The other three core vaccines are combined into a single three-in-one vaccine called the FVRCP vaccine. In many cases, lethargy is the bodys way of conserving energy to fight off illness or heal from injury. 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. Then the next day I called him back because A cat can have an allergic reaction to a vaccination. Among the behavioral changes that you can see in your cat are lethargy, aggression, and fear. They tend to be either fully onrunning around like maniacsor fully offresting up for another round. Cats heading into stressful situations, such as boarding, may benefit from a core vaccine booster 7-10 days before. American Association of Feline Practitioners, Feline rhinotracheitis virus/herpesvirus 1 (FVR/FHV-1), How likely they are to be exposed to a pathogen, FVRCP (core; only if first shot given at 10-12 weeks), FeLV (core; only if first shot given at 10-12 weeks), FVRCP (every 3 years for indoor cats, and every year for indoor/outdoor, outdoor-only, very young, or senior cats), Rabies (1-year or 3-year vaccine depending on state laws). This is only a concern if it does not quickly recover. He did not know what was wrong. 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. When to give vaccines. Attend topical CE meetings on subjects including animal welfare, wellbeing, economics, and public policy. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. Feline herpesvirus, also known asfeline rhinotracheitis virus, causes severe signs of upper respiratory infection. Clinical signs vary from mild to extremely severe, and occasionally other complications may develop including viral pneumonia. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. 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. 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. Another sign of FISS includes the lump exceeding 2cm in diameter, especially if it keeps growing. 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. She started to get more aggressive. WebDecreased appetite and activity. Before going to the vet, it is a good idea to prepare a warm and cozy place for your cat. 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. Cat booster shots Commonly, your feline friend reacts to these side effects of vaccination with a strange behavior that may concern you. Ondansetron For Cats (Zofran) All You Need To Know, Mini Hippo Dog - Everything You Need To Know. Your vet always tells you how important it is to get your cat vaccinated, but you might still be wondering if its worth it. Youll need to make an informed decision about whether to vaccinate your cat based on the available medical evidence. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. 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. Therefore, veterinarians will often focus on any other symptoms a cat might have when they are trying to figure out what is wrong. Your purchase directly supports the leading global cat welfare charity, International Cat Care. This was due to the flexibility of the skin in this area. What You Need to Know About Rabies Vaccines for Cats. After vaccination, some cats will go back to their routines as if nothing happened to them. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. Bordetella bronchisepticais another bacterial infection that can be a part of the upper respiratory infection complex (cat flu) in cats. However, a trip to the clinic is often a traumatizing experience for most cats. A vaccine is usually given by an injection under the skin, although sometimes may be given as drops into the eyes or nose. 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.. 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. Get the latest updates on your choice of veterinary topics delivered straight to your inbox. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. Is your cat lying around more than normal? This is because the cat that came from the vet smells differently that the other cat can no longer recognize the first cats scent. Generally, cats that go outside and may come across other cats of unknown status may be at risk of being exposed to FeLV, and vaccinating such cats may be very valuable (although the risks will vary between different regions). Chlamydophila felisis a type of bacteria that mainly causes conjunctivitis in cats. These reactions can be life-threatening and are medical emergencies. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. Some cats even exhibit lingering fear and anxiety days after coming from the vet. Thank you for supporting International Cat Care through your shop purchases! If your cat refuses to eat after getting a shot, you should not worry about it. After getting injected with a vaccine, you may also experience the same symptoms. Make sure that food and water are readily available to him. They divide cat vaccines into two categories: Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, no matter where they live or under what conditions. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy worsens or fails to improve in a day or two. Well, it totally is. They should be left alone to rest and you should see improvement in their condition in a few hours. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. You have to understand that cats that share a home pass each others scent to one another. Please consider making a contribution, big or small, to keep our content free, accurate and relevant. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. The first one is called the prodromal stage. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. 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. However, your pet may want to be alone during this period. If your cat seems to have undergone a complete personality transformation, seek further guidance from a vet. There are so many possibilities of what it could be. Goodness, this sounds like a very complicated case. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also considers the FVCRP to be a core vaccine. 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. WebSome cats will develop a mild reaction that may last for a few days to a week after the vaccination. Certain medicationsLethargy can be a side effect of certain medications, including some anti-anxiety and pain-relieving medications commonly given to cats. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. Many cats experience mild side effects after vaccination like fever, lethargy, swelling and reduced energy. Young kittens in multicat households (eg, breeding households) are most likely to be affected and there may also be mild upper respiratory signs. This usually takes a day. She started to get more aggressive. A cats immune system starts to adapt following a vaccine, which means that a cat may feel sick. But is it possible for vaccines to alter a cats personality? When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. A vet must assess a cat with a lump that persists for weeks after vaccination. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. However, if you see any severe reactions like swollen eyes or face, breathing difficulty, diarrhea or collapse, you should report to the veterinarian. These dangers alone are not enough to avoid getting feline vaccinations, though. In the early stages the affected cat may suffer from lethargy and pain in the affected area. These reactions should not be severe. But usually, these behavioral changes are temporary in nature. You can seek guidance and advice from your vet regarding such behavioral transformation. Liver and kidney diseaseWaste products build up when these organs fail, which disrupts normal chemical processes and makes cats feel terrible. A cat that does not eat for more than 24 hours is a matter of concern. Your cat may experience a small amount of swelling at the injection site, making it more difficult for your cat to move. If your elderly cat has a chronic illness, then you should avoid vaccination. Cats lack the fat reserves to sustain them. But some cats will behave differently. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. FISS remains rare. The disease can negatively impact your cats immune system or cause anemia or cancer. All our advice is freely accessible to everyone, wherever you are in the world. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. In some cases, it also causes oral ulceration andpneumonia. Rabies vaccination is given every year or every three years, depending on state laws and the brand of vaccine used. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. 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 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. A vet will offeressential vaccinations for your cat. Your cat may also need to undergo radiotherapy or chemotherapy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. In comparison, healthy kittens are never lethargic. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. The FeLV vaccine is tricky because it is required for kittens but optional for cats that are at least a year old. **Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers! Some of the more virulent strains cause hair loss and crusting on other parts of the body, as well as hepatitis and even death. The inflammation caused by the vaccination activates the malignant tumor and causes it to spread. She stayed there and then was released. Sometimes, the pet may even need further observation or other treatments. Then the next day I called him back because The virus can also survive for long periods in the environment so vaccination is the only real way to protect cats. Lower urinary tract problemsDiseases affecting the bladder and associated structures lead to lethargy, discomfort, and sometimes an inability to urinate. Previously, many vets chose to administer shots to the neck. Complete Guide To Cat Paw Pad Growth, Cat Acting Strange After Vaccination? Feline panleukopenia, also known asfeline parvovirus, is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate in kittens. It may also run a high fever. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. As a pet owner, one of your first responsibilities is to get your four-legged friend vaccinated on schedule. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. Most persistently infected cats will die as a result of their infection. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. 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. Some streaming from the eyes and nose may also follow. How To Euthanize A Cat With Over The Counter Drugs? Some pet owners report a temporary change in the behavior or personality of the cat after vaccination. Now, I am here on the internet trying to get answers. Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies. Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. Rabies is endemic worldwide, and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. He gave her a shot of cortizone. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. TheFeline Vaccination Advisory Panelregularly evaluates and researches cat vaccination developments to make science-based recommendations. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. This can even happen to cats that have bonded quite well. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. It sounds like your cat is having some neurologic symptoms that are very abnormal. However, it is normal for cats to feel ill for a few hours or days after vaccination. 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. 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. Others will continue showing fear and anxiety after coming home. Nutritional disordersCats cant be energetic and engaged without good nutrition. 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. These reactions are generally treated with antihistamines and steroids. iCatCare may receive a commission or share in the net profit of some purchases made through the affiliate links. If they are outdoor or indoor/outdoor, or they are young cats or seniors, your vet may recommend yearly FVRCP shots. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. 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. We took her to our vet. If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. Cats dont actually have nine lives, so you need to do what you can to protect them. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. Ultimately, cat owners should work with their veterinarians to limit the stress associated with visiting a clinic. A first booster vaccination should be given 12 months later to ensure a good level of continuing protection. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. Designate this as his recovery area where he can rest without being disturbed by the other members of the household. 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. Tell any children in the home not to disturb your cat. 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 There are some risks and side effects associated with cat vaccination. 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). 1. Keep track of product alerts for pet foods, animal feed, and products used by veterinarians or animal owners. Though rare, your cat may undergo a complete personality change. Your pet can temporarily change his usual behavior after getting vaccines either because he is experiencing side effects or if he was traumatized by the visit to the clinic. Any vomiting should be monitored after vaccinations. 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 initial vaccine course is often started at 8-9 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. 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. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. 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. 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. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. 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. They include: If your cat stays inside all of the time, you might think they areautomatically protected from these kinds of diseases. Black Spots, Gunk & Blackheads On Dog Nipples: What Do They Mean?? Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. Rare vaccine side effects In very rare circumstances, a vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). 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. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. 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. However, these adverse effects should subside after 24 to 48 hours. Cats that struggle with this side effect bounce back as quickly as they experienced the issue. Heres What You Should Know! Some common side effects of feline vaccinations include: These side effects should be short-lived. These symptoms are common and should subside independently in a few hours. 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. Again, this is normal behavior. Most vets will highly recommend the FVRCP and rabies vaccines. Try to assess the cats condition if it is not eating. 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. So, it was with a heavy heart I had to leave again without an answer. The FeLV vaccine protects against feline leukemia virus, which is a fatal disease in cats. Cats of any age can get FeLV, but its typically considered a core vaccine for cats under 1 year old. Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. The key? WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common Anyone who cares for his or her cat will want to protect it in this way and vaccination is a critical part of a proper preventive healthcare programme. In more severe cases, your cat may require intravenous fluids and further observation. He gave her a shot of cortizone. FeLV is an important disease, causing a wide variety of problems in persistently infected cats including immunosuppression, anaemia, and lymphoma. 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. Tiredness is a temporary state that resolves with rest or sleep. 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. Vaccines are designed to protect your cat from diseases that are really serious, contagious and often fatal. This is a cancerous tumor that develops following inflammation around the site of the injection. Older cats have weaker immune systems and are more prone to illness. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Lethargic and Not Eating / DrinkingLike lethargy, not eating or drinking well are nonspecific clinical signs that are seen with many cat diseases. 2022 MyCuteAnimals. Not all vaccines must be injected. Limping syndrome in cats is a temporary problem. A trip to the vet for vaccination is never a pleasant experience for your cat. It is not entirely clear why cats experience FISS. We use cookies to improve our website to make sure you have a better browsing experience. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. When it comes to medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. 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. 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. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccination in cats. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. As cats age, they often spend more time quietly observing the world around them (or napping), but this isnt lethargy; its growing up. Hi thanks for your email. This should go away on its own in 2-3 days as the symptoms ease. Heres What It Means, Cat Behavior After Vaccination A Complete Guide. Its advisable to get your cat inoculated if your cat roams outside. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. Future vaccine recommendation will be based on the cat's lifestyle.Feline leukemia cannot be cured, so prevention is a priority.