Why is my cat lethargic and hiding after her vet vaccinations?

Your cat is most likely reacting to the "trauma" of going to the veterinarian, rather than the vaccinations. This is not an uncommon reaction for some cats. She may be shy or skittish around you for a day or two post-vet trip but should start to calm down if you leave her alone and give her space to recover on her own. (Some cats do take a little longer.) As long as she is still eating, drinking, and using the litter box appropriately (both urine and feces), then she should be fine in time. However, if she stops eating or drinking or using the litter box, you need to contact your veterinarian.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lily. Vaccines can result in lethargy. I would discuss this with her veterinarian at her next appointment. She may benefit from some pain medication in case she is uncomfortable after her shots. If she experiences vomiting after her vaccines, this is a sign of a reaction. Her veterinarian will need to know this information as well. Even if she is indoor only, vaccinations are necessary for her. I hope this information helps!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If the vaccinations were given recently, the decrease in activity is sometimes seen secondary to the vaccinations. If this continues or worsens that I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at Kiara so that The most appropriate Diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Milo. I agree, this does sound a bit excessive to me. I think if she is still acting this way in another 24 hours, I would take her back into the vet to get checked out again. I hope this helps!

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.

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.

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.