Why is my 9-year-old indoor cat lethargic after her vaccines?

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!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Peaches. It is unusual for her to limping on a rear limb if the vaccines were given between the should blades. I recommend contacting her veterinarian today to ask if the lameness is is associated with her vaccines. For example, the feline leukemia vaccines is typically given in the left rear limb. If so, they may prescribe pain medication for her. If not, then she should be examined again as she may have a new problem. In the meantime, keep her quiet and do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to cats. I hope this information helps!

This sounds like a side effect of the vaccine, it's not super common but i'v seen a few cases already and this usually resolves within 48-72 hours. your vet could give her pain killers for a couple days if her condition seems to be really bad.

It is possible that Smokey is experiencing a vaccine reaction they can have a fever and be lethargic for 24 hours after the injections. If it persist longer than that I would return to the vet for medication. Be sure to notify your vet of this reaction so they can premed or split up the injections in the future

Hello and thank you for your question. I hate to hear that Covid-Max (love that name!) is not feeling well. It's possible that Max is having a vaccine reaction. These generally occur within 24 hours and can range from severe lethargy, fever, swelling of the face to collapse. He may have a fever today which is not uncommon with a vaccine reaction (though not always present). I recommend to call your veterinarian right. They may want to exam Max again to check for signs of a reaction and to treat him. Additionally, if this is a vaccine reaction, they will take precautions in the future to decrease the potential for another reaction. This may include giving him an anti-histamine before his vaccines, spreading out his vaccines or giving him a steroid. I hope this helps and that Max starts feeling better quickly! Please feel free to post any additional questions.

Poor Jasper! The timing of his signs certainly correlate with his vaccine. Not eating and lethargy (as well as vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling and hives) can be signs of a vaccine reaction. Vaccine reactions are uncommon, but do happen. If Jasper still isn't eating by later today, I would give your vet a call to have him rechecked. Some vaccine reactions require steroids and/or antihistamines for treatment.

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.