Cat acting lethargic and sick, could be from vaccines/worm medicine?

Question

My cat got her shots today for feline leukemia, rabies and another one I am not sure what it was called, but one that reccomended. She also got worm medicine in case she had worms, which she never had symptoms of, it was just a preventative measure. Now she is acting lethargic and anotsocial, as if she does not feel too well. I am worried about her, and wondering if the shots or worm medicine could make her feel ill, or if something else is bothering her? I am not sure of her age, I got her as an adult, but I would say maybe 2 years old.

Answer 1

Hi there...it is quite common for cats to become sluggish for a couple days after receiving vaccinations. Additionally, the stress of visiting a strange place is exhausting as well. Please keep a close watch on her to make sure she is still eating and drinking (even a little amounts). If the symptoms persist beyond 2 days please contact your vet or if there are any questions consider ringing your vet to understand the post vaccination effects.

Vaccinations and side post effects by Dr. Christianne Schelling (see very last paragraph): http://www.catvaccines.com/feline_vaccination_guidelines.htm

Vaccine reactions can occur and range in severity. Mild general lethargy and injection site soreness are not uncommon. Immediate vaccine induced allergic reactions can also occur. With these types of reactions the animal can have vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, and other signs of shock and must be treated immediately by a veterinarian. Although vaccine reactions are frightening to the owner, other than the vaccine-induced sarcomas, they are rarely serious or life threatening. In almost all instances, the benefit of vaccination far outweighs the risk of any vaccine reaction.

Answer 2

You should read about the leukemia vaccine as it is suspect in actually causing the disease. There are also about four strains of the virus and different manufacturers only cover a few of them so it may not even be effective.

One thing I was told very early on in my cat experience by an "expert" on cats and that is only one vaccine should be given at a time. You simply go back three weeks later and get the next one. If you give them all at once and there is a serious allergic reaction you can't know which one is responsible.

Your poor cat has received a terrific overload in one day and it's no wonder she feels punk. She will recover shortly and next time don't put her through this.

Answer 3

Yes,leukemia shots in particular can cause a fever and general lethargy for a few days after administration.Ask your vet if it's OK for you to give the cat 1- 80mg. enteric-coated aspirin(this is what my vet recommended when three of my cats had reactions to the leukemia vaccine)Make sure she has plenty of cold water to drink,and offer her some chicken broth to drink.She should be OK in a few days,but if her temperature goes above 104,call your vet(my cat's went up to 106,hence the aspirin).

Answer 4

I happened to take my Yorkie 4 y/o to the vet today, for the same thing. The DVM told me that those symptoms could happen from the medications and also, diahreha. Kitty will be fine.

Answer 5

Do not give ANY human medication to a dog without talking to a vet. The ear sounds infected and the dog NEEDS to see a vet. If you can't afford it then start selling your stuff or asking for loans from people.Or surrender the dog to a shelter so she will get the care she needs.