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. This was due to the flexibility of the skin in this area. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. Its easier to stretch the skin and administer a shot. The vaccine wont prevent the disease, but it will keep your kitty from getting very sick from it. Affected cats typically show sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, eye discharge, and mouth ulcers. This, in turn, will allow cancerous cells to spread. 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. Black Spots, Gunk & Blackheads On Dog Nipples: What Do They Mean?? Well, it totally is. iCatCare may receive a commission or share in the net profit of some purchases made through the affiliate links. TheFeline Vaccination Advisory Panelregularly evaluates and researches cat vaccination developments to make science-based recommendations. Read the latest news about the AVMA and the veterinary profession, and search archives dating back to 2000. 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. 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.. When the underlying cause can be successfully treated, the lethargy should resolve as well. Thank you for supporting International Cat Care through your shop purchases! Find whether it does not have an appetite or it is not willing to walk to its bowl. Get the latest updates on your choice of veterinary topics delivered straight to your inbox. Not all vaccines must be injected. Not all cats experience these problems after vaccination. Brown Pigment In White of Dog's Eye Can Pigmentary Keratitis Cause Blindness? Most persistently infected cats will die as a result of their infection. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. What You Need to Know About Rabies Vaccines for Cats. To help your pet stay healthy, limit their contact with infected animals and to environments where diseases may be more common. The Veterinary Leadership Conference draws veterinarians from across the U.S. for education sessions that help develop leaders for the veterinary profession. Cats of any age can get FeLV, but its typically considered a core vaccine for cats under 1 year old. So The Dodos compiled everything you need to know about cat vaccinations. So, it was with a heavy heart I had to leave again without an answer. Limping syndrome in cats is a temporary problem. 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, 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. From time to time, check on your cat. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. 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. Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Attend topical CE meetings on subjects including animal welfare, wellbeing, economics, and public policy. A trip to the vet for vaccination is never a pleasant experience for your cat. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. You should always discuss with your vet what vaccines your own cat may require. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. Keep in mind that vaccines dont offer total immunity from diseases. Senior cats may slow down a bit more, but extreme or sudden changes are usually a sign of a health problem. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. The first one is called the prodromal stage. 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. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. Traumatic injuriesSignificant trauma leads to pain, and healing requires extra energy. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. Though rare, your cat may undergo a complete personality change. 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 Feline panleukopenia, also known asfeline parvovirus, is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate in kittens. If you go to the vet, you can probably expect an office visit charge in addition to the cost of the vaccine. 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. Click Yes to help us continue to make these improvements. He told me to bring her in and he would get to her when he could. He gave her a shot of cortizone. These reactions should not be severe. Which shots they need. 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. A number of FeLV vaccines are also available and are effective in protecting cats. Nutritional disordersCats cant be energetic and engaged without good nutrition. There are certain vaccines all cats need aka core vaccines. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. **Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers! They are very dangerous to young cats, and the vaccines are considered to provide a good deal of protection with minimal risk. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)Glucose (a type of sugar) is needed to fuel cells in a cats body, especially in the brain. The rabies vaccine is so important that its required by law, since the disease is fatal, highly contagious and transmissible to humans. 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. Some pet owners report a temporary change in the behavior or personality of the cat after vaccination. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. However, as a charity, we need your support to enable us to keep delivering high quality and up to date information for everyone. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. 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. This is because the immune system has started reacting to the vaccine. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. This can even happen to cats that have bonded quite well. Most cats want to sleep for a few hours after getting their shot. 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. Again, this is normal behavior. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. 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. That can upset your cats stomach. 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. 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 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. To read most recent questions Click here! This can manifest in the form of aggression or clinginess. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. 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. Clinical signs vary from mild to extremely severe, and occasionally other complications may develop including viral pneumonia. 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. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. Let us try to understand whether it is normal for your cat to act strangely after getting a shot. It is normal for your cat to experience mild symptoms ranging from soreness at the site of injection to fever, lethargy and allergic reactions. When it comes to medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Then the next day I called him back because she started hanging her head and falling to the right and could not keep her balance. Non-core vaccines arent necessary for all cats. FeLV is an important disease, causing a wide variety of problems in persistently infected cats including immunosuppression, anaemia, and lymphoma. Older cats have weaker immune systems and are more prone to illness. However, these shouldneverbe used they have no scientific basis and cannot provoke the specific immune response that is needed to provide protection. The virus also kills off white blood cells, leaving the young cats even more susceptible to secondary infections. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. Adult cats need shots less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last. CancerDifferent types of cancer affect cats in distinct ways, but lethargy is a common clinical sign. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. Heres What It Means, Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. 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. FISS can cause a cancerous tumor at the site of the vaccination. 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. If youre up too late, youll be tired the next day but will feel fine once you get some extra sleep. Make a note of all the changes to your cats behavior. Lethargy can be defined as an abnormal decrease in a cats activity level and alertness. On average, your cats core vaccines alone (without the office visit charge) can cost $40 to $80 for the first years worth of shots. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. 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. This means that the neck should always be avoided. Among the behavioral changes that you can see in your cat are lethargy, aggression, and fear. The FeLV vaccine protects against feline leukemia virus, which is a fatal disease in cats. