A cat may experience discomfort, lethargy, and even allergic reactions after receiving their shots. Not knowing how to care for your cat or kitten during this time can prolong their recovery, potentially causing health complications. Here’s a simple guide on how to make your cat feel better after vaccines.
Post-Vaccine Care Tips: How to Make a Cat Feel Better After Vaccines
After a vaccination appointment, it’s best to let your cat rest in a quiet, comfortable space and avoid unnecessary petting near their injection site. Help them feel as comfortable as you can, and make sure they have access to fresh water and their favorite food. Watch out for common side effects, including lethargy, loss of appetite, and mild swelling.
Some cats may become ill a day or two after receiving their shots. Contact the vet immediately for further evaluation and care should you observe concerning symptoms beyond 24 to 48 hours.Cat Vaccination Aftercare Steps to Take Allow your cat to rest Provide a quiet, comfortable space and avoid unnecessary handling or petting Avoid stroking the injection area Steer clear of petting or stroking the area where the injection was given Provide their basic needs Prepare fresh water and a regular diet, although don’t force them to eat or drink Be on the lookout for side effects Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, and mild swelling Check signs of anaphylaxis Watch for difficulty breathing, excessive vomiting, swelling of the face and extremities Call the vet if symptoms persist Call your vet if concerning symptoms last beyond 48 hours
How to Care For a Cat Post-Vaccination
Vaccinations protect your pet from potentially dangerous diseases. The risks are usually minor compared to the enormous benefits your cat receives from immunization.
The best course of action is to wait it out since vaccination effects usually wear off after a day or two. Most of the time, cats will recover within a few days with the right aftercare. Here are some things you can do to take care of your cat and help them recover quickly:
1. Let Your Cat Rest
After a trip to the vet for a shot, it’s ideal to allow your cat to rest in a quiet, cozy spot. Make sure the room temperature is ideal for your cat — not too hot and not too cold.
Cats may feel sleepier than usual and prefer being left alone for some time following the stress of a vet visit. Avoid playing with them or taking them out in the meantime. Cats, like humans, require personal space to recover and heal.
Give them space and don’t force interaction until they’re ready. Otherwise, they may become stressed, aggravating their situation. Just monitor them closely and check on them regularly during this recovery period.
2. Avoid Stroking the Injection Site
Most cats behave normally after vaccinations. However, they may feel irritated when a human or another pet touches them near the vaccination site.
Keep in mind that the area where a veterinarian administers the shot will be tender for a few days. Simply give your feline friend some space and let them take it easy until they’re feeling like their usual self again.
3. Provide Your Cat’s Daily Needs
Make sure to keep your cat’s daily necessities like food, water, and a litter box within easy reach so your cat doesn’t have to exert themselves too much. In case your feline friend loses their appetite, try enticing them with appetizing treats like cooked chicken or tuna to encourage eating.
There’s no need to worry if your cat has not touched their food or water bowl. They may be too tired and weak to eat or walk.
4. Watch Out for Common Side Effects
Cat vaccinations work by stimulating the body’s immune response, which can lead to temporary mild side effects. After getting the shot, you can let your cat or kitten stay at the vet clinic for 30 to 60 minutes if you are worried they might have serious side effects.
These reactions may occur together or at different times, so be observant of them:
- Swelling at the injection site
- Slight fever
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Nasal discharge
- Loss of appetite
- Discomfort
- Lethargy
- Increased sleep
- Itchy and red skin
5. Monitor Signs of Anaphylaxis
While severe side effects are very rare, cats can occasionally experience a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis within minutes to hours after being vaccinated. This is an emergency situation requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat experiences difficulties like:
- Breathing difficulties
- Loss of balance
- Weakness
- Excessive drooling
- Excessive coughing
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Pale gums
- Swelling of the face
- Seizures or fainting
- Itchy bumps or hives
6. Contact the Vet if Symptoms Persist
If your cat experiences side effects that persist for more than 48 hours after the shot, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice. While a brief period of symptoms is normal, prolonged issues could indicate a more serious reaction that only a veterinarian can treat.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to my vet clinic right away if your cat is not recovering within the expected timeframe.
When Should I Worry About My Cat’s Vaccine Reaction?
When symptoms persist or worsen beyond a day or two, it’s advisable to call your veterinarian for advice about your concerns. For example, even though a small lump or swelling near the injection area is common and typically resolves within two weeks, any worsening or non-resolving swelling warrants a vet visit.
After the first or routine vaccinations, a veterinarian will explain that it’s normal when cats experience mild symptoms like sleepiness, soreness, and lethargy for a few days. However, if you’re observing signs of an anaphylactic reaction, it’s time to seek veterinary care.
The majority of cats feel better after getting vaccinated, with post-vaccination adverse effects having a small percentage in felines. This rare occurrence was proven in a study where 1.25 million doses were administered to almost 500,000 cats. Reactions within 30 days of immunization were reported at a low rate of 0.52%.
How Do Vaccines Work in a Cat’s Immune System?
Vaccines work by conditioning your cat’s immune system to identify signs of infection. Your cat’s body can then produce antibodies that help kill the infection. The vaccine helps to rapidly produce these antibodies so your cat has an easier time dealing with infectious diseases.
You should prepare a schedule for your cat’s vaccination as soon as possible. Don’t delay the vaccine regardless of your cat’s age. As a veterinarian in charge of advocating for your cat’s health, I can answer your questions and explain what you need to know about immunization planning.
Vaccines With Higher Risk of Severe Allergic Reaction
Vaccinations are meant to stimulate the cat’s immune system to build immunity to viruses, bacteria, or diseases. However, allergic reactions are caused when your pet’s bodily responses become overactive. Here are some feline vaccinations that might cause allergic reactions:
- Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper or Parvovirus)
- Giardiasis
- Bordetella
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis
- Chlamydiosis
- Feline Leukemia Virus
- Rabies
- Feline Herpesvirus
- Feline Calicivirus
Related Questions
What Should I Vaccinate My Cat Against?
I recommend vaccinating your cat against core feline viruses like feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus. Vaccinations protect a cat from these potentially life-threatening diseases.
Is It Normal for My Cat to Not Feel Good After Shots?
Yes, it’s normal for cats to experience the common side effects after receiving vaccinations. For instance, soreness is a normal side effect for cats after taking regular shots. Most cats also experience some lethargy, loss of appetite, and mild swelling or tenderness around the injection site as their bodies mount an immune response.
How Long Do Cats Feel Sick After Vaccinations?
Cats can feel ill after vaccinations for about a day or two. Consult a veterinarian if your pet has been feeling sick for more than two days.
What Cat Breeds Are More Prone to Vaccine Reactions?
There is no specific cat breed that is more prone to vaccine reactions. Some cats may generally be more sensitive to vaccines, but getting them vaccinated is still possible and recommended. These shots protect your cat from life threatening diseases.
How Do You Treat a Cat With a Reaction to Shots?
Many cats may require antihistamines or other medications to manage allergic reactions to shots. In severe cases, your vet may recommend monitoring your cat or providing supportive care. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat experiences reactions beyond mild side effects after their vaccination.
Conclusion
To help your cat feel better after their vaccination, you must let them rest undisturbed. However, I highly recommend keeping an eye on their recovery and immediately calling your vet if you notice severe side effects from the shot. Lethargy and a lower appetite are common side effects, but if something doesn’t feel right, make sure your cat gets the care they need.
