Assess whether your cat isnt eating or is just reluctant to walk to its bowl. These symptoms are common and should subside independently in a few hours. Lower urinary tract problemsDiseases affecting the bladder and associated structures lead to lethargy, discomfort, and sometimes an inability to urinate. A feline that has been vaccinated will want to be on its own to get some sleep for several hours. There are certain vaccines all cats need aka core vaccines. Every topic on our website is thoroughly researched and professionally written. Cat vaccines protect pets against fatal and infectious feline diseases, keeping them healthy and living longer. Gastrointestinal problemsDiseases leading to poor digestion or nutrient absorption can reduce a cats energy levels. These side effects are short-term and should subside on their own. These protect against the following conditions: Of these vaccines, rabies is the only one that is required by law in most U.S. states. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. At the vet, do your best to soothe your pet and put minimal restraint on him. Vaccination can and do affect a cats behavior. When used appropriately and as recommended they are both safe and provide crucial protection for cats against a number of diseases. 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. Just as in humans, vaccinating your cat helps to protect him or her against several serious and/or life-threatening diseases. Contact your veterinarian if you have a lethargic kitten. 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). Tiredness is a temporary state that resolves with rest or sleep. She started to get more aggressive. iCatCare may receive a commission or share in the net profit of some purchases made through the affiliate links. 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. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. Infection with FeLV is not an automatic death sentence. If you let your cat go outdoors, you should probably consider giving him non-core vaccines, since you have no idea what he could be exposed to outside. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. 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. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. Please consider making a contribution, big or small, to keep our content free, accurate and relevant. For more information, please see ourPrivacy Policy. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. It is not entirely clear why cats experience FISS. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? Which shots they need. Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from diseases that are really serious, contagious and often fatal. We took her to our vet. Cat vaccination recommendations are among the most contentious debates in veterinary medicine. They include: If your cat stays inside all of the time, you might think they areautomatically protected from these kinds of diseases. Senior cats may slow down a bit more, but extreme or sudden changes are usually a sign of a health problem. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. A trip to the vet for vaccination is never a pleasant experience for your cat. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. This will naturally make them more lethargic. It is common for pets to experience some or all of the following mild side effects after receiving a vaccine, usually starting within hours of the vaccination. Provide for his needs and keep some distance. Nutritional disordersCats cant be energetic and engaged without good nutrition. After getting injected with a vaccine, you may also experience the same symptoms. Try to assess the cats condition if it is not eating. 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. Your vet should examine the cat to determine whether it has developed a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. After vaccination, some cats will go back to their routines as if nothing happened to them. side effects associated with cat vaccination. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. Even if you reside in a state that doesnt mandate rabies shots by law, it remains advisable. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? Some of the more virulent strains cause hair loss and crusting on other parts of the body, as well as hepatitis and even death. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. 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. Hormonal abnormalities (e.g., diabetes)Abnormal hormone levels change physiologic processes throughout the body, which can make cats feel sick. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. 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. 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. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. 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. 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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.. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)vaccination is available in some, but not all counties. Your purchase directly supports the leading global cat welfare charity, International Cat Care. This can manifest in the form of aggression or clinginess. Complete Guide To Cat Paw Pad Growth, Cat Acting Strange After Vaccination? 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. Here at MyCuteAnimals.com we cover everything from training, care, health, nutrition, breeds, products, and much more. 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 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. 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. Seefeline herpes virusandfeline calicivirus. After the cat recovers from the initial infection, the virus enters a latency period in the nerves. 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. The FeLV vaccine protects against feline leukemia virus, which is a fatal disease in cats. These diseases are highly infectious and seen worldwide. This tumor would need to be removed, and this is not easy around the neck. 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 use cookies to improve our website to make sure you have a better browsing experience. While it is no longer routinely recommended for grooming or boarding, it may be required by individual businesses. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. These effects should subside in a few hours or days. Fearful cats will often display anxiety or even aggression even before the trip to the vet. Because of this, after your cat receives any vaccine, it is sensible to monitor the injection site regularly and if a swelling at the site persists for several weeks and/or continues to enlarge, get it checked immediately by your vet. As a cat receives a shot, its immune system responds to the antibodies, causing it to look sick and uneasy. Some owners report that their cats never remained the same after vaccination. A lethargic cat can look a lot like a tired cat, but there is an important difference. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. You have to understand that cats that share a home pass each others scent to one another. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. This means that the neck should always be avoided. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Press Enter / Return to begin your search. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. You can seek guidance and advice from your vet regarding such behavioral transformation. So The Dodos compiled everything you need to know about cat vaccinations. Better yet, schedule routine visits to the clinic so that you can bring your cats together. 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. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. However, vaccination is essential for his health and your familys safety. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. After a few days, you can expect your pet to revert to his true personality. When it comes to medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The first one is called the prodromal stage. In more severe cases, your cat may require intravenous fluids and further observation. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. Cat booster shots However, a trip to the clinic is often a traumatizing experience for most cats. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. He gave her a shot of cortizone. They are very dangerous to young cats, and the vaccines are considered to provide a good deal of protection with minimal risk. 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. They should be left alone to rest and you should see improvement in their condition in a few hours. To prevent aggression between your cats after a visit to the vet, it is a good idea to isolate the vaccinated cat. 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. Click Yes to help us continue to make these improvements. Respiratory conditionsAnything that hinders the lungs ability to move oxygen into the bloodstream can lead to lethargy in cats. Cat booster shots WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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 WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? Before going to the vet, it is a good idea to prepare a warm and cozy place for your cat. The rabies virus targets your cats central nervous system, causing aggression, paralysis and coma. The cat can behave strangely, get aggressive, show lethargy or refuse to eat. 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. If the cat has not eaten for over a day or it has other symptoms like fever or pain, you should consult the vet to see what is wrong. If it persists more than three weeks, or seems to be getting larger, you should contact your veterinarian. Could it be infectious? They divide cat vaccines into two categories: Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions. The key? WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. Its rare, but it does happen. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Technically, lethargy in cats is never normal, but it is sometimes expected. You need to ensure that your cat is left alone. It can also be helpful to provide him with his favorite treats. 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. 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. Cats of any age can get FeLV, but its typically considered a core vaccine for cats under 1 year old. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. These treatments can aggravate problems with the heart and kidneys. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. Diarrhea is also a possibility for the same reasons. Beyond this, all other vaccines are optional. 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. 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. 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. After coming home, your cats may seem like total strangers. What Is FIV and Why Is the FIV Vaccine No Longer Available? The availability of different vaccines will vary between different countries, because some diseases are not present everywhere, and because vaccines are not necessarily licensed (and therefore available) in every country. If you see your cat shivering after vaccination, it can be from the pain or swelling at the injection site. WebDecreased appetite and activity. Affected cats can be treated successfully with appropriate antibiotics, but vaccination may be helpful in some circumstances as part of a control programme in an infected household, For further information onChlamydophila felis, seeChlamydophila felisinfection in cats. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. A cats body will go through an adjustment after a vaccine is administered. The effectiveness of these vaccines should be evaluated carefully, and none of these should be regarded as core (or essential) vaccines. These reactions should not be severe. A number of other vaccines may be available in certain countries but not others. 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. This is because the immune system has started reacting to the vaccine. More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. However, as a charity, we need your support to enable us to keep delivering high quality and up to date information for everyone. However, if you see any severe reactions like swollen eyes or face, breathing difficulty, diarrhea or collapse, you should report to the veterinarian. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. To make a diagnosis, your veterinarian will start by taking a thorough health history and performing a complete physical examination. Anemia (low red blood cell count)A cats body needs the oxygen that red blood cells carry to make energy. To read most recent questions Click here! Cat Personality Changes After Vaccination. An article that might be helpful to you is Dealing with Cats that Wont Eat.