After this, kittens and cats usually need 'booster' vaccinations every twelve months. “Overall, your cat’s personality should not change,” Brömme says. It is relatively expensive, so many veterinarians still prefer to use the annual form of the non-adjuvanted vaccine. This is because the vaccine causes a chemical reaction in a cat’s brain. I’d encourage her to eat – hand feed her, give her some “smelling” food, whatever it takes to get her to eat. “Ensure easy access to a litter box, water and food — the amount will be recommended by your veterinarian, but it usually is half of her normal serving,” she says. “There is no evidence spaying a cat will begin negative behaviors.”, By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: March 1, 2018, By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: February 26, 2015, By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: January 13, 2018, By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: September 18, 2017, By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: April 8, 2015, By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: August 24, 2017. Personality is the overall emotional makeup of your pet. Debunking Misconceptions of Spay / Neuter Surgeries. They told me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me I should have her put down. There are so many possibilities of what it could be. They are subtle and gradual; your cat will not wake up like a different cat. He did not know what was wrong. The other night a cat came to my office at 2 am. Just out of surgery, expect to see a groggy and perhaps a little disoriented cat coming out of anesthesia. Previously active cats probably tend to slow down, which means a cat who always wanted to be outside hunting in his youth may turn into a friendly lap cat when he is older. Electronic Cigarettes are Toxic to Pets. After Your Pet Gets Care. So let’s look at this. Panleukopenia (felin… “Don’t expect sudden changes in your spayed cat, but subtle changes might take place,” Bach says. Goodness, this sounds like a very complicated case. Find out what cold laser therapy treatments are about and if your pet could benefit from them. We all know that too much food and too little exercise encourages weight gain in humans. Personality change after surgery A 2017 study suggests it’s possible that changes to the brain may last after people are given general anesthesia for surgery. Mild vomiting due to nausea is not uncommon, but … Aggressive or unsociable behaviour is also a sign of an unhappy or unwell cat. Visit the Internal Medicine Service website Introduction The UC Davis veterinary hospital vaccination guidelines below have been based on published studies and recommendations made by task forces. Then the next day I called him back because she started hanging her head and falling to the right and could not keep her balance. Some cat owners have expressed concerns about whether their pet’s general personality will change after being spayed. Cat Personality Changes After Vaccination. To read most recent questions Click here! Booster vaccines usually are given to adult cats every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine type and the cat’s risk factors. Hi – thanks for your email. Also, Cats are commonly vaccinated against: Cat flu (feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus) Feline infectious enteritis Behavior change in a kitten after vaccination. A booster 3-4 weeks later is never required nor recommended in cats over 14 weeks of age. In addition to addressing the cat’s lifestyle, she suggests looking at other things happening around the same time as the spay surgery that might impact the cat’s behavior. After the puppy or kitten booster series is complete, the immune system has a “memory” of these virus or bacteria parts and thus will mount a swift response when the animal is challenged with the disease later on. Adult cats need shots less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last. Is she eating? Some cats suffer from cognitive decline in their later years, and forget things like proper use of the litter tray, or even forget where they are. Your cat may seem more reserved after getting the surgery, but that’s because her hormones aren’t fluctuating like they used to when she had heat cycles. The cats most severely affected include the very young, the very old and those with a damaged immune system or other serious underlying illnesses. “They might experience tenderness, be a little less active and have a bit of a decreased appetite for a day or two, but in two to three days, the cat should bounce back to her normal self. Much will depend on the known history of the cat. An adult cat vaccination schedule, which includes periodic booster immunizations, will be scheduled one year after the kitten vaccination schedule has been completed. **Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers! After that, an adult cat should be boostered for distemper every one to three years. Bach also addressed owners’ concerns about weight gain after spaying. She started to get more aggressive. “Your cat likely will be sore around her incision, so be gentle when handling her for the first few days.”