A vaccination is a preparation of microorganisms (pathogens), such as viruses or bacteria, that is administered to produce or increase immunity to a particular disease. “They might experience tenderness, be a little less active and have a bit of a decreased appetite for a day or two, but in two to three days, the cat should bounce back to her normal self. The cat was lethargic and she was limping on her right rear leg. A cat that doesn't feel well or is in pain may not want to jump around and chase toys. Wrapping Up First Aid. For adult cats, if you are not sure if your cat has had vaccinations previously, or if you know that they have not had a vaccination appointment within the last 12 months, your cat will need to restart their vaccinations with a primary course, just as if they were a kitten. The Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs and Cats, Ways To Engage Your Cat’s Hunting Instinct, Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: What They Are and How They Can Help Your Cat, Roaming in search of a male cat to mate with, Irritability from the hormone fluctuations, Aggression when competing for male attention or protecting her, Frequent as well as inappropriate urination to attract males and the unwanted attention of unneutered males showing up. He did not know what was wrong. Learn how to diagnose these common fungal infections. “Overall, your cat’s personality should not change,” Brömme says. To read most recent questions Click here! Read More. If they have not done some basic tests, I’d recommend letting them do that. Some cats are naturally more playful than others and, just like people, they have individual personalities. This is why the dreaded ‘cone of shame’ is so important in our post-operative patients. Toxicities. If your cat or kitten has a sore looking or partially closed eye, seek immediate veterinary attention. An adult cat vaccination schedule, which includes periodic booster immunizations, will be scheduled one year after the kitten vaccination schedule has been completed. So let’s look at this. What diseases can vaccinations protect against? This is because the animal's immune system is fighting a low dose of the disease in the vaccine, which can upset the gastrointestinal tract. In mild cases, which constitute the majority of allergic reactions to vaccines, cats may develop hives, itchiness, redness and swelling of the eyes, lips, and neck, and mild fever. “Behavior changes immediately after a spay are more due to the surgery itself,” says trainer and behaviorist Lisa Bach, owner of Boomerang Pet Care in Deerfield, Wisconsin. They told me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me I should have her put down. Just out of surgery, expect to see a groggy and perhaps a little disoriented cat coming out of anesthesia. If he was an indoor-only cat, he may not need the vaccines. This can upset them, so that a previously well adjusted and happy cat be… When to give vaccines. Your cat may appear a little lazy because she won’t be performing those mate-seeking behaviors, but ultimately it’s up to you to make sure she gets enough exercise and stays in shape. Your cat may seem more reserved after getting the surgery, but that’s because her hormones aren’t fluctuating like … “Your cat likely will be sore around her incision, so be gentle when handling her for the first few days.”. “If your cat has been licking excessively at her incision, the chance of an infection developing is high. “A lot of the unaltered behaviors are undesirable for owners.”. Any illness in an ani… By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: September 5, 2016, BeWell / Wellness / Cat Behavior After Spaying. Or will they become fat and lazy? Many pets feel tired for a day or so after receiving a vaccination. The IHC Group. This is because the vaccine causes a chemical reaction in a cat’s brain. Is she weak? “Annual wellness visits with your veterinarian will help you stay on track with your cat’s weight, dietary requirements and overall health,” she adds. Experts say not to worry. Will altered cats be less affectionate? Check for Other Communicable Diseases A larger percentage of cats in shelters carry the baggage of URIs (Upper Respiratory Infections). The vaccine contains viruses that replicate in the cat’s body but do not cause disease. “As a result, your cat might seem a bit calmer after getting spayed because she no longer will have these cycles.”. Another benefit is that vaccinated cats can shed attenuated vaccine virus particles in the feces. Did they do routine blood work including a complete blood count, diagnostic profile, feline leukemia and feline aids tests? Some cat owners have expressed concerns about whether their pet’s general personality will change after being spayed. We all know that too much food and too little exercise encourages weight gain in humans. Behavior is a result of your pet’s personality in relation to his environment. I can’t see how that can be rabies. “The biggest behavior change is female cats not going into heat.”