cat behavior after vaccination

Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Also, other vaccinations are highly recommended to protect your cat against infectious diseases. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. Lethargy can be defined as an abnormal decrease in a cats activity level and alertness. Flat Feet In Dogs UPDATED 2022 A Complete Guide. 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. She started to get more aggressive. 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. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. Cat booster shots Cats that have this vaccination often experience stiffened joints. Generally, cats that go outside and may come across other cats of unknown status may be at risk of being exposed to FeLV, and vaccinating such cats may be very valuable (although the risks will vary between different regions). WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. 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. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? After the cat recovers from the initial infection, the virus enters a latency period in the nerves. This will naturally make them more lethargic. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). The first one is called the prodromal stage. Black Spots, Gunk & Blackheads On Dog Nipples: What Do They Mean?? These effects should subside in a few hours or days. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. Complete Guide To Cat Paw Pad Growth, Cat Acting Strange After Vaccination? 6 Challenges of Owning a Cat You Need to Know, Changes In Cat Behaviour After Vet Visit? WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. The most alarming reaction to vaccination is Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS). 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. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. This will give the feline enough time to groom and make himself smell familiar to the other cats. She stayed there and then was released. 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. Heart diseaseA heart that isnt pumping normally cant move blood around the body well. The rabies virus targets your cats central nervous system, causing aggression, paralysis and coma. 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. Cat vaccines protect pets against fatal and infectious feline diseases, keeping them healthy and living longer. The same thing can happen to people. It might be tempting to sit beside your pet to give him comfort. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. The initial vaccine course is often started at 8-9 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. Young kittens in multicat households (eg, breeding households) are most likely to be affected and there may also be mild upper respiratory signs. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. Even though its a confusing topic, making sure your cat has the shots they need and keeping up with booster shots is very important. If your cat belongs to the second camp, there are a few things that you can do to make him feel better while recovering. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. Is she weak? Is she running a fever? I dont know how long after the vaccines that the signs start. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. If your cat seems to have undergone a complete personality transformation, seek further guidance from a vet. Id encourage her to eat hand feed her, give her some smelling food, whatever it takes to get her to eat. To read most recent questions Click here! 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. He also might. There are so many possibilities of what it could be. 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. 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). Every week we publish insightful pet articles to educate, inspire, and make your life easier. As vaccinations are injected into a cats leg, some limited mobility is to be expected. 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. The first one is called the prodromal stage. Kittens and seniors tend to have fewer reserves and be a bit more fragile than adults in their prime, so lethargy may develop more quickly or be more severe in the very young or very old. The key? Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Hi thanks for your email. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. There are certain vaccines all cats need aka core vaccines. Affected cats typically show sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, eye discharge, and mouth ulcers. An allergic reaction is more concerning than a typical reaction to a vaccine. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. The FeLV vaccine is tricky because it is required for kittens but optional for cats that are at least a year old. 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. On average, your cats core vaccines alone (without the office visit charge) can cost $40 to $80 for the first years worth of shots. 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. Tell any children in the home not to disturb your cat. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. You can try comforting it with some food or drink to alleviate the pain or discomfort associated with vaccination. Feline calicivirusencompasses a number of viral strains that cause signs of upper respiratory infection, such as sneezing and nasal discharge as well as oral ulcerations. 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. Your cat may also need to undergo radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. 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. Cat Personality Changes After Vaccination. If these side effects last for more than a day or two, or cause your pet significant discomfort, it is important for you to contact your veterinarian: A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. It only means that your cat is experiencing these symptoms due to the interaction between his body and the vaccine. So The Dodos compiled everything you need to know about cat vaccinations. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. Vaccines that are appropriate for some cats in some circumstances are considered noncore vaccines (or lifestyle vaccines). Support International Cat Care from as little 3, Sign up to our monthly newsletter and free e-magazine Intelligent Cat Care, Sign up to our monthly charity newsletter, Reg Charity 1117342 (England and Wales) Place Farm, Chilmark Road, Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6LW, You are now being re-directed to an external website www.thecatgallery.co.uk. 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. If so, your cat is showing the classic signs of lethargy. Lethargic cats often do sleep more than normal, but their lethargy remains unless the underlying problem is addressed. Non-core vaccines arent necessary for all cats. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Anemia (low red blood cell count)A cats body needs the oxygen that red blood cells carry to make energy. This may include: Tests for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. They told me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me I should have her put down. Owners should not get concerned if their cat starts acting strange after vaccination. ParasitesParasites can pass on diseases and directly harm the body, leading to lethargy in cats. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. They can also strengthen theirimmune system. Many cats are fortunate to go into a regressive state and appear perfectly healthy throughout their lives, but some do not fare as well. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. Did they do routine blood work including a complete blood count, diagnostic profile, feline leukemia and feline aids tests? Some experts believe that the felines already have tumors. These symptoms are common and should subside independently in a few hours. Youll need to make an informed decision about whether to vaccinate your cat based on the available medical evidence. Find whether it does not have an appetite or it is not willing to walk to its bowl. 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. 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. There are some clinics that will vaccinate your cat for free. Your veterinarian can assess your cats risk of FeLV infection and decide on an appropriate vaccination schedule. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. This is more likely for older cats with arthritis or joint pain. He gave her a shot of cortizone. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Put simply, lethargy is a cat slowing down when they dont feel good. 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. Many pet owners report their cats not eating after getting their 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. Read the latest news about the AVMA and the veterinary profession, and search archives dating back to 2000. A feline that has been vaccinated will want to be on its own to get some sleep for several hours. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. However, it is not a concern if the cat gets better with time and recovers in a few hours. WebDecreased appetite and activity. Your vet should examine the cat to determine whether it has developed a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. The FeLV vaccine is recommended as core for kittens. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? Gastrointestinal problemsDiseases leading to poor digestion or nutrient absorption can reduce a cats energy levels. Outbreaks of infection with this virus are common and a high proportion of affected cats can die. For example, fleas may remove so much blood from cats that they become anemic. Even if you reside in a state that doesnt mandate rabies shots by law, it remains advisable. If they are outdoor or indoor/outdoor, or they are young cats or seniors, your vet may recommend yearly FVRCP shots. You have to understand that cats that share a home pass each others scent to one another. 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. Diarrhea is also a possibility for the same reasons. Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. She started to get more aggressive. 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. So there you have it everything you need to know about cat vaccinations to keep your pet safe from super preventable diseases. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. If your cat takes its vaccinations intranasally, it will sneeze and sniff for a while afterward. A vaccine is usually given by an injection under the skin, although sometimes may be given as drops into the eyes or nose. Infection with FeLV is not an automatic death sentence. 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. 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. These protect against the following conditions: Of these vaccines, rabies is the only one that is required by law in most U.S. states. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common to see some changes in behavior of your feline friend for a few hours once it gets its vaccine shot. Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? This is because the immune system has started reacting to the vaccine. 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. Now, I am here on the internet trying to get answers. 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. Respiratory illnesses, which certain vaccinations protect against, can be lethal for senior 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. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common Click Yes to help us continue to make these improvements. 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. Another sign of FISS includes the lump exceeding 2cm in diameter, especially if it keeps growing. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. Rabiesis significant not only for its effect on the cat but because it is a disease that is transmissible to humans and can be fatal. I had then decided to take her to our local emergency vet clinic. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. The right vaccinations. Rabies vaccination is given every year or every three years, depending on state laws and the brand of vaccine used. Watch out for symptoms like diarrhea, collapse, and breathing difficulties. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. A number of FeLV vaccines are also available and are effective in protecting cats. FeLVis an important disease that can be spread through fighting, through mutual grooming, and through sharing of food/water bowls and litter trays. It sounds like your cat is having some neurologic symptoms that are very abnormal. Then the next day I called him back because Traumatic injuriesSignificant trauma leads to pain, and healing requires extra energy. Basic lab work will often be needed as well. 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. When it comes to medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some cats are temporarily different or never quite the same after vaccination. Indoor cats may also pick up bacteria and viruses when they stay at a kennel and if you bring a new cat home. Cats can have vaccine reactions but they are relatively uncommon and do not present like this. This allows them to identify one another. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. I cant see how that can be rabies. Some streaming from the eyes and nose may also follow. FCV is thought to be associated with chronicgingivitis/stomatitis, a very painful inflammation of the gums and teeth. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. However, vaccination is essential for his health and your familys safety. Keep track of product alerts for pet foods, animal feed, and products used by veterinarians or animal owners. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. Like any other medical treatment, vaccinations have their risks and adverse effects. Their guidelines, published by theAmerican Association of Feline Practitioners, are among the most trusted and utilized recommendations in the field. Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from diseases that are really serious, contagious and often fatal. 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. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. The other three core vaccines are combined into a single three-in-one vaccine called the FVRCP vaccine. 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, if you see any severe reactions like swollen eyes or face, breathing difficulty, diarrhea or collapse, you should report to the veterinarian. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. 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). Some of these problems, like cancer, are more common as pets get older, but lethargy can strike cats at any age. 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. Copyright 1999 - 2023. A cat that does not eat for more than 24 hours is a matter of concern. It usually depends on theirage, overall health, and lifestyle. That can upset your cats stomach. You can discuss all these issues with your vet. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. All vaccines have to undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing before they are licensed for use in cats by regulatory authorities. 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. A first booster vaccination should be given 12 months later to ensure a good level of continuing protection. side effects associated with cat vaccination. American Association of Feline Practitioners. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. She started to get more aggressive. 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. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. A number of other vaccines may be available in certain countries but not others. Some of the more virulent strains cause hair loss and crusting on other parts of the body, as well as hepatitis and even death. The cost of your cats vaccines will vary depending on where you get them done. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. FISS remains rare. Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved. Dog Ate Uncooked Rice? All rights reserved. Therefore, veterinarians will often focus on any other symptoms a cat might have when they are trying to figure out what is wrong. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy does not improve. When the underlying cause can be successfully treated, the lethargy should resolve as well. A vet must assess a cat with a lump that persists for weeks after vaccination. Lethargy is a very nonspecific clinical signits seen with almost every health problem a cat could develop. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. 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. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. 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. 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. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. This usually takes a day. Well, it totally is. Lethargic and WobblyCats who are wobbly could be suffering from a neurologic problem or metabolic disease, or they could simply be very weak. 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. But usually, these behavioral changes are temporary in nature. How To Euthanize A Cat With Over The Counter Drugs? Typically, these symptoms, including lethargy and lack of appetite, vanish after two to three days. We also discuss common cat vaccination concerns to help pet owners determine what they should expect. Cats of any age can get FeLV, but its typically considered a core vaccine for cats under 1 year old. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. 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. The effects are similar to human babies who become lethargic, cranky and even get fever after getting their shots. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. The journal Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica has stated that instances remain as low as 1 in 10,000. This behavior can last for about a day and your pet should start eating in few hours. 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. They should be left alone to rest and you should see improvement in their condition in a few hours. This means that the neck should always be avoided. A cat can have an allergic reaction to a vaccination. But some cats will behave differently. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. These are perfectly normal although it can be disconcerting to see your happy cat lack his usual vigor.

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