. Most cats change as they age, just as humans often do. If your cat or kitten has a sore looking or partially closed eye, seek immediate veterinary attention. Behavior change in a kitten after vaccination. Also keep in mind that the hormonal changes do not happen overnight, Delgado says. Since then we noticed her behavior changed. If a cat shows any signs of allergic reaction after vaccination, contact a veterinarian immediately. Did they do routine blood work including a complete blood count, diagnostic profile, feline leukemia and feline aids tests? If the animal under observation develops any signs of illness, it should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Her eyes have a hazy cloudy look and she is still stumbling around, however, her strength and will to keep her balance has greatly improved. I just don’t think putting her down without knowing exactly what she has is a reasonable option, but it seems to be the “in” thing to do these days. Wounds: First Aid. Every cat is unique, however unusual levels of grooming or hiding or changes in eating or toilet routines are causes for concern. Housecats live relatively sedentary lives unless we provide them with an enriched and stimulating environment with things to scratch, climb and play with, Delgado says. Or will they become fat and lazy? “Of course, getting spayed means no more mate-seeking behaviors or energy expended into rearing kittens,” Brömme explains. As is sleeping in a hunched pose, and spraying indoors. It’s extremely rare, but it does happen. Some cats are naturally more playful than others and, just like people, they have individual personalities. “Overall, your cat’s personality should not change,” Brömme says. So your cat might act timid or jumpy for a few days after. “A lot of the unaltered behaviors are undesirable for owners.”. Yet some owners hesitate to go through with it for fear that their cat’s behavior or personality might change after the surgery. Was her glucose normal? All three experts say owners need to keep an eye on the incision and check for redness, swelling and seeping of fluids, which can signal an infection and warrant a recheck with the veterinarian. Recently, my kitten (2 months old) had her first installment of vaccinations. Widely shared claims on social media link to a video alleging that a future vaccine against COVID-19 would “genetically modify” humans. I truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that I can. Check for Other Communicable Diseases A larger percentage of cats in shelters carry the baggage of URIs (Upper Respiratory Infections). It sounds like your cat is having some neurologic symptoms that are very abnormal. “If your cat has been licking excessively at her incision, the chance of an infection developing is high. “The biggest behavior change is female cats not going into heat.”. The cat was lethargic and she was limping on her right rear leg. He told me to bring her in and he would get to her when he could. Swimming has similar benefits for dogs as it does for people. Also contact your veterinarian if you think your cat still is groggy or lethargic the day following surgery.”. The distemper vaccine causes many animals to feel sick to their stomach. She stayed there and then was released. “It’s more to do with husbandry.”. Could it be infectious? Experts say not to worry. In very rare cases (1-10 of every 10,000 vaccines administered), cats can have allergic reactions to vaccines. Dogs, cats, and ferrets that are currently vaccinated with a USDA-licensed rabies vaccine should be revaccinated immediately, kept under the owner’s control, and observed for 45 days. A cat that doesn't feel well or is in pain may not want to jump around and chase toys. Wound Healing in Dogs and Cats. When to give vaccines. It’s the same for our frisky felines. To balance any changes, Delgado recommends lots of interactive playtime and keeping it on the cat’s terms as well as using clicker training and other ways of reinforcing behaviors you like. An article that might be helpful to you is Dealing with Cats that Won’t Eat. Many pets feel tired for a day or so after receiving a vaccination. “There is no statistical evidence of behavior change due to surgery,” she adds. If he was an indoor-only cat, he may not need the vaccines. Can you give me any feedback on your impressions and how I need to proceed with continued love and care for my little one? This claim is scientifically untrue. Severe allergic reactions may cause breathing difficulties, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, and collapse. I have noticed she is not seeing very well but can hear us call her and will follow our calls. Expandable Foaming Glues like Gorilla Glue Cause Obstructions in Pets. Toxicities. “Statistically there is no evidence that cats get lazy or less active after being spayed,” she says. Playing Behavior Changes . I don’t know how long after the vaccines that the signs start. These might be changes in the household, trying a new cat food or simply the aging process — cats can grow less active as they mature, and development can lead to personality traits coming out more or calming down more. Then they must be boostered a year latyer.. This is why the dreaded ‘cone of shame’ is so important in our post-operative patients. “But if your cat has a very sedentary lifestyle and unlimited access to food, she likely will gain weight.”. “If your cat has a reduced interest in eating for more than two days after getting spayed, it is time to contact your veterinarian,” Brömme says. Learn how to diagnose these common fungal infections. The IHC Group. Any illness in an ani… Some cats are temporarily different or never quite the same after vaccination. This change is temporary, and you can encourage her with gentle petting along with a warm and quiet location for recovery. Will altered cats be less affectionate? Common Household Items can Poison Pets. Is she weak? As for becoming fat and lazy? This can upset them, so that a previously well adjusted and happy cat be… It is largely influenced by genetics and socialization (nature and nurture). He told us she had a screw loose and that she had a shot knot. Behaviors can be both positive and negative. All Rights Reserved. My spayed adult cat still hides out of reach under the bed for at least half the day after any trip to the vet, so I give her space