Ondansetron For Cats (Zofran) All You Need To Know, Mini Hippo Dog - Everything You Need To Know. WebThere are usually three distinctive stages with rabies in cats. Though rare, your cat may undergo a complete personality change. When a cat is bitten by another cat, an infection is likely to develop. Read the latest news about the AVMA and the veterinary profession, and search archives dating back to 2000. Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. However, if you see any severe reactions like swollen eyes or face, breathing difficulty, diarrhea or collapse, you should report to the veterinarian. 1. 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. Hi thanks for your email. 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 Goodness, this sounds like a very complicated case. In many cases, lethargy is the bodys way of conserving energy to fight off illness or heal from injury. Also, other vaccinations are highly recommended to protect your cat against infectious diseases. Bordetella bronchisepticais another bacterial infection that can be a part of the upper respiratory infection complex (cat flu) in cats. Many cats experience mild side effects after vaccination like fever, lethargy, swelling and reduced energy. And preventive care recommendations for our cats are no exception. 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 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 cat that has not eaten for 24 hours is a cause for concern. You need to ensure that your cat is left alone. American Association of Feline Practitioners. Lethargic and WobblyCats who are wobbly could be suffering from a neurologic problem or metabolic disease, or they could simply be very weak. The same thing can happen to people. A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. 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. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. WebAfter a vaccine, around one-in-ten cats experience a soft swelling at the injection site. Poisoning or envenomationToxins and venomous stings or bites can cause pain, damage tissues, and disrupt normal physiologic functions. She started to get more aggressive. Some cats may also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. WebCan your cats personality change after a vaccination? But some cats will behave differently. Outbreaks of infection with this virus are common and a high proportion of affected cats can die. Kittens and seniors tend to have fewer reserves and be a bit more fragile than adults in their prime, so lethargy may develop more quickly or be more severe in the very young or very old. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. Respiratory illnesses, which certain vaccinations protect against, can be lethal for senior cats. Many illnesses will also make a cat lethargic, so its quite likely that a sick or recently vaccinated cat will be lethargic. The initial vaccine course is often started at 8-9 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. 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. Cats lack the fat reserves to sustain them. So, it was with a heavy heart I had to leave again without an answer. Only use vaccines that are recommended by your vet. They tend to be either fully onrunning around like maniacsor fully offresting up for another round. Liver and kidney diseaseWaste products build up when these organs fail, which disrupts normal chemical processes and makes cats feel terrible. As the cat receives its shot, its body starts adapting to the vaccine, causing some changes in the body and function. 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. Every week we publish insightful pet articles to educate, inspire, and make your life easier. Typically, these symptoms, including lethargy and lack of appetite, vanish after two to three days. The initial vaccination series consists of two doses spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination one year later for all adult cats. Dr. Debra, Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. FCV is thought to be associated with chronicgingivitis/stomatitis, a very painful inflammation of the gums and teeth. Cats withBordetella bronchispeticacan be treated effectively with appropriate antibiotics, and vaccination is not required in most cats. After a few days, you can expect your pet to revert to his true personality. Is your cat lying around more than normal? 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. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. As a cat owner, you need to be aware of your pets fear at the clinic. PainIts difficult for a cat to move around or be interested in much of anything if they are in moderate to severe pain. If so, your cat is showing the classic signs of lethargy. Your cats lifestyle and geographic location will help you and your vet determine whether or not he needs a non-core vaccine. For example, fleas may remove so much blood from cats that they become anemic. 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. He gave her a shot of cortizone. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. If youre up too late, youll be tired the next day but will feel fine once you get some extra sleep. All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects in cats. Well, it totally is. 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. Some that may be available include: Vaccination is generally a very safe procedure that has substantially reduced the impact of several very serious diseases. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. These side effects are short-term and should subside on their own. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of vaccination in cats. (The exact requirements will depend on the vaccine, so always make sure to walk through your kittens vaccine schedule with your vet.) Make a note of all the changes to your cats behavior. Cat Personality Changes After Vaccination. Kittens may also acquire infections from the queen before birth. WebThe vaccine protocols that are being questioned are those for the core vaccines administered to adult dogs and cats. 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. Feline panleukopenia, also known asfeline parvovirus, is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate in kittens. However, your pet may want to be alone during this period. After an incubation stage, clinical signs of aggression, disorientation, and death rapidly progress. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. In the vast majority of cases, your cat will feel fine and you wont notice any change in their behavior. Lethargy After vaccination, it is normal for your pet to exhibit a few symptoms like fever, lameness, swelling, and 2. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. There are some clinics that will vaccinate your cat for free. Diarrhea is also a possibility for the same reasons. Adverse effects from vaccines are very rare, especially in view of the millions of doses that are administered every year. All vaccines have to undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing before they are licensed for use in cats by regulatory authorities. They can also strengthen theirimmune system. 