Vaccines are important for the long-term well-being and quality of life of any cat, but for a short time after receiving them, the shots can cause some annoying side effects. Mild pain is common, as is mild fatigue. Depending on your cat’s personality the stress of visiting the vet may contribute to their signs. Although recovery from vaccines is usually quick and easy, some cats can use a little extra help to recover as quickly as possible over the next 2 to 3 days.
Keeping your cat comfortable is not complicated, and you can enjoy the peace of mind that they are safe, healthy, and content. We’ll show you how to make your cat feel better after vaccination quickly and easily with these three tips for post-shot care.
The 3 Tips to Get Your Cat Well After Vaccines
1. Give Your Cat a Soft Bed in a Safe Place
If your cat is sore and tired after vaccination, he’ll love a cozy bed where he can rest. Provide a soft and warm sleeping area where your cat can easily access its litter box and food bowl.
It’s common for cats to withdraw a bit after getting shots, so you should consider their desire for privacy as you organize their comfortable space. Set it up in a quiet, out-of-the-way place in a bedroom or spare room with less traffic to help your cat feel safe.
2. Watch for Signs of Anxiety and Give Your Cat Space
The vaccination process, from the trip to the vet to the pain following the shots, can leave cats feeling anxious, which you may interpret as aggressiveness or distrust.
Although this will generally disappear after a day or two as your cat settles back into the routine, you should be aware of their body language and allow them to interact with you rather than forcing interactions. Give your cat space if she wants it, and offer gentle affection when she wants to cuddle. You can also try calming pheromone sprays or supplements to help relax your cat.
3. Check Your Cat Often
While you’ll be giving your cat the time they need to rest, relax, and recover, you should also keep an eye on them to make sure they’re comfortable and continuing to thrive. Check your cat frequently for signs of discomfort or unwanted reactions to the shots. Keep water and food bowls clean, full, and accessible, but don’t worry if your cat isn’t very hungry.
What Are Common Side Effects of Vaccine Shots?
Adverse reactions to vaccines are uncommon, as one survey found that they occurred in only 0.52% of cats within 30 days of vaccination. Cats around one year old are most at risk of experiencing issues. Adverse reactions become more likely as cats receive more vaccines at one visit.
The most common adverse reactions that cats experience after vaccination include:
- Dizziness
- No appetite
- Fever
- Swelling at the injection site
Cats can also experience mild to severe allergic reactions that cause facial swelling, difficulty breathing, itching, vomiting, or collapse. Anaphylaxis usually occurs within 20–30 minutes after vaccination. Owners should seek immediate veterinary care if their cats show signs like these.
Innate responses cause many common adverse effects and expected consequences of vaccines that stimulate the body’s immune system.
Feline Injection-Site Sarcoma
Feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS) is a rare occurrence and one of the most serious adverse effects associated with the vaccine. Malignant tumors can appear anywhere from a few months to a few years after cats receive an injection and, if untreated, can be fatal because the cancer metastasizes to other organs in 10-28% of cases.
Swelling or lumps at the injection site may occur in vaccinated cats, usually disappearing within a few days. Veterinarians often advise clients to follow the 3-2-1 rule in assessing post-vaccination inflammation. Masses require further investigation if they meet any of the following criteria:
- They last longer than 3 months
- They become larger than 2 centimeters in diameter
- They grow a month after vaccination
Your cat may need a biopsy for a diagnosis of FISS, possibly along with imaging such as CT scans. Complete surgical removal of the mass is more likely when it is small, so timely detection can save your cat’s life. Allowing the mass to grow and potentially spread worsens the prognosis. Following surgery, radiation or immunotherapy may improve your cat’s chances.
How Often Do Cats Need Vaccines?
Cats usually receive vaccinations starting 6-8 weeks after birth. Veterinarians schedule additional vaccinations every 4 weeks until the cat reaches 16-20 weeks of age. The main vaccines recommended for all cats include:
- Feline panleukopenia virus, feline viral rhinotracheitis, and feline calicivirus vaccines combined in one (FPV/FHV-1/FCV)
- Rabies
Healthy cats usually need vaccine boosters every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine and the cat’s risk of developing an infectious disease. Veterinarians assess individual exposure risks to develop vaccination plans and may recommend non-core vaccines, such as for feline leukemia virus, Bordetella, and chlamydia, depending on the cat’s environment, health status, medical history, and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Vaccinations rarely cause any ill effects in cats, and for those feeling a little tired or under the weather, the benefits still outweigh the risks.
Monitor your pet for several days after they get their injections, and don’t hesitate to follow up with your vet if they show abnormal swelling or other signs or reactions. Otherwise, keep your cat comfortable; they will feel faster and ready for the next round of shots.
Featured Image Credit: Prostock studio, Shutterstock
