All rights reserved. iCatCare may receive a commission or share in the net profit of some purchases made through the affiliate links. Vaccination is very effective in preventing disease. The shots come in a series every 3 to 4 weeks. Black Spots, Gunk & Blackheads On Dog Nipples: What Do They Mean?? More marked side effects may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lameness, fever, signs of respiratory tract infection, or lumps at the site of injection. The viruses are often transmitted by direct or close contact between cats (eg, in sneezed droplets), but they may also survive for short periods in the environment. They divide cat vaccines into two categories: Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. From time to time, check on your cat. FeLV is an important disease, causing a wide variety of problems in persistently infected cats including immunosuppression, anaemia, and lymphoma. 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. This means that the neck should always be avoided. The virus also kills off white blood cells, leaving the young cats even more susceptible to secondary infections. The initial vaccine course is often started at 8-9 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. Its rare, but it does happen. Every topic on our website is thoroughly researched and professionally written. These side effects are short-term and should subside on their own. 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. Another sign of FISS includes the lump exceeding 2cm in diameter, especially if it keeps growing. However, these shouldneverbe used they have no scientific basis and cannot provoke the specific immune response that is needed to provide protection. 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 experience a small amount of swelling at the injection site, making it more difficult for your cat to move. 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. The non-core costs range from $15 to $20 for the year. But is it possible for vaccines to alter a cats personality? The right vaccinations. Many cats are fortunate to go into a regressive state and appear perfectly healthy throughout their lives, but some do not fare as well. 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. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. Floating Ribs In Dogs Dog Rib Cage Protruding On One Side? Put simply, lethargy is a cat slowing down when they dont feel good. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. 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. All kittens should receive their core vaccinations and any others that are agreed between you and your vet. Liver and kidney diseaseWaste products build up when these organs fail, which disrupts normal chemical processes and makes cats feel terrible. We took her to our vet. Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, your vet can help you figure out which vaccines are best and how often your kitty should get shots. 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. A vaccination against rabies would usually happen in the right back leg, while a vaccination for FVCRP would happen in the right front leg. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. The FeLV vaccine works to protect your cat againstfeline leukemia virus. While it is no longer routinely recommended for grooming or boarding, it may be required by individual businesses. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. When it comes to medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Lethargy can be defined as an abnormal decrease in a cats activity level and alertness. 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. A number of other vaccines may be available in certain countries but not others. 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. The rabies virus targets your cats central nervous system, causing aggression, paralysis and coma. These effects should subside in a few hours or days. Anemia (low red blood cell count)A cats body needs the oxygen that red blood cells carry to make energy. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. 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. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. We use cookies to improve our website to make sure you have a better browsing experience. Get best-in-class CE in some of your favorite cities. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. 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. This will naturally make them more lethargic. What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Cat 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 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 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. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. 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. This virus is quite common among cats, especially cats that go outdoors and are involved in fighting (infection is mainly spread through cat bites). As a pet owner, one of your first responsibilities is to get your four-legged friend vaccinated on schedule. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. 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. Any movement will be painful for the full duration of this side effect. Some streaming from the eyes and nose may also follow. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. You should always discuss with your vet what vaccines your own cat may require. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. After the cat recovers from the initial infection, the virus enters a latency period in the nerves. 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. Do they seem drowsy or out of it? Are they not interested in whats going on around them? Feline panleucopenia virus(also known as feline parvovirus or feline infectious enteritis) is a severe and frequently fatal cause of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. A vet must assess a cat with a lump that persists for weeks after vaccination. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. Better yet, schedule routine visits to the clinic so that you can bring your cats together. Not all cats experience these problems after vaccination. In other cases, the cat that was recently vaccinated becomes the victim of aggression by the other feline members of your home. 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. This is because the cat that came from the vet smells differently that the other cat can no longer recognize the first cats scent. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved. It is common for cats to experience mild reactions like lethargy, slight fever, localized swelling and reduced appetite in a few hours after getting the shot. Some owners report that their cats never remained the same after vaccination. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. The other three core vaccines are combined into a single three-in-one vaccine called the FVRCP vaccine. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? As a cat receives a shot, its immune system responds to the antibodies, causing it to look sick and uneasy. It usually depends on theirage, overall health, and lifestyle. 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. Then the next day I called him back because 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. For further information on FeLV, seeFeline leukaemia virus. Cat Enema Side Effects What To Expect After Cat Enema? 6 Challenges of Owning a Cat You Need to Know, Changes In Cat Behaviour After Vet Visit? Any vomiting should be monitored after vaccinations. Hi thanks for your email. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Seek veterinary care immediately if any of these signs develop: 2023 American Veterinary Medical Association All rights reserved, Donate to American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network (CAN), Tools to help you transition to your new veterinary career, Answers to the questions you're facing as you start out in your professional life, Early-career resources to continue your professional and personal growth, AVMA Center for Veterinary Education Accreditation, Professional policy guidance, open for member input, Creating socially conscious work environments, Self-care and workplace wellbeing for the whole veterinary team, Profitability and finance, marketing, leadership, and team building, Loans, budgets, financial planning, and more, Interprofessional collaboration across animal, human, and environmental health, Disease and pain management, behavior, disaster preparedness, humane endings, and more, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR). Its easy to be overwhelmed when you hear conflicting information about whether your cat needs them and the adverse effects they may have. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. Many pet owners report their cats not eating after getting their vaccines. For example, cats that have just been vaccinated are often lethargic. ParasitesParasites can pass on diseases and directly harm the body, leading to lethargy in cats. The panel comprisesdedicated feline veterinarians and scientists and is regarded as a reputable source of cat vaccination standards. This is because the immune system has started reacting to the vaccine. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. This may include: Tests for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. 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. A cats body will go through an adjustment after a vaccine is administered. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalitiesWater and appropriate electrolyte levels are essential for a cats body to produce energy and function normally. WebDecreased appetite and activity. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. In many cases, lethargy is the bodys way of conserving energy to fight off illness or heal from injury. 1. Cats that struggle with this side effect bounce back as quickly as they experienced the issue. I dont know how long after the vaccines that the signs start. Lethargic and WobblyCats who are wobbly could be suffering from a neurologic problem or metabolic disease, or they could simply be very weak. 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. To help your pet stay healthy, limit their contact with infected animals and to environments where diseases may be more common. Some people are tempted to use homoeopathic vaccines or may have these recommended by a friend. 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.