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccination in cats. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. 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. We also discuss common cat vaccination concerns to help pet owners determine what they should expect. They can also strengthen theirimmune system. However, a trip to the clinic is often a traumatizing experience for most cats. 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. Only use vaccines that are recommended by your vet. Is she weak? Owners should not get concerned if their cat starts acting strange after vaccination. This will give the feline enough time to groom and make himself smell familiar to the other cats. You can seek guidance and advice from your vet regarding such behavioral transformation. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. 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. But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. 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 cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. 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. 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. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. You should call the vet for advice if your cat feels ill after 48 hours of vaccination. Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from diseases that are really serious, contagious and often fatal. The first one is called the prodromal stage. You can try feeding the cat to see if it helps. In comparison, healthy kittens are never 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. The inflammation caused by the vaccination activates the malignant tumor and causes it to spread. The initial vaccine course is often started at 8-9 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. I dont know how long after the vaccines that the signs start. Decisions regarding the requirement for non-core vaccines may be based on the cats age, lifestyle and contact with other cats. Woman Tries Every Day For A Month To Rescue This Dog. In some cases, it also causes oral ulceration andpneumonia. Understand that your cat is still in recovery and that he may not be his usual self. Also, other vaccinations are highly recommended to protect your cat against infectious diseases. If your cat gets outside, you want to make sure they areprotected. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) Other vaccines are regarded as non-core and used when vaccination would provide valuable protection for an individual cat. Feline herpesvirus, also known asfeline rhinotracheitis virus, causes severe signs of upper respiratory infection. 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. Cats that struggle with this side effect bounce back as quickly as they experienced the issue. Your vet always tells you how important it is to get your cat vaccinated, but you might still be wondering if its worth it. 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. If they are outdoor or indoor/outdoor, or they are young cats or seniors, your vet may recommend yearly FVRCP shots. 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. As a cat owner, you need to be aware of your pets fear at the clinic. While cat vaccinations generally have no serious side effects, some people report changes in their poochs behavior after getting vaccinated. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. Indoor cats may also pick up bacteria and viruses when they stay at a kennel and if you bring a new cat home. The panel comprisesdedicated feline veterinarians and scientists and is regarded as a reputable source of cat vaccination standards. The journal Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica has stated that instances remain as low as 1 in 10,000. Was her glucose normal? Tell any children in the home not to disturb your cat. 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. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. 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. As a cat receives a shot, its immune system responds to the antibodies, causing it to look sick and uneasy. If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. 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. And a visit to the vet can be doubly scary for a feline if injections are added to the equation. Just as in humans, vaccinating your cat helps to protect him or her against several serious and/or life-threatening diseases. The most commonly available vaccines are used to provide protection against the following infections: Vaccines can be divided into core vaccines and non-core vaccines. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. Please consider making a contribution, big or small, to keep our content free, accurate and relevant. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalitiesWater and appropriate electrolyte levels are essential for a cats body to produce energy and function normally. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. 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. 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. 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. These symptoms are common and should subside independently in a few hours. When used appropriately and as recommended they are both safe and provide crucial protection for cats against a number of diseases. American Association of Feline Practitioners. Now, I am here on the internet trying to get answers. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. Respiratory illnesses, which certain vaccinations protect against, can be lethal for senior cats. As cats age, they often spend more time quietly observing the world around them (or napping), but this isnt lethargy; its growing up. ParasitesParasites can pass on diseases and directly harm the body, leading to lethargy in cats. They could even react to the rubber gloves that your vet wears to administer the vaccine. Diarrhea is also a possibility for the same reasons. 1. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. A feline that has been vaccinated will want to be on its own to get some sleep for several hours. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. Before going to the vet, it is a good idea to prepare a warm and cozy place for your cat. Lethargic and Not Eating / DrinkingLike lethargy, not eating or drinking well are nonspecific clinical signs that are seen with many cat diseases. Cats can have vaccine reactions but they are relatively uncommon and do not present like this. 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 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 vet will also think about how long vaccines are supposed to last and how likely your cat might be to come into contact with a certain disease. Some experts believe that the felines already have tumors. The cost of your cats vaccines will vary depending on where you get them done. Theres no better place to network, learn, and meet up with the friends and colleagues who make veterinary medicine so rewarding. Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Seefeline herpes virusandfeline calicivirus. 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. How To Euthanize A Cat With Over The Counter Drugs? You should note all the changes you see in the cats behavior and find the pattern. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. 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. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. Many pet owners report their cats not eating after getting their vaccines. 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. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Cat Vaccinations? Lethargic and DroolingDiseases or injuries affecting the mouth are common causes of drooling, and they can cause lethargy too. If the sarcoma that is caused by vaccination is not treated, it will continue to grow. Beyond this, all other vaccines are optional. At the vet, do your best to soothe your pet and put minimal restraint on him. This usually takes a day. Vaccination causes a chemical reaction in the cats brain that lasts 24-48 hours. Some common side effects of feline vaccinations include: These side effects should be short-lived. Provide for his needs and keep some distance. If so, your cat is showing the classic signs of lethargy. 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. I have noticed she is not seeing very well but can hear us call her and will follow our calls. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. Your cat may also need to undergo radiotherapy or chemotherapy. And if youre about to adopt a cat, some rescues and shelters will include the costs of the vaccines he already got in your cats adoption fees.