My cat is hiding after her vet visit. Is this normal, how long?

I'm sorry that Tilly is acting this way. I suspect she is having some "normal" reaction to the vaccine, in that she is a bit sore and tired, and stressed from yesterday's ordeal. Give her some space and time. Make sure she has food and water closeby and a box or another comfy place she can "hide." She will probably come around to her old self in the next couple of days. If her appetite continues to be poor or if she isn't more energetic within 24-36 hours, though, please call your vet to discuss. It may be warranted to get her back in for an exam and make sure everything is ok. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi there! It can often take several days for cats to fully calm down and return to normal after a stressful event, so I would tend to agree with your vet - it's likely that he just needs more time. You can try using a Feliway pheromone diffuser to help him relax, or a natural calming supplement such as Composure or Zylkene to see if this helps.

Some poor appetite can be considered normal after vaccinations. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to help protect your pet from common diseases they could be exposed to. Vaccines can sometimes cause minor changes in appetite or behavior. Usually I tell clients some decrease in appetite and decreased activity can be normal for 24 hours but for any issues lasting more than 24 hours they should call me ASAP. Some of the major issues (although rare) associated with vaccine reactions are trouble breathing and anaphylactic shock. If you notice any trouble breathing, severe lethargy or swelling of the face or at the vaccine site you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. If the poor appetite is still an issue after 24 hours or If any other issues are going on contact your veterinarian ASAP.

It can be normal for kittens to be somewhat tired and sore after vaccination, just like human children. Some may run a low-grade fever and not eat well for the first day or so after their shots. What is NOT normal would be any of the following symptoms: repeated vomiting, pale gums, difficulty breathing, or collapse/extreme weakness - these are signs of a serious allergic reaction. This is very rare following vaccination, but if it occurs it can be life-threatening - so if you observe any of these signs, make sure to get your kitten to the vet right away. If she is just tired and sore, it should be fine to monitor her at home - she should be feeling better within the next 24-48 hours.

This is very common after vaccines. Let him be alone tonight and let him rest. I would not be concerned unless he starts vomiting, having diarrhea, has hives or a swollen face. If any of these symptoms are noticed that I would contact your vet as this is likely a vaccine reaction. Also make sure he is still eating. He may not eat tonight but his appetite should pick up by tomorrow. If he isn't starting to act more normal in the next day or two, contact your vet for an exam.

I'm so sorry that Noushmc isn't feeling well. Pain at the injection site and mild lethargy are very common with vaccinations and considered normal since the vaccination is stimulating the immune system. It usually lasts 1-2 days and will resolve on its own. If Nouschmc is not eating, is vomiting or it lasts more than 2 days, I would contact your veterinarian. Good luck! I hope she feels better soon and that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

She may be scared and upset. When you get to your destination, try to make it feel like home and give her a little space to readjust. Most cats don't like being in a carrier, and travel in general is very stressful for pets. If she is still acting abnormally after a few days, it may be a good idea to have her examined by a vet to make sure there is nothing else going on.