WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. The factors that your veterinarian will consider to determine yourcats vaccination scheduleinclude: Discuss your cats lifestyle and risk factors with your veterinarian to determine an optimal, individualized vaccination protocol. These reactions are generally treated with antihistamines and steroids. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Rabies is a zoonotic disease (it can be transmitted from animals to humans), so it is a public safety issue to keep your cat up to date on their rabies vaccine. Even if you reside in a state that doesnt mandate rabies shots by law, it remains advisable. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)Glucose (a type of sugar) is needed to fuel cells in a cats body, especially in the brain. Future vaccine recommendation will be based on the cat's lifestyle.Feline leukemia cannot be cured, so prevention is a priority. This allows them to identify one another. Some symptoms you can expect to see include sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, andconjunctivitis. Less common side effects include: Twitching Itchy skin Vomiting Diarrhoea Limping. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. Inflammatory / immune diseasesAbnormal immune responses and inflammation can make cats feel unwell and damage the body. That can upset your cats stomach. However, be aware that your cats appetite may not be normal during this period. Attend topical CE meetings on subjects including animal welfare, wellbeing, economics, and public policy. The journal Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica has stated that instances remain as low as 1 in 10,000. And preventive care recommendations for our cats are no exception. They tend to be either fully onrunning around like maniacsor fully offresting up for another round. 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. Also, other vaccinations are highly recommended to protect your cat against infectious diseases. But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. 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. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. It is possible that it has little energy to walk to the bowl after vaccination. 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. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. Certain medicationsLethargy can be a side effect of certain medications, including some anti-anxiety and pain-relieving medications commonly given to cats. Feline panleucopenia virus(also known as feline parvovirus or feline infectious enteritis) is a severe and frequently fatal cause of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. 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. Some cats are allergic to vaccines. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your 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. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. This allows veterinarians to efficiently administer the vaccines all at once, instead of having to inject a cat three separate times in one visit: If your cat is an indoor adult cat, FVRCP can be done every three years. However, you do not have to worry much about your cat. The same isnt true for lethargy. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. 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? Flat Feet In Dogs UPDATED 2022 A Complete Guide. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. This may include: Tests for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. However, vaccination is essential for his health and your familys safety. 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. Is she eating? I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. Lethargic and DroolingDiseases or injuries affecting the mouth are common causes of drooling, and they can cause lethargy too. Your cat may experience a small amount of swelling at the injection site, making it more difficult for your cat to move. 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. Some experts believe that the felines already have tumors. The rabies virus targets your cats central nervous system, causing aggression, paralysis and coma. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Lethargic and WobblyCats who are wobbly could be suffering from a neurologic problem or metabolic disease, or they could simply be very weak. Youll need to make an informed decision about whether to vaccinate your cat based on the available medical evidence. Then the next day I called him back because 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. They told me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me I should have her put down. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Watch out for symptoms like diarrhea, collapse, and breathing difficulties. Ultimately, cat owners should work with their veterinarians to limit the stress associated with visiting a clinic. Even though its a confusing topic, making sure your cat has the shots they need and keeping up with booster shots is very important. 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. 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. Commonly, your feline friend reacts to these side effects of vaccination with a strange behavior that may concern you. Your vet may prescribe a feline-safe painkiller. Keep track of product alerts for pet foods, animal feed, and products used by veterinarians or animal owners. Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. Owners should not get concerned if their cat starts acting strange after vaccination. From time to time, check on your cat. 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. FeLVis an important disease that can be spread through fighting, through mutual grooming, and through sharing of food/water bowls and litter trays. He gave her a shot of cortizone. Cat booster shots If you present your cat to a vet with FISS, surgery will be required to remove the tumor. Many cats experience mild side effects after vaccination like fever, lethargy, swelling and reduced energy. Respiratory conditionsAnything that hinders the lungs ability to move oxygen into the bloodstream can lead to lethargy in cats. These side effects are short-term and should subside on their own. Typically, these symptoms, including lethargy and lack of appetite, vanish after two to three days. If youre up too late, youll be tired the next day but will feel fine once you get some extra sleep. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. It can also be helpful to provide him with his favorite treats. 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. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies. 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. He gave her a shot of cortizone. So The Dodos compiled everything you need to know about cat vaccinations. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. But is it possible for vaccines to alter a cats personality? They divide cat vaccines into two categories: Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. 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. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. 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. You have to understand that cats that share a home pass each others scent to one another. The inflammation caused by the vaccination activates the malignant tumor and causes it to spread. Your veterinarian can assess your cats risk of FeLV infection and decide on an appropriate vaccination schedule. 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). Find whether it does not have an appetite or it is not willing to walk to its bowl. 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. 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. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. Poisoning or envenomationToxins and venomous stings or bites can cause pain, damage tissues, and disrupt normal physiologic functions. Rabies vaccination is given every year or every three years, depending on state laws and the brand of vaccine used. This will naturally make them more lethargic. Start your day with heartwarming and hilarious animal stories that will make you fall in love. 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. 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 rabies vaccine is so important that its required by law, since the disease is fatal, highly contagious and transmissible to humans. The first one is called the prodromal stage. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. So, it was with a heavy heart I had to leave again without an answer. These diseases are highly infectious and seen worldwide. Thank you for supporting International Cat Care through your shop purchases! However, a trip to the clinic is often a traumatizing experience for most cats. 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You can try comforting it with some food or drink to alleviate the pain or discomfort associated with vaccination. They include: If your cat stays inside all of the time, you might think they areautomatically protected from these kinds of diseases. Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. Recent vaccinationCats may be lethargic for a day or two as their immune system responds to vaccination. Diarrhea is also a possibility for the same reasons. If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. He gave her a shot of cortizone. 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. If your cat does not show any such severe symptoms, you can wait for a few hours to see if it stops shivering. However, in colonies of cats with repeated outbreaks of disease, vaccination may play a role in helping protect cats. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. 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.. The FVCRP vaccine is most likely to cause limping because lameness is a symptom of feline calicivirus. This will give the feline enough time to groom and make himself smell familiar to the other cats. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common These treatments can aggravate problems with the heart and kidneys. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. WebDecreased appetite and activity. More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. 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. 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. 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 I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. Do they seem drowsy or out of it? Are they not interested in whats going on around them? If your elderly cat has a chronic illness, then you should avoid vaccination. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. TheFeline Vaccination Advisory Panelregularly evaluates and researches cat vaccination developments to make science-based recommendations. FCV is thought to be associated with chronicgingivitis/stomatitis, a very painful inflammation of the gums and teeth. I cant see how that can be rabies. For further information on FeLV, seeFeline leukaemia virus.