Cat Personality Changes After Vaccination. In most cases, the risks posed by vaccination are outweighed by the safety that vaccines provide. A first booster vaccination should be given 12 months later to ensure a good level of continuing protection. Its advisable to get your cat inoculated if your cat roams outside. 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. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Some people are tempted to use homoeopathic vaccines or may have these recommended by a friend. Can you give me any feedback on your impressions and how I need to proceed with continued love and care for my little one? They divide cat vaccines into two categories: Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions. Which shots they need. 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). Keep in mind that vaccines dont offer total immunity from diseases. 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. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. Also, she wants to clean herself and tries to play like she used to. You can find out more about infectious upper respiratory disease at Todays Veterinary Practice (TVP). However, your pet may want to be alone during this period. Just as in humans, vaccinating your cat helps to protect him or her against several serious and/or life-threatening diseases. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. The effectiveness of these vaccines should be evaluated carefully, and none of these should be regarded as core (or essential) vaccines. In more severe cases, your cat may require intravenous fluids and further observation. Like any other medical treatment, vaccinations have their risks and adverse effects. 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. 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. The cost of your cats vaccines will vary depending on where you get them done. After the cat recovers from the initial infection, the virus enters a latency period in the nerves. Diarrhea is also a possibility for the same reasons. 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. So there you have it everything you need to know about cat vaccinations to keep your pet safe from super preventable diseases. Mild reactions can include a variety of symptoms such as mild fever, lethargy, poor appetite, sneezing or respiratory problems, slight discomfort at the injection site, slight swelling at the injection site, and vomiting. Very few cats may be allergic to one or more components of the vaccine and have more serious side effects such as difficulty in breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is a preparation designed to provide protection against a specific infectious disease through stimulating an immune response that will protect the cat if it is subsequently exposed to the infection. 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. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. He gave her a shot of cortizone. Though rare, your cat may undergo a complete personality change. The core vaccines are considered essential for all cats (including indoor-only cats) because of the widespread and/or severe nature of the diseases being protected against. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. Its easier to stretch the skin and administer a shot. Your cat may experience a small amount of swelling at the injection site, making it more difficult for your cat to move. Then the next day I called him back because Feline vaccinations are commonly administered by injection, typically behind the legs. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalitiesWater and appropriate electrolyte levels are essential for a cats body to produce energy and function normally. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. A Complete Guide, 10 Fun Facts About Cat Teeth You Probably Didnt Know Until Now, Interrupted Labour In Cats UPDATED 2022 A Complete Guide, Cat Claw Growing Out of Pad? If you present your cat to a vet with FISS, surgery will be required to remove the tumor. This normally lasts for around 48 hours. Heres What It Means, Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. 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. This is more likely for older cats with arthritis or joint pain. 2022 MyCuteAnimals. It may also run a high fever. 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. Goodness, this sounds like a very complicated case. You can try comforting it with some food or drink to alleviate the pain or discomfort associated with vaccination. Bordetella bronchisepticais another bacterial infection that can be a part of the upper respiratory infection complex (cat flu) in cats. A number of other vaccines may be available in certain countries but not others. 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. A vaccine is usually given by an injection under the skin, although sometimes may be given as drops into the eyes or nose. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. 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.. We took her to our vet. 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. The rabies vaccine is so important that its required by law, since the disease is fatal, highly contagious and transmissible to humans. If your cat belongs to the second camp, there are a few things that you can do to make him feel better while recovering. However, it is normal for cats to feel ill for a few hours or days after vaccination. Vaccines that are appropriate for some cats in some circumstances are considered noncore vaccines (or lifestyle vaccines). Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies. After vaccination, some cats will go back to their routines as if nothing happened to them. Clinical signs vary from mild to extremely severe, and occasionally other complications may develop including viral pneumonia. 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. So The Dodos compiled everything you need to know about cat vaccinations. Chlamydophila felisis a type of bacteria that mainly causes conjunctivitis in cats. You can seek guidance and advice from your vet regarding such behavioral transformation. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. 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. 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. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. You can also use a towel to extract the scent of the other cats and then rub that towel on the cat that visited the vet. I have noticed she is not seeing very well but can hear us call her and will follow our calls. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. 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. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. And preventive care recommendations for our cats are no exception. 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. The most commonly reported problem in cats is sleeping. Ondansetron For Cats (Zofran) All You Need To Know, Mini Hippo Dog - Everything You Need To Know. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. We also discuss common cat vaccination concerns to help pet owners determine what they should expect. 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. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. However, you do not have to worry much about your cat. Vaccination can and do affect a cats behavior. Cats that struggle with this side effect bounce back as quickly as they experienced the issue. Some vaccines are recommended for all cats. To make a diagnosis, your veterinarian will start by taking a thorough health history and performing a complete physical examination. For example, cats that have just been vaccinated are often lethargic. This means that the neck should always be avoided. Kittens may also acquire infections from the queen before birth. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. 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. What You Need to Know About Rabies Vaccines for Cats. 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. Commonly, your feline friend reacts to these side effects of vaccination with a strange behavior that may concern you. They tend to be either fully onrunning around like maniacsor fully offresting up for another round. Then the next day I called him back because Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. In some cases, it also causes oral ulceration andpneumonia. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. 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. This can even happen to cats that have bonded quite well. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common It only means that your cat is experiencing these symptoms due to the interaction between his body and the vaccine. Copyright 1999 - 2023. 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. Owners should not get concerned if their cat starts acting strange after vaccination. Only use vaccines that are recommended by your vet. 