Cat Post-Vaccination Loss of Appetite: What to Do?

Photo of a Cat PostVaccination

Many cat owners have noticed that their feline companions seem rather listless and uninterested in food after receiving their vaccinations. This prompts the question: What could be causing this change? With the continuous improvement of vaccination protocols, the number of vaccines has also increased, and each vaccine has different effects on cats, with varying probabilities of side effects. If a cat exhibits adverse reactions after vaccination, it's crucial to take notice.

What to Expect: Adverse Reactions PostVaccination

Firstly, it's important to understand what constitutes an adverse reaction. Vaccines are biological products designed to stimulate the body's immune response to specific pathogens. However, after vaccination, the body may undergo a series of reactions. Common symptoms include allergic reactions, such as swelling and itching around the head and face, diarrhea, vomiting, and itching. In severe cases, these reactions can lead to shock and even death. The reactions can vary from one cat to another, with some symptoms being subtle and going unnoticed. Besides allergies, cats may also experience symptoms like lowgrade fever, loss of appetite, depression, and excessive sleepiness. Generally, these symptoms resolve within 12 days, but if they persist for an extended period, it's essential to seek veterinary care promptly.

How to Minimize Adverse Reactions After Vaccination

After vaccination, it's normal for the injection site to become slightly red and swollen. If this resolves quickly, it's typically nothing to worry about. However, if the swelling persists and worsens, a veterinary checkup is in order. It's also vital to ensure that the cat is healthy before vaccination, as ill cats should not be vaccinated. If the cat has had allergic reactions to vaccines in the past, this should be communicated to the veterinarian prior to vaccination. It's advisable to stay at the clinic for at least 30 minutes after vaccination before leaving. At home, continue to monitor the cat for any adverse reactions.

Important Tips

Since vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system, side effects are unavoidable. Our role is to minimize these side effects as much as possible, which is the responsible way to care for our feline friends.