Vaccination Reaction?

Question

My 15 year old cat got her shots on Saturday (everything she was supposed to get). Since then, she has been very lethargic...not eating much, does not want to be picked up or held, not affectionate (normally she loves attention), walking as if she is lame in her right hind leg, does not want to play, does not purr at all...

Granted she is a "senior cat" but she has never been like this after vaccinations before. In the past, she would be mad for a few hours and then be fine. I'm getting worried about her. She does not seem to have a fever and she is drinking water and using the litter box. Basically, she wants to be left alone.

Has anyone had this problem with an older cat? Do I need to take her back to the vet or should I just watch her and see how she does over the next few days? She's not limping but she's walking like her leg is sore. Her belly is cool to the touch and there is no drainage/swelling from her eyes, nose or injection sites.

Any advice would be appreciated.

She was pronounced in "excellent heath" and weighs 7.1 pounds. Her fur and skin are shiny, her eyes, ears, nose and throat are all clear, skeletal is fine, muscle is fine, no masses felt, no signs of arthritis.

For her age, she's in great shape. This is not like her at all. She's normally a very affectionate cat wanting attention all the time and purrs all the time. She loves people and is a real lap cat. She loves to play and is very active.

Help!!

My cat is an indoor cat with occasional excursions outside (on a harness and leash) for fresh air and sunshine.

She is a long hair cat and needs to be groomed on a regular basis (about every 3 months). In order for her groomer to take her, she must have current shots.

It's Tuesday and she is feeling better. She has some color back and is purring now when I pet her. Her right hind leg still bothers her but I think she'll be okay.

It's Wednesday and she is back to normal. She feels much better. It's obvious by her behavior and apetite. She's much more affectionate and is eating and drinking well. No problems with elimination either.

I appreciate everyone's replies. However, I don't agree with leaving a domestic pet unvaccinated. She does not live in a single-cat house and the shots are for her protection. Also, at her age, any illness she could contract by NOT getting vaccinated would be far worse and she would suffer needlessly.

Answer 1

Ours are always sleepy after vaccinations. If she got two or more vaccines at the same time, that's undoubtedly what's doing it. But even just one could be putting her off.

Provided she perks up by the second day, it should be ok. If she's past 48 hours and still acting off, call the vet and arrange to have them check her over again because that's too long even with multiple vaccinations given at the same time.

Answer 2

Sometimes this is the reaction that an animal has after vaccinations. They might not have this reaction one year, the next year, they can act lethargic, the injection site can be painful, they basically feel like crap. If by tomorrow she is acting the same way, ring up the vet and run this past them. It may be that this time, the injection just was given in such a way that it was a bit more painful than previous years. In any case, it's better that the vet knows this so that they can mark her chart and are aware of this for future vaccinations.

Answer 3

I am sorry that she is not feeling up to par and she will probably pick up in a day or two.

There is no earthly reason for a cat of that age to have ANY vaccinations and I think your vet is very remiss in giving them to her. There has been no research to show how long vaccinations are good for and they can be very hard on any animal.

Answer 4

I've also had this happen & took the cat back to the vet.
The vet gave her i/v saline fluid which returned her to normal.
If your cat is indoor only you really don't need the yearly
shots anymore.