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. If your kitten or senior cat becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian right away. 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. To read most recent questions Click here! 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. The virus can also survive for long periods in the environment so vaccination is the only real way to protect cats. 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. He did not know what was wrong. 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. Some streaming from the eyes and nose may also follow. Indoor cats may also pick up bacteria and viruses when they stay at a kennel and if you bring a new cat home. ParasitesParasites can pass on diseases and directly harm the body, leading to lethargy in cats. Do they seem drowsy or out of it? Are they not interested in whats going on around them? For more information, please see ourPrivacy Policy. 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). Seefeline herpes virusandfeline calicivirus. These are perfectly normal although it can be disconcerting to see your happy cat lack his usual vigor. 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. WebLow energy (lethargy) Eating less Sleeping more Fever (high temperature) Mild swelling around the vaccine site that disappears in two - six weeks. Lethargic and Not Eating / DrinkingLike lethargy, not eating or drinking well are nonspecific clinical signs that are seen with many cat diseases. 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. For further information on FeLV, seeFeline leukaemia virus. When to give vaccines. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. WebHow will your cat feel after receiving a vaccine? And when you consider the pain of an injection, you will better understand why your cat may not interact with people and other cats like he usually does. There is always risk involved in vaccinating a cat. Technically, lethargy in cats is never normal, but it is sometimes expected. This tumor would need to be removed, and this is not easy around the neck. Some cats even exhibit lingering fear and anxiety days after coming from the vet. The effectiveness of these vaccines should be evaluated carefully, and none of these should be regarded as core (or essential) vaccines. Floating Ribs In Dogs Dog Rib Cage Protruding On One Side? But theycould still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. You should call the vet for advice if your cat feels ill after 48 hours of vaccination. Other vaccines are regarded as non-core and used when vaccination would provide valuable protection for an individual cat. Mild signs, such as tiredness, mild fever, and decreased appetite, may be present for a short time. If they are outdoor or indoor/outdoor, or they are young cats or seniors, your vet may recommend yearly FVRCP shots. While most cats behave normally after vaccination, it is common Not all cats experience these problems after vaccination. Their guidelines, published by theAmerican Association of Feline Practitioners, are among the most trusted and utilized recommendations in the field. A cat that does not eat for more than 24 hours is a matter of concern. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. 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. Its advisable to get your cat inoculated if your cat roams outside. WebMany pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. This happens because the immune response generated by a vaccine can make cats feel tired, achy, and generally unwell. While cats are not natural carriers for the disease, they can be infected by a bite from any infected mammal and then pass it on to others. On average, your cats core vaccines alone (without the office visit charge) can cost $40 to $80 for the first years worth of shots. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. 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 If your elderly cat has a chronic illness, then you should avoid vaccination. The core vaccines are considered essential for all cats (including indoor-only cats) because of the widespread and/or severe nature of the diseases being protected against. Did they do routine blood work including a complete blood count, diagnostic profile, feline leukemia and feline aids tests? You can discuss all these issues with your vet. If your cat refuses to eat after getting a shot, you should not worry about it. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper). The first one is called the prodromal stage. Vaccines are medication and like other medical treatments, have their own potential adverse effects. Vaccination against this virus is highly effective and has a critical role in protecting cats against infection, especially as the virus is highly contagious. That can upset your cats stomach. Its rare, but it does happen. It is possible that it has little energy to walk to the bowl after vaccination. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. This is a temporary lump that goes away after a couple of weeks and nothing to worry about. Find whether it does not have an appetite or it is not willing to walk to its bowl. After getting injected with a vaccine, you may also experience the same symptoms. It is not entirely clear why cats experience FISS. If your cat takes its vaccinations intranasally, it will sneeze and sniff for a while afterward. Copyright 1999 - 2023. Cats of any age can get FeLV, but its typically considered a core vaccine for cats under 1 year old. Press Enter / Return to begin your search. The virus also kills off white blood cells, leaving the young cats even more susceptible to secondary infections. Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Future vaccine recommendation will be based on the cat's lifestyle.Feline leukemia cannot be cured, so prevention is a priority. The FeLV vaccine works to protect your cat againstfeline leukemia virus. They should be left alone to rest and you should see improvement in their condition in a few hours. Some common side effects of feline vaccinations include: These side effects should be short-lived. Some cats are allergic to vaccines. Lethargic and DroolingDiseases or injuries affecting the mouth are common causes of drooling, and they can cause lethargy too. 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. He gave her a shot of cortizone. Limping This reaction mainly affects young kittens, usually at their first vaccination. 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. She started to get more aggressive. 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. You can also use a towel to extract the scent of the other cats and then rub that towel on the cat that visited the vet. While the disease usually starts with decreased energy and low appetite, it progresses to vomiting and diarrhea. Respiratory conditionsAnything that hinders the lungs ability to move oxygen into the bloodstream can lead to lethargy in cats. To prevent aggression between your cats after a visit to the vet, it is a good idea to isolate the vaccinated cat. Not all vaccines must be injected.