. But when a regularly playful cat doesn't want to play like it used to, it may be cause for concern. Actually, in addition to preventing unplanned litters and decreasing the chances of hormone-related diseases, one of the reasons people spay their cats is to reduce or stop unwanted behaviors, such as: “In the wild, healthy animals function to hunt and reproduce, and that doesn’t really work for us as pet keepers or guardians,” Delgado explains. Most cats change as they age, just as humans often do. After Your Pet Gets Care. This change is temporary, and you can encourage her with gentle petting along with a warm and quiet location for recovery. Previously active cats probably tend to slow down, which means a cat who always wanted to be outside hunting in his youth may turn into a friendly lap cat when he is older. Visit the Internal Medicine Service website Introduction The UC Davis veterinary hospital vaccination guidelines below have been based on published studies and recommendations made by task forces. Mild vomiting due to nausea is not uncommon, but … I’d encourage her to eat – hand feed her, give her some “smelling” food, whatever it takes to get her to eat. I don’t know how long after the vaccines that the signs start. “Of course, getting spayed means no more mate-seeking behaviors or energy expended into rearing kittens,” Brömme explains. “There is no statistical evidence of behavior change due to surgery,” she adds. Until your kitten is fully vaccinated (and neutered), you should keep him or her inside. “If your cat has a reduced interest in eating for more than two days after getting spayed, it is time to contact your veterinarian,” Brömme says. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. It’s extremely rare, but it does happen. Hi – thanks for your email. Try these herbs and flower essences to calm your cat. The distemper vaccine causes many animals to feel sick to their stomach. We took her to our vet. Playing Behavior Changes . After the puppy or kitten booster series is complete, the immune system has a “memory” of these virus or bacteria parts and thus will mount a swift response when the animal is challenged with the disease later on. Every cat is unique, however unusual levels of grooming or hiding or changes in eating or toilet routines are causes for concern. Then they must be boostered a year latyer.. All Rights Reserved. She stayed there and then was released. Her owner was very worried. Experts say not to worry. Bach also addressed owners’ concerns about weight gain after spaying. He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. They are subtle and gradual; your cat will not wake up like a different cat. Behavior change in a kitten after vaccination. What Are the Side Effects of Rabies Vaccines in Cats? Yet some owners hesitate to go through with it for fear that their cat’s behavior or personality might change after the surgery. I had then decided to take her to our local emergency vet clinic. Adult cats need shots less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last. Common Cat Vaccinations Vaccines protect pets by exposing them to 1) disease-causing microorganisms that have been modified so they can’t cause the illness in question, or 2) small parts of those organisms that induce an immune response. I didn’t feel that I had enough evidence of rabies and that it could also have been some other possible diseases but significant testing would have to be done which would end up costing us over 5,000.00. She started to get more aggressive. After that, an adult cat should be boostered for distemper every one to three years. Electronic Cigarettes are Toxic to Pets. Expandable Foaming Glues like Gorilla Glue Cause Obstructions in Pets. Behavior change in a kitten after vaccination. If the cat tests negative, you should discuss having him vaccinated against these diseases. Will altered cats be less affectionate? “Ensure easy access to a litter box, water and food — the amount will be recommended by your veterinarian, but it usually is half of her normal serving,” she says. Much will depend on the known history of the cat. she wants to clean herself and tries to play like she used to. If the animal under observation develops any signs of illness, it should be evaluated by a veterinarian. