Factors Influencing Vaccination Side Effects
As a cat owner, the last thing you want is for a contagious disease to jeopardize your feline friend’s long-term health. Thankfully, vaccinating your cat is one of the most effective ways of keeping them safe and healthy.
After visiting one of our mobile vaccination clinics, though, you may notice your cat acting differently. While they will often bounce back within a day or two, knowing some common side effects of cat vaccinations will help you determine when the situation calls for more urgent attention.
Why Do Vaccines Cause Side Effects?
Vaccines play an essential role in combating some of the most contagious diseases out there, such as rabies in cats. Seeing your cat unwell after a visit to the vet might leave you concerned, but you likely have nothing to worry about.
The side effects cats experience are due to how the vaccine works. It stimulates your cat’s immune system, helping it recognize and react to specific contagious diseases.
When your cat gets vaccinated, their body will release inflammatory chemicals and activate immune cells, which may cause them to feel slightly unwell for only a brief period.
Not every cat will experience side effects after getting vaccinated. Ultimately, the likelihood of this happening will come down to:
- Age: Kittens and older cats tend to respond differently to vaccinations from adult cats.
- Underlying medical condition: If your cat has an underlying medical condition, it could impact how their immune system responds to the vaccine and how long the recovery takes.
- Past history: Cats that have experienced side effects before may need their future vaccination schedules adjusted.
- Number of vaccines: The more vaccines your cat gets in one visit, the more noticeable the side effects will be.
- Overall health: Your cat’s overall health, stress level, and body weight are other contributing factors.
Normal Reactions to Cat Vaccines
The side effects of cat vaccinations are quite common. What’s more, these side effects are often mild and usually show that your cat’s immune system is functioning as expected.
However, to address any concerns you might have, it’s helpful to know what to expect after cat vaccinations.
Mild Lethargy
Mild lethargy is one of the most common reactions cats have to various vaccines. It is actually expected for your cat to become tired and less playful after receiving one. They might even sleep more than usual.
Thankfully, this lack of energy is often only mild and typically lasts for a day or two.
Slight Fever
As your cat’s immune system responds to the vaccine, it may cause a low-grade fever, sometimes accompanied by a mild decrease in appetite.
Swelling or Tenderness
It’s normal for a small, firm bump to form at the spot where the injection pierced the skin. This bump might also feel slightly warm or sensitive to the touch. As long as it doesn’t grow or display signs of infection or inflammation, the lump should clear on its own in about a week.
Cold-Like Symptoms
Most of your cat’s vaccines are administered as shots. However, what about those that are given via sprays or drops? Do they also cause side effects?
Yes, intranasal vaccines can cause side effects as well. Reactions to these vaccines usually resemble a cold, with most cats displaying symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose. Like other reactions, though, these symptoms should clear in a few days.
Common Side Effects in Kittens
The side effects of cat vaccinations may look slightly different in kittens because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. What’s more, since kittens receive a series of vaccines early on, these side effects could occur after each round.
You’ll often notice temporary fussiness and brief mild diarrhea. However, they should resolve themselves quite quickly.
Caring for Your Cat After a Vaccination
There are a few things you can do to help your cat shake off these side effects a bit quicker. For example, if you’re worried about your cat’s appetite, adding some wet food to their bowl can help. It’s also vital to closely monitor their eating and drinking habits over the next few days.
Since your cat will be tired after the vaccination, you should try to keep them calm and indoors for the next 24 hours. You want them to conserve their energy while the vaccine does its job.
Finally, watch for any unusual swelling or behavior, inspecting the injection site daily to see if the lump is decreasing in size. Some cat owners are usually tempted to give their cats an antihistamine, like diphenhydramine, but it’s never wise to give your cat any medication without asking your vet.
Speaking of the vet, let’s look at cases where professional intervention will be necessary.
When To Call the Vet After Cat Vaccination
As alarming as they may be, most side effects from cat vaccinations aren’t life-threatening and should subside within 24 to 48 hours. Anything beyond that may require immediate medical attention.
We recommend reaching out to us the moment you notice:
- Extreme weakness
- Facial swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Hives
Such signs could mean that your cat is having an allergic reaction to the vaccine and may develop shortly after the vaccine is administered or within the 48 hours that follow.
Safe, Affordable Cat Vaccinations
While any veterinary medical procedure carries some risk, the benefits far outweigh the risks. And so, while there are several side effects of cat vaccinations you can expect, what’s a few days of discomfort compared with the protection your furry friend will receive against potentially life-threatening diseases?
At Penny Paws Animal Clinic, we believe that every pet deserves the best medical care from professionals who treat your animal companion as they would their own. This is why we haven’t just set up convenient mobile vaccine locations beyond our brick-and-mortar clinics. We also dedicate our time and expertise to helping your cat feel better after receiving vaccines. Contact our office at (817) 993-1234 to learn more.