Post-Vaccination Cat Fever & Cold: What to Do?

Why Does My Cat Get a Fever After Receiving Vaccinations?

Before taking a cat to the vet, many people make an appointment. However, by the time the appointment rolls around, the cat might be experiencing minor issues such as weakness, drowsiness, or a cold with a fever. The owner may not notice these symptoms in time and bring the cat to the hospital for vaccination. If the cat's body is already weak, its immune system may not be able to fight off the weakened viruses in the vaccine. As a result, the cat may become ill after receiving the vaccine.

What to Do If My Cat Gets a Fever and Colds After Vaccination?

Cats may start showing cold symptoms the day after vaccination, which could be a result of the stress response to the vaccine. After receiving the vaccine, a cat's resistance is significantly weakened. Vaccines do contain toxins, making cats particularly susceptible to catching a cold, and they might also experience diarrhea. Other symptoms include a lack of appetite, moodiness, and poor sleep quality.

The first dose of the vaccine takes effect within 7 days, during which the cat's resistance is lowered, making it more prone to catching a cold. Therefore, it's crucial for owners to take extra care, ensuring proper warmth, avoiding baths, and keeping the cat indoors. You can also administer medications containing Astragalus polysaccharides to boost the cat's resistance.

Does Getting a Cold and Fever After Vaccination Mean the Vaccine Was a Waste?

Even after vaccination, some cats may not produce enough antibodies due to their own physical condition. A cold can affect antibody formation and increase adverse reactions after vaccination. While sufficient antibodies provide protection, the real test is the specific antibody detection for these three viruses.

Therefore, whether your cat catches a cold during the vaccination period or not, and regardless of whether the cat has received enough doses of the vaccine, it is recommended to have an antibody test after the first round of immunization. Once confirmed that the antibody levels are sufficient, you can decide whether to administer a booster shot based on the antibody test results in 2 to 3 years.

When Can My Cat Take Cold Medicine After Vaccination?

If your cat gets a cold after vaccination, it's generally safe to give them cold medicine after about five days. Only after the cold has completely resolved should you administer the next vaccine dose.

For the complete guide on what to do if your cat gets a fever and a cold after vaccination, it's best to wait for 30 minutes to an hour at the vet's office to observe for any allergic reactions. If the cat experiences severe stress reactions upon returning home, it's important to seek immediate veterinary care or consult with an online vet.