Cat Vaccination

One thing that can be done for the health of cats is vaccination. By vaccinating cats, it is possible to prevent infections with a high probability. Even indoor cats are not immune to infections. Owners may inadvertently bring pathogens from the outside into their homes. Therefore, it is necessary to vaccinate even indoor cats.

Side Effects of Vaccination

Cat vaccines are made from weakened or inactivated pathogens. Vaccinating cats means introducing foreign substances into their bodies. Excessive reactions by the body may lead to side effects. Side effects of cat vaccines can range from mild to severe, and the time it takes for side effects to appear can vary.

Types and Side Effects of Cat Vaccines

Types of Cat Vaccines

There are six types of infectious diseases that can be prevented by cat vaccines:

• Feline Herpesvirus Infection (And we have a simple and rapid test product for this)
• Feline Calicivirus Infection (Feline Rhinotracheitis)
• Feline Panleukopenia
• Feline Leukemia Virus Infection
• Chlamydia Infection (Feline Rhinotracheitis)
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

There are different types of vaccines for cats, including 3-way to 7-way combination vaccines and two types of single vaccines. The 3-way combination vaccine corresponds to feline herpesvirus infection, feline calicivirus infection, and feline panleukopenia, which are called core vaccines. When the feline leukemia virus infection vaccine is added to the 3-way combination vaccine, it becomes a 4-way combination vaccine, and when the chlamydia infection vaccine is added, it becomes a 5-way combination vaccine. The vaccines for feline leukemia virus infection and feline immunodeficiency virus infection can be administered separately.

Side Effects of Cat Vaccines: “Anaphylactic Shock”

• Shock
• Seizures
• Low blood pressure
• Excitement
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing

Anaphylactic shock occurs when severe symptoms such as shock, seizures, low blood pressure, excitement, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing occur within 15 minutes to 1 hour after the cat is vaccinated. Immediate treatment is necessary.

Side Effects of Cat Vaccines: “2-3 Hours After Vaccination”

• Hives
• Swelling of the face
• Redness around the eyes
• Fever
• Loss of energy, decreased appetite

If symptoms such as hives, swelling of the face, and redness around the eyes occur, contact a veterinary clinic immediately. Treatment to suppress allergies will be administered.

Side Effects of Cat Vaccines: “After Vaccination – Several Days”

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Feverish
• Decreased body temperature
• Whitish color of mucous membranes
• Tremors
• Sneezing
• Runny nose

Symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, feverishness, etc., may occur. If the symptoms are not severe, they are usually transient and do not require treatment. Other symptoms such as decreased body temperature, whitish color of mucous membranes, tremors, sneezing, runny nose, etc., may also occur. Improvement usually occurs within three days, but if the symptoms persist or worsen, treatment is necessary.

It is also possible that temporary physical condition deterioration may occur due to stress from going to the hospital or stress from injections rather than side effects of cat vaccines.

Side Effects of Cat Vaccines: “Formation of Lumps”

There is a disease called “vaccine reaction (inducible) sarcoma” that forms lumps with a low probability of 1 in 10,000 cats. The vaccination site becomes inflamed and forms a lump, but if it becomes smaller within a few weeks, there is no problem. However, if the lump remains after a few months, suddenly appears after a few months, or becomes larger, there is a possibility of cancer. Surgery to remove the sarcoma is performed, but it is a disease that is prone to recurrence.

The cause of lumps is thought to be ingredients and viruses contained in cat vaccines, but it is not clear. It is recommended to administer vaccines to the hind thigh, where it is easy to remove the sarcoma even if it forms. If lumps or inflammation are observed, consult a veterinary clinic without touching them too much.

Points to Note Regarding Side Effects of Cat Vaccines

Cats Vaccinated with Vaccines

It’s essential to closely monitor the health of cats before and after vaccination. Before administering the vaccine, make sure there are no changes in the cat’s health status. Additionally, observation for any adverse reactions is necessary within 24 hours after vaccination. Some veterinary clinics may advise staying within the clinic or nearby areas like the clinic’s parking lot for 30 minutes after vaccine administration. Since vaccine reactions may manifest after returning home, it’s safest to schedule vaccinations in the morning.

Consultation for Vaccination

There are various types of vaccines available, including those for different types of infections and differing between live and inactivated vaccines. The appropriate vaccine for cats varies depending on factors such as whether they are strictly indoors, outdoor access, or in a multi-cat household. Therefore, consulting with a veterinarian is recommended to make an informed decision.

Furthermore, if a cat has experienced adverse reactions to vaccinations in the past, it’s crucial to inform the veterinarian. Preventative measures against vaccine-induced lumps can involve discussions about vaccine injection sites and maintaining records by the owner. Since records from the previous year may not be accessible when changing clinics, it’s beneficial for owners to be aware in advance.

Finding a Veterinary Clinic for Easy Consultation

Since cat vaccinations typically occur once a year, finding a veterinary clinic that provides vaccine explanations, is approachable for questions, and offers detailed answers is essential.

Cats having Vaccine Examinations

To prevent cat infections, vaccine administration may lead to side effects. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, necessitating careful observation post-vaccination. If a cat has a history of adverse reactions, it’s important to inform the veterinarian before vaccination.

Additionally, vaccine administration may result in the formation of lumps. While necessary for preventing infections, timely observation of the cat’s condition and consultation with the veterinary clinic when necessary can facilitate quicker responses to potential issues, providing peace of mind.

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