- Cat vaccine reactions in the first 24 hours after vaccinations commonly shows a little lethargy, a loss of appetite, and possibly a fever. This is nothing to worry about.
- The injection site may get red or a little puffy, or lumpy. This is to be expected. This may last and be somewhat uncomfortable to your pet for up to 5 days.
- If the puffiness at the injection site develops into more of a lump that proceeds to get bigger, or has drainage, or appears abscessed, this is cause for concern.
- There is always the possibility of bacteria from the cats skin is pushed in with the injection or the vaccine itself may have been contaminated.
- Its not unusual that the injection site may hurt for a while afterwards. You may notice that the cat winces when you touch him near the site. This is not to be considered an adverse reaction that requires immediate medical help.
- If you are using Frontline for cats, read how to manage Cat Reactions To Frontline
- You may want to read, interesting article on allergy free cats
How to Manage Adverse Effects of Vaccinations in Cats
- Cats vaccines are sometimes given in their hind legs.You may notice a limp for a few days. This too, shall resolve itself with anti inflammatory agents and a little tender loving care.
- If the cat is still weak and not eating after 48 hours, a vet consult is needed. It is important to follow up on adverse reactions to vaccinations in cats. Read also feline distemper vaccine side effects
- Some vaccinations do cause different reactions which are considered a normal occurrence of that particular vaccine.
- Cats that receive live Chlamydia vaccine, for example, typically show weakness, fever and stiffness for about 3 weeks. The reactions are ones that will resolve themselves with some anti inflammatory products to ease pain and reduce fever.
- A lump that is hard and movable under the skin at the vaccination site is common sometimes. It may reduce in size over 3-6 weeks or last for years. It can be very small like a pea or even the size of a marble.
- Some cats, certain breeds may lose hair at the vaccination site or the skin may darken in color. These reactions should have no ill effect on the cat.
- Anaphylaxis is rare as an adverse reaction. It can occur within seconds of the vaccine or up to 24 hours later. This IS a life threatening reaction to be sure. The cats face and ears may swell, fluids and blood pool in the lungs causing respiratory difficulties and wheezing.