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. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). All vaccines have to undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing before they are licensed for use in cats by regulatory authorities. All rights reserved. Vaccination is very effective in preventing disease. All kittens should receive their core vaccinations and any others that are agreed between you and your vet. When it comes to medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Tell any children in the home not to disturb your cat. 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. This will give the feline enough time to groom and make himself smell familiar to the other cats. If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. These treatments can aggravate problems with the heart and kidneys. A cats body will go through an adjustment after a vaccine is administered. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. The FeLV vaccine protects against feline leukemia virus, which is a fatal disease in cats. 6 Challenges of Owning a Cat You Need to Know, Changes In Cat Behaviour After Vet Visit? One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. The lungs and other internal organs will soon be affected. Their guidelines, published by theAmerican Association of Feline Practitioners, are among the most trusted and utilized recommendations in the field. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Is she weak? She stayed there and then was released. In other cases, the cat that was recently vaccinated becomes the victim of aggression by the other feline members of your home. Many cats are fortunate to go into a regressive state and appear perfectly healthy throughout their lives, but some do not fare as well. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. 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. Senior cats may slow down a bit more, but extreme or sudden changes are usually a sign of a health problem. The right vaccinations. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. However, in colonies of cats with repeated outbreaks of disease, vaccination may play a role in helping protect cats. Its natural for a cat to become listless and sleepy after vaccines are administered. It is not entirely clear why cats experience FISS. 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. All rights reserved. Lower urinary tract problemsDiseases affecting the bladder and associated structures lead to lethargy, discomfort, and sometimes an inability to urinate. 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. Understand that your cat is still in recovery and that he may not be his usual self. 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. Some of these problems, like cancer, are more common as pets get older, but lethargy can strike cats at any age. For more information, please see ourPrivacy Policy. Woman Tries Every Day For A Month To Rescue This Dog. 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. Lethargy can be defined as an abnormal decrease in a cats activity level and alertness. TheFeline Vaccination Advisory Panelregularly evaluates and researches cat vaccination developments to make science-based recommendations. So, it was with a heavy heart I had to leave again without an answer. There are so many possibilities of what it could be. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). 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. If youre up too late, youll be tired the next day but will feel fine once you get some extra sleep. Respiratory illnesses, which certain vaccinations protect against, can be lethal for senior cats. The first one is called the prodromal stage. 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.. Make sure that food and water are readily available to him. 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. The shots come in a series every 3 to 4 weeks. 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. She started to get more aggressive. Many cats experience mild side effects after vaccination like fever, lethargy, swelling and reduced energy. It sounds like your cat is having some neurologic symptoms that are very abnormal. Other vaccines are regarded as non-core and used when vaccination would provide valuable protection for an individual cat. If your cat gets outside, you want to make sure they areprotected. If your cat is still unwell 48 hours after its vaccination, then you should call your vet for advice. You can discuss all these issues with your vet. Some common side effects of feline vaccinations include: These side effects should be short-lived. It can also be helpful to provide him with his favorite treats. Some symptoms you can expect to see include sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, andconjunctivitis. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? Provide for his needs and keep some distance. On average, your cats core vaccines alone (without the office visit charge) can cost $40 to $80 for the first years worth of shots. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. If your kitten or senior cat becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian right away. I dont know how long after the vaccines that the signs start. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. These effects should subside in a few hours or days. Respiratory conditionsAnything that hinders the lungs ability to move oxygen into the bloodstream can lead to lethargy in cats. 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. However, these shouldneverbe used they have no scientific basis and cannot provoke the specific immune response that is needed to provide protection. 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. What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Cat Vaccinations? Cats lack the fat reserves to sustain them. You can try feeding the cat to see if it helps. 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. After getting injected with a vaccine, you may also experience the same symptoms. The bacterium can also be an occasional cause of pneumonia in young kittens. Most persistently infected cats will die as a result of their infection. These are perfectly normal although it can be disconcerting to see your happy cat lack his usual vigor. Thank you for supporting International Cat Care through your shop purchases! 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. Among the behavioral changes that you can see in your cat are lethargy, aggression, and fear. 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. Featured image: iStock.com/GoodLifeStudio. In recent years, the risk of Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS) has become more of a concern. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. An article that might be helpful to you is Dealing with Cats that Wont Eat. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccination in cats. 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 side effects associated with cat vaccination. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. These side effects are short-term and should subside on their own. The virus also kills off white blood cells, leaving the young cats even more susceptible to secondary infections. Cat booster shots Lethargic and Losing WeightA poor appetite can lead to weight loss, but so can diseases like hyperthyroidism or diabetes, even if your cat is eating well. Floating Ribs In Dogs Dog Rib Cage Protruding On One Side? He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. 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. A lethargic cat can look a lot like a tired cat, but there is an important difference. 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 could even react to the rubber gloves that your vet wears to administer the vaccine. Again, this is normal behavior. The journal Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica has stated that instances remain as low as 1 in 10,000. Cats heading into stressful situations, such as boarding, may benefit from a core vaccine booster 7-10 days before. Is she eating? Assess whether your cat isnt eating or is just reluctant to walk to its bowl. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. Better yet, schedule routine visits to the clinic so that you can bring your cats together. If the sarcoma that is caused by vaccination is not treated, it will continue to grow. Many pet owners report their cats not eating after getting their vaccines. 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. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. As cats age, they often spend more time quietly observing the world around them (or napping), but this isnt lethargy; its growing up. 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.