of their infection. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become Better yet, schedule routine visits to the clinic so that you can bring your cats together. Poisoning or envenomationToxins and venomous stings or bites can cause pain, damage tissues, and disrupt normal physiologic functions. 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. Not all cats experience these problems after vaccination. A cats body will go through an adjustment after a vaccine is administered. These diseases are highly infectious and seen worldwide. You have to understand that cats that share a home pass each others scent to one another. These reactions are generally treated with antihistamines and steroids. So there you have it everything you need to know about cat vaccinations to keep your pet safe from super preventable diseases. Limping syndrome in cats is a temporary problem. The Veterinary Leadership Conference draws veterinarians from across the U.S. for education sessions that help develop leaders for the veterinary profession. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. 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. The virus can also survive for long periods in the environment so vaccination is the only real way to protect cats. Feline panleukopenia, also known asfeline parvovirus, is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate in kittens. Could it be infectious? Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). PainIts difficult for a cat to move around or be interested in much of anything if they are in moderate to severe pain. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. Affected cats typically show sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, eye discharge, and mouth ulcers. Its easier to stretch the skin and administer a shot. Can you give me any feedback on your impressions and how I need to proceed with continued love and care for my little one? Though rare, your cat may undergo a complete personality change. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. Lethargic and WobblyCats who are wobbly could be suffering from a neurologic problem or metabolic disease, or they could simply be very weak. The key? These protect against the following conditions: Of these vaccines, rabies is the only one that is required by law in most U.S. states. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccination in cats. After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and redness in the injection site, appetite loss, and even lethargy and general malaise. Its advisable to get your cat inoculated if your cat roams outside. Technically, lethargy in cats is never normal, but it is sometimes expected. 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. Even though its a confusing topic, making sure your cat has the shots they need and keeping up with booster shots is very important. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. With FHV-1, even after the initial signs subside, most cats will remain permanently infected with the virus and some go on to develop recurrent eye infections or other signs. FCV is thought to be associated with chronicgingivitis/stomatitis, a very painful inflammation of the gums and teeth. However, it is not a concern if the cat gets better with time and recovers in a few hours. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. Some experts believe that the felines already have tumors. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. Vaccination can and do affect a cats behavior. They tend to be either fully onrunning around like maniacsor fully offresting up for another round. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. Is she eating? Stay current on important veterinary news, AVMA activities, and member services. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. Traumatic injuriesSignificant trauma leads to pain, and healing requires extra energy. Which shots they need. Cats withBordetella bronchispeticacan be treated effectively with appropriate antibiotics, and vaccination is not required in most cats. There are some clinics that will vaccinate your cat for free. 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. Some cats are allergic to vaccines. When the underlying cause can be successfully treated, the lethargy should resolve as well. Indoor cats may also pick up bacteria and viruses when they stay at a kennel and if you bring a new cat home. It might be tempting to sit beside your pet to give him comfort. You need to ensure that your cat is left alone. 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. If you see your cat shivering after vaccination, it can be from the pain or swelling at the injection site. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. This will help minimize aggression because they will be both familiar with the scents in the clinic. 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. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. Understand that your cat is still in recovery and that he may not be his usual self. 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. Gastrointestinal problemsDiseases leading to poor digestion or nutrient absorption can reduce a cats energy levels. Rabies is an important disease and although it is more common in dogs (and more commonly passed from dogs to humans than cats to humans) cats can be infected and can be a source of human infection. You can discuss all these issues with your vet. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. For further information on FIV, seeFeline immunodeficiency virus. You should always discuss with your vet what vaccines your own cat may require. Its rare, but it does happen. Sometimes, a cat can become aggressive to their humans and other pets in the household after vaccination or even after a visit to the vet for other purposes. These are perfectly normal although it can be disconcerting to see your happy cat lack his usual vigor. In some cases, it also causes oral ulceration andpneumonia. Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. They told me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me I should have her put down. This will naturally make them more lethargic. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. Inflammatory / immune diseasesAbnormal immune responses and inflammation can make cats feel unwell and damage the body. You should call the vet for advice if your cat feels ill after 48 hours of vaccination. Dog Ate Uncooked Rice? Therefore, veterinarians will often focus on any other symptoms a cat might have when they are trying to figure out what is wrong. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Vaccination causes a chemical reaction in the cats brain that lasts 24-48 hours. 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. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. This means that the neck should always be avoided. 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. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Feline panleucopenia virus(also known as feline parvovirus or feline infectious enteritis) is a severe and frequently fatal cause of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. 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. For these reasons, where rabies is present in a country or in a region, it is recommended that all cats should be vaccinated against this disease. 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. It sounds like your cat is having some neurologic symptoms that are very abnormal. They should be left alone to rest and you should see improvement in their condition in a few hours. The other three core vaccines are combined into a single three-in-one vaccine called the FVRCP vaccine. 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. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)Glucose (a type of sugar) is needed to fuel cells in a cats body, especially in the brain. 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 so, your cat is showing the classic signs of lethargy. The initial vaccine course is often started at 8-9 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. Also, she wants to clean herself and tries to play like she used to. The vaccine wont prevent the disease, but it will keep your kitty from getting very sick from it. A vaccine is usually given by an injection under the skin, although sometimes may be given as drops into the eyes or nose. Your purchase directly supports the leading global cat welfare charity, International Cat Care. This is only a concern if it does not quickly recover. 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.. Respiratory conditionsAnything that hinders the lungs ability to move oxygen into the bloodstream can lead to lethargy in cats. But some cats will behave differently. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. Some of the more virulent strains cause hair loss and crusting on other parts of the body, as well as hepatitis and even death. Like any other medical treatment, vaccinations have their risks and adverse effects. For further information on FeLV, seeFeline leukaemia virus. You can try feeding the cat to see if it helps. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. 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. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. The panel comprisesdedicated feline veterinarians and scientists and is regarded as a reputable source of cat vaccination standards. As cats age, they often spend more time quietly observing the world around them (or napping), but this isnt lethargy; its growing up. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. And when you consider the pain of an injection, you will better understand why your cat may not interact with people and other cats like he usually does. I dont know how long after the vaccines that the signs start. Among the behavioral changes that you can see in your cat are lethargy, aggression, and fear. Some pet owners report a temporary change in the behavior or personality of the cat after vaccination. 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. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. 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. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. Your cat may experience a small amount of swelling at the injection site, making it more difficult for your cat to move. Is your cat lying around more than normal? As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Feline vaccinations are commonly administered by injection, typically behind the legs. Talk to your vet to figure out which approach is best for your pet. A cats immune system starts to adapt following a vaccine, which means that a cat may feel sick. But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Feline viral rhinotracheitis (aka feline herpes virus): a disease that affects your cats upper respiratory system and sometimes his eyes, Feline calicivirus: a disease that causes respiratory infections and oral diseases, Feline panleukopenia virus: a disease that dangerously lowers your cats white blood cell count. 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. Click Yes to help us continue to make these improvements. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy does not improve. 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. Heres What It Means, Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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). Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. Some of these problems, like cancer, are more common as pets get older, but lethargy can strike cats at any age. It is normal for your cat to experience mild symptoms ranging from soreness at the site of injection to fever, lethargy and allergic reactions. A cat that does not eat for more than 24 hours is a matter of concern. Some people are tempted to use homoeopathic vaccines or may have these recommended by a friend. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Hormonal abnormalities (e.g., diabetes)Abnormal hormone levels change physiologic processes throughout the body, which can make cats feel sick. If your cat does not show any such severe symptoms, you can wait for a few hours to see if it stops shivering. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. When to give vaccines. 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. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. A feline that has been vaccinated will want to be on its own to get some sleep for several hours.