Taking your cat to the vet for vaccines is part of being a good pet parent, but it can be a little nerve-wracking. You know it’s necessary to keep them healthy, but what if they have a reaction to the vaccine? The good news is that most cats handle vaccinations just fine. However, some cats may experience mild reactions, and in very rare cases, they can have a more serious response.
If you’re wondering how to tell if your cat is having a reaction after a shot, don’t worry—you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll walk through the common signs of a vaccine reaction, what’s normal and what’s not, and when you should reach out to your vet for help.
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Why Vaccines Are Important, Despite the Worry
First, let’s take a deep breath and remember why vaccines are so important. Vaccines protect your cat from dangerous diseases like rabies, feline leukemia, and distemper. These illnesses can be life-threatening, and vaccinating your cat helps keep them safe.
While the idea of your cat having any kind of reaction can be scary, it’s good to remember that severe reactions are rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
What Does a Normal Vaccine Reaction Look Like?
Let’s get into what you might expect after your cat gets their shot. Just like humans, cats can feel a little off after getting vaccinated. Here are some common, mild reactions that are considered normal:
- Lethargy: Your cat might seem a bit sleepy or less active than usual for a day or so. This is normal and usually clears up on its own.
- Mild Swelling at the Injection Site: It’s common for there to be a small, painless lump at the spot where your cat got their shot. This should go away after a few days.
- Slight Fever: Your cat might run a slight fever as their immune system responds to the vaccine, but this typically resolves quickly.
- Reduced Appetite: Some cats might eat a little less for a day or two after getting vaccinated. Keep an eye on their food intake, but unless it persists, it’s nothing to worry about.
These mild symptoms usually go away on their own within 24-48 hours. If they linger longer than that, or if they seem to be getting worse, you’ll want to check in with your vet.
✔️ Read related article: The Cost of Cat & Kitten Vaccinations In North York
Signs of a More Serious Vaccine Reaction
While most cats bounce back from vaccines with little more than a nap and maybe a smaller appetite, some can have a more significant reaction. Serious vaccine reactions are rare, but it’s important to know what to look out for.
Here are some warning signs that could indicate your cat is having a more severe reaction:
- Vomiting or Diarrhea: If your cat starts vomiting or has diarrhea after being vaccinated, it’s a sign that something might not be right.
- Facial Swelling or Hives: Sudden swelling around your cat’s face, eyes, or mouth, or the appearance of hives (raised bumps on the skin) can be a sign of an allergic reaction.
- Difficulty Breathing: If your cat is panting, breathing heavily, or seems to be struggling to breathe, this could be a sign of anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that requires immediate veterinary attention.
- Collapse or Fainting: If your cat collapses, faints, or has a seizure, you need to contact your vet immediately.
- Excessive Lethargy: While mild lethargy is normal, if your cat is unusually listless or non-responsive for an extended period, it’s time to get them checked out.
These severe reactions tend to occur within the first few hours after the vaccine is administered, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your cat during that time.
✔️ Read related article: What Vaccinations Should My Cat Receive?
What Should You Do If Your Cat Has a Vaccine Reaction?
If you notice your cat showing any of the serious symptoms listed above, here’s what you should do:
- Stay Calm: It’s easy to panic when your cat isn’t feeling well, but staying calm helps you take the right steps.
- Contact Your Vet Right Away: Call your vet immediately if you notice any of the severe symptoms. Let them know what’s happening and they’ll guide you on what to do next. In some cases, they may advise you to bring your cat in for treatment.
- Monitor Your Cat: Keep a close watch on your cat for the first 24 hours after their vaccine. If any symptoms show up, even mild ones, take note of when they started and how your cat is acting.
For mild reactions like lethargy or a small lump at the injection site, just keep an eye on them. If the symptoms go away after a day or two, there’s no need to worry.
How to Prevent or Reduce Vaccine Reactions in the Future
If your cat has had a reaction in the past, you might feel nervous about future vaccinations. Luckily, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of a reaction happening again:
- Talk to Your Vet: If your cat has had a vaccine reaction before, let your vet know. They might adjust the vaccination schedule or use a different type of vaccine to reduce the risk of future reactions.
- Space Out Vaccines: Sometimes, giving multiple vaccines at once can increase the chance of a reaction. Your vet may suggest spacing out your cat’s vaccines over a few weeks to make it easier on their immune system.
- Monitor After Each Vaccine: For future vaccines, keep an even closer eye on your cat in the hours after their shot. This will allow you to catch any reactions early.
- Consider Alternatives: For some cats, particularly indoor-only cats, not all vaccines may be necessary every year. Talk to your vet about the risks and benefits of each vaccine, and whether some might be optional depending on your cat’s lifestyle.
✔️ Read related article: What Happens If a Dog Gets Vaccinated Twice?
Bottom Line
Vaccinating your cat is one of the best things you can do to protect them from serious diseases. While most cats handle vaccines just fine, it’s still important to watch for any signs of a reaction.
By keeping an eye on your cat after they get vaccinated, knowing the symptoms of both mild and severe reactions, and contacting your vet when needed, you can make sure your cat stays safe and healthy. And remember—when in doubt, it’s always better to ask your vet!