I took him to the vet yesterday because he may have a bladder infection. They said by law they have give him a rabies vaccine. I was hesitant because of his age but then agreed to it. He was fine last night, but this morning he is very lethargic when he tries to walk. He sometimes limps on the leg that the vaccine was given.
2007-06-20 04:28:18 · 8 answers · asked by John L 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
The vet called me and said that it is normal for a cat to be lethargic 12-24 hrs after any shot. I'm worried because of his age. Anyway, I hadn't vaccinated him for 3 years, and this was why. But when he got that infection I had to take him in.
2007-06-20 04:36:16 · update #1
Call the vet and describe the situation to him. Some cats do have a vaccine reaction, and most commonly it is due to Rabies vaccine. The vet can give your cat some medication to make him feel better.
Since he is an old cat that is ill anyway, many vets would have postponed the vaccination until he was better, but your state may have a very strict interpretation of the law.
In some states, it is mandatory to vaccinate both cats and dogs for Rabies.
To find out of Rabies vaccination of cats is required in your state, type "Rabies vaccination in (name of your state)" in the search box.
(Regarding your PS, I would call the vet back and say that even if it is normal for a cat to feel poorly after it is vaccinated for Rabies, you want them to give the cat something to make him feel better, since he is old and sick. If he feels bad he will be reluctant to eat and drink, and he needs to stay hydrated. It's also normal for a human being to feel some discomfort after, say, a root canal, but does that mean they should just put up with it?
Don't give your cat anything like aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. They're toxic to cats.)
2007-06-20 04:37:08 · answer #1 · answered by Kayty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some cats react like a child when they are given shots and they get sore. It is safe for your cat to be vaccinated. It is also the law. He may seem lethargic from the bladder infection. Is he running a fever? That will make him lethargic also. Is he eating and drinking? What meds did they put him on?
2007-06-20 04:32:58 · answer #2 · answered by Trish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A rabies vaccine is heavy, it could have side effects. Plus, it is completely unnecessary if you live in a place where there is no rabies. It is indeed obligatory, but if the owner doesn't want they don't do it. Anyway, what is done is done now, don't hesitate to call the vet to ask about any symptoms you see, lethargy and discomfort is normal for a day after any shot. Good luck! I hope he'll be fine.
2007-06-20 04:32:53 · answer #3 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically it is the law...but some animals have adverse reactions to it and other vaccinations. Since he is acting lethargic and is limping, I would suggest calling your vet and telling him/her. Personally, i have a 16 yr old kitty and I refuse to give her vaccines due to possible side effects. The side effects also seem to get worse as an animal ages!
2007-06-20 04:35:43 · answer #4 · answered by Yoyo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he's 19, you must be doing something right! Most cats start to lose kidney function once they hit their teens. According to my vet, the problem is that often there are no signs of damage until the kidneys are 50% or more gone. And it could be something as simple as a UTI (urinary tract infection). The only way to know for sure is to see a vet. A UTI can usually be cleared up with antibiotics. If his kidneys ARE failing, that doesn't necessarily mean it's time to put him down. With medication and STRICT adherence to a prescription diet, he could still have months or even a few years left. Cats with failing kidneys tend to lose weight. I don't know which pouch food you're feeding him, but at 19, he should definitely be getting some kind of senior diet. Less protein is important at his age. Please get him to a vet as soon as possible, and best of luck!
2016-05-20 10:02:24 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I would stand your ground next time. There is no reason to give a 19 year old cat any type of vaccine as their immune system is not what it use to be.
Vaccines can be dangerous especially those repeated.most of the time unnecessarily
Not trying to scare you anf hope things will be ok
2007-06-20 06:15:40 · answer #6 · answered by Ken 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think I would. Your cat maybe shoked at the sight and pain of the needle. Try not to give it any surgery either.If it is acting like it may die[slow walker, lazy] You probabley don't want to give it rabies shot. Good luck to you and your cat
2007-06-20 04:32:53 · answer #7 · answered by ~I <3 dogs~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
one of my cats usually for about 12 hrs after any shot he is lethargic, and I usually have to syringe feed him water to make sure he is hydrated. then after that he is fine.
2007-06-20 05:01:56 · answer #8 · answered by macleod709 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