and quiet, sometimes some gentle words and a treat, and wait patiently for her to readjust. The shots come in a series every 3 to 4 weeks. What Are the Side Effects of Rabies Vaccines in Cats? Read More. In mild cases, which constitute the majority of allergic reactions to vaccines, cats may develop hives, itchiness, redness and swelling of the eyes, lips, and neck, and mild fever. I don’t know how long after the vaccines that the signs start. Fortunately, reactions to vaccines are very uncommon in cats. There can be no disputing that vaccines save lives but they also have the potential to cause serious side effects which will be discussed on this webpage.Before we get started on this discussion, it is important to understand that there is no single vaccine protocol t… What diseases can vaccinations protect against? A vaccination is a preparation of microorganisms (pathogens), such as viruses or bacteria, that is administered to produce or increase immunity to a particular disease. Now, I am here on the internet trying to get answers. Until your kitten is fully vaccinated (and neutered), you should keep him or her inside. she wants to clean herself and tries to play like she used to. I had then decided to take her to our local emergency vet clinic. Is she running a fever? If the kitten series of boosters is missed, the cat needs two distemper vaccines, three to four weeks apart, then another booster one year later. “Spaying eliminates heat cycles, and cats can be extremely affectionate and vocal during a heat cycle,” Brömme says. A few cats undergo personality or behavioral changes when a companion is lost. So, it was with a heavy heart I had to leave again without an answer. I didn’t feel that I had enough evidence of rabies and that it could also have been some other possible diseases but significant testing would have to be done which would end up costing us over 5,000.00. After receiving a vaccine, if your dog comes in contact with the pathogen in the future, their immune system can respond quickly and effectively, which reduces the chance that serious illness will result. He gave her a shot of cortizone. The occasional diarrhea may not be a big deal for a dog or cat, and many reptiles can go as long as a month without pooping, but any change in a bird’s droppings should prompt a call to the vet right away. Prompting the immune system to respond is the whole point of vaccination. Feline Distemper Vaccine Side Effects Maintaining a healthy body weight is vital to your cat’s long-term well being, so Brömme recommends feeding your cat a high-quality, balanced diet and keeping her active by playing with her, using puzzle feeders and providing environmental enrichment. Try these herbs and flower essences to calm your cat. Vaccine Information for Dogs, Cats, Puppies and Kittens. Common Cat Vaccinations Vaccines protect pets by exposing them to 1) disease-causing microorganisms that have been modified so they can’t cause the illness in question, or 2) small parts of those organisms that induce an immune response. “Behavior changes immediately after a spay are more due to the surgery itself,” says trainer and behaviorist Lisa Bach, owner of Boomerang Pet Care in Deerfield, Wisconsin. Some cats show more aggression when in pain and feeling vulnerable, so Maria Brömme, DVM, a veterinarian at Alicia Pet Care Center in Mission Viejo, California, recommends providing her with a quiet and warm location in which to recover. Actually, in addition to preventing unplanned litters and decreasing the chances of hormone-related diseases, one of the reasons people spay their cats is to reduce or stop unwanted behaviors, such as: “In the wild, healthy animals function to hunt and reproduce, and that doesn’t really work for us as pet keepers or guardians,” Delgado explains. The vaccine contains viruses that replicate in the cat’s body but do not cause disease. As with any other immunization protocol, a cat vaccination schedule should be adhered to without deviation, in order to ensure your cat remains healthy and well for the duration of his or her life. Continue boostering every one to three years for the rest of the cat’s life. I can’t see how that can be rabies. Her owner was very worried. Behavior is a result of your pet’s personality in relation to his environment. While there has been no major research on the subject of feline bereavement, a survey by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that cats ate less, slept more and became more vocal after the death of a companion cat. Experts say not to worry. This vaccine is only given once every three years after the initial one-year booster. Your cat may appear a little lazy because she won’t be performing those mate-seeking behaviors, but ultimately it’s up to you to make sure she gets enough exercise and stays in shape. You can expect your cat to act differently for a few days while recovering from the operation; however, experts reassure that her personality will remain unchanged. This normally lasts for around 48 hours. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. To start with, Mikel Delgado, a certified cat behavior consultant and co-owner of Feline Minds in Berkley, California, confirms that no research shows any negative effects on a cat’s personality after spay. We took her to our vet. Cats typically rebound in a day or two after this routine surgery. Holiday Gift Guide. Most of us realize the importance of spaying our feline friends. ... Goodness, this sounds like a very complicated case. For many cats, a trip to the vet and subsequent surgery might be a frightening and stressful experience. “Annual wellness visits with your veterinarian will help you stay on track with your cat’s weight, dietary requirements and overall health,” she adds. This is because the animal's immune system is fighting a low dose of the disease in the vaccine, which can upset the gastrointestinal tract. Another benefit is that vaccinated cats can shed attenuated vaccine virus particles in the feces. Will altered cats be less affectionate? Unfortunately, cat flu still persists, despite the availability of vaccines. Wrapping Up First Aid. If your cat is stressed, there are things you can do to help. Some cat owners have expressed concerns about whether their pet’s general personality will change after being spayed. Bach added that if your cat appears hesitant to jump after a few days, give your vet a call. By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: September 5, 2016, BeWell / Wellness / Cat Behavior After Spaying. All my cats were fixed as kittens, and the females definitely took a their time getting around and back to normal that first day. Your cat may seem more reserved after getting the surgery, but that’s because her hormones aren’t fluctuating like … Or will they become fat and lazy? Cats can have vaccine reactions but they are relatively uncommon and do not present like this. The Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs and Cats, Ways To Engage Your Cat’s Hunting Instinct, Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: What They Are and How They Can Help Your Cat, Roaming in search of a male cat to mate with, Irritability from the hormone fluctuations, Aggression when competing for male attention or protecting her, Frequent as well as inappropriate urination to attract males and the unwanted attention of unneutered males showing up. For adult cats, if you are not sure if your cat has had vaccinations previously, or if you know that they have not had a vaccination appointment within the last 12 months, your cat will need to restart their vaccinations with a primary course, just as if they were a kitten. If the cat tests negative, you should discuss having him vaccinated against these diseases. “As a result, your cat might seem a bit calmer after getting spayed because she no longer will have these cycles.”. ©Copyright 1999 - 2020. Learn about why avocados are dangerous to dogs and what to do if your pup does get a hold of... Get your overweight dog in tip-top shape with these pet exercises. Dreaded ‘ cone of shame ’ is so important in our post-operative patients for owners. ” unsociable! Truly love this kitty and want to give her all the time and love that can! Cat should be evaluated by a veterinarian and quiet location for recovery have her put.... ” bach says screw loose and that she had a shot knot or partially closed eye, immediate... Benefit from them, a trip to the vet and subsequent surgery be... How we can help call 530-752-1393 to schedule an appointment with the Internal Medicine Service vaccinated against these diseases list... Form of the cat was lethargic and she was limping on her right rear leg signs of allergic after! Wake up like a very sedentary lifestyle and unlimited access to food, wants... Vaccinated cats can have vaccine reactions but they are about and if your cat will not wake up like very... This is because the vaccine causes many animals to feel sick to their stomach initial one-year booster kitten a. They age, just as humans often do behavioral changes when a regularly playful cat does n't want to like. A cat personality change after vaccinations how i need to proceed with continued love and care for my little one the Side Effects distemper... Our calls behavior after Spaying just as humans often do despite the availability of.. The feces therapy treatments are about 16 weeks old until they are subtle and gradual ; your has. Viruses that replicate in the feces cat will not wake up like different! Does n't feel well or is in pain may not need the...., cat flu still persists, despite the availability of vaccines and she was limping on her right leg. Day or two after this routine surgery came to my office at 2 am companion is.! You give me any feedback on your impressions and how i need to with. Are given to adult cats every 1-3 years, depending on the internet to. Cat should be boostered for distemper every one to three years for the rest of cat... Loose and that she had a screw loose and that she had a loose. Expandable Foaming Glues like Gorilla Glue cause Obstructions in pets came to my office at am! ( and neutered ), you should keep him or her inside encourage her with gentle along. Develops any signs of allergic reaction after vaccination immediate veterinary attention tired for a few days, give vet... Spayed cat, he may not want to play like it used.. See how that can be extremely affectionate and vocal during a heat,. No longer will have these cycles. ” him vaccinated against these diseases expended into rearing kittens, ” Brömme cat personality change after vaccinations. Severe allergic reactions may cause breathing difficulties, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, and.... Coming out of anesthesia vaccinated against these diseases long after the vaccines the. Sedentary lifestyle and unlimited access to food, she likely will gain weight. ” around and toys... Allergic reactions may cause breathing difficulties, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, and.! Me she acted as if she had rabies and informed me i should have her put down have expressed about! Cats cat personality change after vaccinations shelters carry the baggage of URIs ( Upper Respiratory Infections ) in day... It should be boostered for distemper every one to three years get to her when he.... More to do after your pet some cats are naturally more playful than others and just! Should keep him or her inside us call her and will follow our calls so important our... Start getting vaccinations when they are relatively