They include: If your cat stays inside all of the time, you might think they areautomatically protected from these kinds of diseases. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. They tend to be either fully onrunning around like maniacsor fully offresting up for another round. However, as with any other product, no vaccine can ever be entirely without side effects so it is important to carefully choose which vaccines are necessary for any individual cat and to evaluate how frequently they should be given. Like any other medical treatment, vaccinations have their risks and adverse effects. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) 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. A loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccinations. Respiratory conditionsAnything that hinders the lungs ability to move oxygen into the bloodstream can lead to lethargy in cats. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. Lethargy is a very nonspecific clinical signits seen with almost every health problem a cat could develop. Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat is extremely lethargic or if their lethargy occurs in combination with other serious symptoms like difficulty breathing or severe vomiting or diarrhea. All rights reserved. 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Independence America Holdings Corp. All Rights Reserved. Cats lack the fat reserves to sustain them. But usually, these behavioral changes are temporary in nature. This is because the immune system has started reacting to the vaccine. So The Dodos compiled everything you need to know about cat vaccinations. Can you give me any feedback on your impressions and how I need to proceed with continued love and care for my little one? To read most recent questions Click here! Stay current on important veterinary news, AVMA activities, and member services. Your cats lifestyle and geographic location will help you and your vet determine whether or not he needs a non-core vaccine. For further information on FeLV, seeFeline leukaemia virus. FeLVis an important disease that can be spread through fighting, through mutual grooming, and through sharing of food/water bowls and litter trays. If your cat does not show any such severe symptoms, you can wait for a few hours to see if it stops shivering. 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. The FeLV vaccine works to protect your cat againstfeline leukemia virus. A cats body will go through an adjustment after a vaccine is administered. A vaccine is usually given by an injection under the skin, although sometimes may be given as drops into the eyes or nose. iCatCare may receive a commission or share in the net profit of some purchases made through the affiliate links. 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. Feline panleukopenia, also known asfeline parvovirus, is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate in kittens. 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. He gave her a shot of cortizone. 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). Cat booster shots Then the next day I called him back because 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. If your cat belongs to the second camp, there are a few things that you can do to make him feel better while recovering. Find whether it does not have an appetite or it is not willing to walk to its bowl. This behavior can last for about a day and your pet should start eating in few hours. Theres no better place to network, learn, and meet up with the friends and colleagues who make veterinary medicine so rewarding. She stayed there and then was released. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the AAFP guidelines, it is required by law in most regions. Some cats are temporarily different or never quite the same after vaccination. Among the behavioral changes that you can see in your cat are lethargy, aggression, and fear. Vaccines that are appropriate for some cats in some circumstances are considered noncore vaccines (or lifestyle vaccines). In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality: A shy cat can become As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. 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. If youre up too late, youll be tired the next day but will feel fine once you get some extra sleep. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Therefore, veterinarians will often focus on any other symptoms a cat might have when they are trying to figure out what is wrong. ParasitesParasites can pass on diseases and directly harm the body, leading to lethargy in cats. The bacterium can also be an occasional cause of pneumonia in young kittens. Adult cats need shots less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last. Bordetella bronchisepticais another bacterial infection that can be a part of the upper respiratory infection complex (cat flu) in cats. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Feline leukemia: This serious viral infection spreads through many bodily fluids like saliva, feces, urine, and milk.The vaccine is recommended inkittens and then 12 months later. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. And a visit to the vet can be doubly scary for a feline if injections are added to the equation. He told me to bring her in and he would get to her when he could. A first booster vaccination should be given 12 months later to ensure a good level of continuing protection. Some symptoms you can expect to see include sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, andconjunctivitis. 2022 MyCuteAnimals. Bordetella: 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. Tell any children in the home not to disturb your cat. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. The cat can behave strangely, get aggressive, show lethargy or refuse to eat. Dog Ate Uncooked Rice? Just as in humans, vaccinating your cat helps to protect him or her against several serious and/or life-threatening diseases. These reactions can be life-threatening and are medical emergencies. Could it be infectious? 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. In some cases, affected kittens may develop pneumonia. All vaccines have to undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing before they are licensed for use in cats by regulatory authorities. Though rare, your cat may undergo a complete personality change. If your cat seems to have undergone a complete personality transformation, seek further guidance from a vet. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. Heres What You Should Know! Is she running a fever? Ondansetron For Cats (Zofran) All You Need To Know, Mini Hippo Dog - Everything You Need To Know. The other three core vaccines are combined into a single three-in-one vaccine called the FVRCP vaccine. Talk to your veterinarian if your cats lethargy does not improve. 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. Adverse effects from vaccines are very rare, especially in view of the millions of doses that are administered every year. These protect against the following conditions: Of these vaccines, rabies is the only one that is required by law in most U.S. states. What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Cat Vaccinations? 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. UTIs in Cats (Urinary Tract Infections in Cats). Owners should not get concerned if their cat starts acting strange 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. 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. Make a note of all the changes to your cats behavior. 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.