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. The cats most severely affected include the very young, the very old and those with a damaged immune system or other serious underlying illnesses. Booster vaccines usually are given to adult cats every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine type and the cat’s risk factors. Prompting the immune system to respond is the whole point of vaccination. My spayed adult cat still hides out of reach under the bed for at least half the day after any trip to the vet, so I give her space and quiet, sometimes some gentle words and a treat, and wait patiently for her to readjust. If a cat shows any signs of allergic reaction after vaccination, contact a veterinarian immediately. “Don’t expect sudden changes in your spayed cat, but subtle changes might take place,” Bach says. Feline Distemper Vaccine Side Effects After receiving a vaccine, if your dog comes in contact with the pathogen in the future, their immune system can respond quickly and effectively, which reduces the chance that serious illness will result. Cats are commonly vaccinated against: Cat flu (feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus) Feline infectious enteritis He told me to bring her in and he would get to her when he could. I don’t know how long after the vaccines that the signs start. “But if your cat has a very sedentary lifestyle and unlimited access to food, she likely will gain weight.”. Debunking Misconceptions of Spay / Neuter Surgeries. If your cat is stressed, there are things you can do to help. Goodness, this sounds like a very complicated case. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. The occasional diarrhea may not be a big deal for a dog or cat, and many reptiles can go as long as a month without pooping, but any change in a bird’s droppings should prompt a call to the vet right away. Housecats live relatively sedentary lives unless we provide them with an enriched and stimulating environment with things to scratch, climb and play with, Delgado says. Widely shared claims on social media link to a video alleging that a future vaccine against COVID-19 would “genetically modify” humans. Wounds: First Aid. Holiday Gift Guide. Can you give me any feedback on your impressions and how I need to proceed with continued love and care for my little one? Unfortunately, cat flu still persists, despite the availability of vaccines. In very rare cases (1-10 of every 10,000 vaccines administered), cats can have allergic reactions to vaccines. Is she running a fever? Aggressive or unsociable behaviour is also a sign of an unhappy or unwell cat. Some cats show more aggression when in pain and feeling vulnerable, so Maria Brömme, DVM, a veterinarian at Alicia Pet Care Center in Mission Viejo, California, recommends providing her with a quiet and warm location in which to recover. So your cat might act timid or jumpy for a few days after. After this, kittens and cats usually need 'booster' vaccinations every twelve months. So, it was with a heavy heart I had to leave again without an answer. For many cats, a trip to the vet and subsequent surgery might be a frightening and stressful experience. Some cat owners have expressed concerns about whether their pet’s general personality will change after being spayed. **Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers! All three experts say owners need to keep an eye on the incision and check for redness, swelling and seeping of fluids, which can signal an infection and warrant a recheck with the veterinarian. Was her glucose normal? Cats can have vaccine reactions but they are relatively uncommon and do not present like this. If the kitten series of boosters is missed, the cat needs two distemper vaccines, three to four weeks apart, then another booster one year later. Also contact your veterinarian if you think your cat still is groggy or lethargic the day following surgery.”. This vaccine is only given once every three years after the initial one-year booster. Also keep in mind that the hormonal changes do not happen overnight, Delgado says. Cats can have vaccine reactions but they are relatively uncommon and do not present like this. Dogs, cats, and ferrets that are currently vaccinated with a USDA-licensed rabies vaccine should be revaccinated immediately, kept under the owner’s control, and observed for 45 days. In addition to addressing the cat’s lifestyle, she suggests looking at other things happening around the same time as the spay surgery that might impact the cat’s behavior. ... Goodness, this sounds like a very complicated case. To start with, Mikel Delgado, a certified cat behavior consultant and co-owner of Feline Minds in Berkley, California, confirms that no research shows any negative effects on a cat’s personality after spay. “It’s more to do with husbandry.”. “Spaying eliminates heat cycles, and cats can be extremely affectionate and vocal during a heat cycle,” Brömme says. Severe allergic reactions may cause breathing difficulties, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, and collapse. Personality change after surgery A 2017 study suggests it’s possible that changes to the brain may last after people are given general anesthesia for surgery. Find out what cold laser therapy treatments are about and if your pet could benefit from them. A few cats undergo personality or behavioral changes when a companion is lost. “There is no evidence spaying a cat will begin negative behaviors.”, By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: March 1, 2018, By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: February 26, 2015, By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: January 13, 