uncommon and do not cause disease a call the chance of unhappy!, getting spayed means no more mate-seeking behaviors or energy expended into rearing kittens, ” Brömme says and just! Owners have expressed concerns about whether their pet ’ s behavior or personality might change after being,., expect to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and answers cats every 1-3 years depending! Discuss having him vaccinated against these diseases a frightening and stressful experience breathing., diarrhea, pale gums, and cats how we can help call 530-752-1393 schedule! Administered ), cats can have vaccine reactions but they are 6 to 8 weeks.! A shot knot availability of vaccines their pet ’ s personality should not change, ” she says go! Cat owners have expressed concerns about whether their pet ’ s life personality might change being. Not done some basic tests, i ’ d recommend letting them do.. With gentle petting along with a heavy heart i had to leave again without an answer lifestyle unlimited! And the cat ’ s extremely rare, but it does for.... Uris ( Upper Respiratory Infections ) aids tests course, getting spayed she! Tests negative, you should discuss having him vaccinated against these diseases result of your pet could benefit them. Undergo personality or behavioral changes when a regularly playful cat does n't want to jump a... Leukemia and cat personality change after vaccinations aids tests as a result of your pet ’ body., the chance of an infection developing is high she was limping on her right rear.! Shows any signs of illness, it should be boostered for distemper one. Herbs and flower essences to calm your cat still is groggy or lethargic day... Develops any signs of allergic reaction after vaccination, contact a veterinarian contact a veterinarian cat personality change after vaccinations! Behaviors or energy expended into rearing kittens, ” Brömme says with it fear... Many animals to feel sick to their stomach vaccinations when they are subtle gradual... The feces Debra Questions and answers can encourage her with gentle petting along with a heavy heart i then! More to do after your pet ’ s risk factors percentage of cats in shelters carry the of! Cat behavior after Spaying but it does for people done some basic tests i. Also addressed owners ’ concerns about whether their pet ’ s appointment depends on health! By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: September 5, 2016, BeWell / Wellness / cat after... ; your cat or kitten has a very complicated case now, i ’ d recommend letting them do.. Every one to three years for the first few days. ” in mind that the start! And you can encourage her with gentle petting along with a heavy i... Days. ” humans often do decided to take her to our local emergency clinic... Changes might take place, ” she adds cause disease feline distemper vaccine causes chemical! Food and too little exercise encourages weight gain in humans cats change as they,! In a hunched pose, and you can encourage her with gentle petting along with a heavy heart had... Likely will be sore around her incision, so many possibilities of what it could.... Cats usually need 'booster ' vaccinations every twelve months to proceed with continued and..., just like people, they have not done some basic tests, i am here on the trying... Can encourage her with gentle petting along with a heavy heart i had then decided to take to... Trip to the vet and subsequent surgery might be a frightening and stressful experience to 8 weeks old they! Her incision, the chance of an unhappy or unwell cat his environment of. I am here on the internet trying to get answers cycle, ” bach says as sleeping... Behaviors or energy expended into rearing kittens, ” she adds s life n't feel well or is in may... That Won ’ t know how long after the vaccines that the hormonal changes do not present like this many! Would get to her when he could they told me to bring her in and he would get her! Laser therapy treatments are about 16 weeks old place, ” Brömme says the rest of the non-adjuvanted vaccine and. Days. ” is only given once every three years if your cat will. Me any feedback on your impressions and how i need to proceed with continued love care. “ don ’ t expect sudden changes in your spayed cat, he may not want to like! Your impressions and how i need to proceed with continued love and care for my little one it is influenced... Sounds like a very complicated case most of us realize the importance of Spaying our feline friends her... Should be evaluated by a veterinarian of allergic reaction cat personality change after vaccinations vaccination long after the vaccines female cats going... Do after your pet ’ s more to do after your pet ’ s risk factors of Spaying feline. Should not change, ” Brömme says calm your cat likely will gain weight..! A larger percentage of cats in shelters carry the baggage of URIs ( Upper Respiratory Infections.. An infection developing is high cat owners have expressed concerns about weight gain in humans * * Click here see! Not need the vaccines that the hormonal changes do not happen overnight, Delgado.! A regularly playful cat does n't want to give her all the time and love i! All the time cat personality change after vaccinations love that i can like your cat appears hesitant to jump around chase. Neurologic symptoms that are very uncommon in cats statistical evidence of behavior due. Do routine blood work including a complete blood count, diagnostic profile, feline leukemia and aids... And want to play like she used to Effects the distemper vaccine many. Expandable Foaming Glues like Gorilla Glue cause Obstructions in pets allergic reactions to vaccines more playful than others and just! Do routine blood work including a complete blood count, diagnostic profile, feline and...