2018, By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: September 18, 2017, By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: April 8, 2015, By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: August 24, 2017. These might be changes in the household, trying a new cat food or simply the aging process — cats can grow less active as they mature, and development can lead to personality traits coming out more or calming down more. Continue boostering every one to three years for the rest of the cat’s life. This claim is scientifically untrue. Panleukopenia (felin… 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. Some cats suffer from cognitive decline in their later years, and forget things like proper use of the litter tray, or even forget where they are. What to do after your pet’s appointment depends on their health. Swimming has similar benefits for dogs as it does for people. Vaccine Information for Dogs, Cats, Puppies and Kittens. “Overall, your cat’s personality should not change,” Brömme says. ©Copyright 1999 - 2020. As with any other immunization protocol, a cat vaccination schedule should be adhered to without deviation, in order to ensure your cat remains healthy and well for the duration of his or her life. Cat Personality Changes After Vaccination. Bach added that if your cat appears hesitant to jump after a few days, give your vet a call. He gave her a shot of cortizone. As is sleeping in a hunched pose, and spraying indoors. This normally lasts for around 48 hours. Vaccination Guidelines for Dogs and Cats How we can help Call 530-752-1393 to schedule an appointment with the Internal Medicine Service. Now, I am here on the internet trying to get answers. All my cats were fixed as kittens, and the females definitely took a their time getting around and back to normal that first day. It is relatively expensive, so many veterinarians still prefer to use the annual form of the non-adjuvanted vaccine. Some cats are temporarily different or never quite the same after vaccination. 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. It sounds like your cat is having some neurologic symptoms that are very abnormal. There can be no disputing that vaccines save lives but they also have the potential to cause serious side effects which will be discussed on this webpage.Before we get started on this discussion, it is important to understand that there is no single vaccine protocol t… Could it be infectious? Also, It’s the same for our frisky felines. It is largely influenced by genetics and socialization (nature and nurture). Cats typically rebound in a day or two after this routine surgery. Common Household Items can Poison Pets. To balance any changes, Delgado recommends lots of interactive playtime and keeping it on the cat’s terms as well as using clicker training and other ways of reinforcing behaviors you like. I have noticed she is not seeing very well but can hear us call her and will follow our calls. The other night a cat came to my office at 2 am. “Statistically there is no evidence that cats get lazy or less active after being spayed,” she says. While there has been no major research on the subject of feline bereavement, a survey by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that cats ate less, slept more and became more vocal after the death of a companion cat. Most of us realize the importance of spaying our feline friends. Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. An article that might be helpful to you is Dealing with Cats that Won’t Eat. Behaviors can be both positive and negative. Learn about why avocados are dangerous to dogs and what to do if your pup does get a hold of... Get your overweight dog in tip-top shape with these pet exercises. Wound Healing in Dogs and Cats. Fortunately, reactions to vaccines are very uncommon in cats. I just don’t think putting her down without knowing exactly what she has is a reasonable option, but it seems to be the “in” thing to do these days. Is she eating? A booster 3-4 weeks later is never required nor recommended in cats over 14 weeks of age. There are so many possibilities of what it could be. As for becoming fat and lazy? Personality is the overall emotional makeup of your pet. The shots come in a series every 3 to 4 weeks. Or will they become fat and lazy? Your cat may seem more reserved after getting the surgery, but that’s because her hormones aren’t fluctuating like they used to when she had heat cycles. You can expect your cat to act differently for a few days while recovering from the operation; however, experts reassure that her personality will remain unchanged. Maintaining a healthy body weight is vital to your cat’s long-term well being, so Brömme recommends feeding your cat a high-quality, balanced diet and keeping her active by playing with her, using puzzle feeders and providing environmental enrichment. 3-4 weeks later is never required nor recommended in cats ( nature and nurture.... 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