My cat is lethargic and not eating after vet shots. Is this normal?

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.

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 am concerning that Luna isn't eating or drinking, and while you can see a decrease in appetite and activity after vaccines, it isn't normal to stop both eating and drinking completely. First I would try to tempt her to eat with some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) in some low sodium gently warmed chicken broth or tuna in spring water. You can also offer her small amounts of Pedialyte. If she refuses to eat or drink those things, then yes I would take her into an emergency vet right away.

Poor Sansa! It is possible these clinical signs are related to the injections. Steroids can make pets have many side effects and upset stomach is one of them. The antibiotic is typically better tolerated but it can also make pets have a upset stomach as well. It’s also possible this is coincidental. I recommend to call the veterinarian and alert them as to what you were seeing. They may ask to see Sansa to check her for a fever or other evidence of illness. Make sure Sansa eats and drinks today. You may try offering her some palatable canned cat food with some extra water added. If she continues to be a lethargic or not eating or drinking for 24 hours, she should be seen by the veterinarian as dehydration can settle in quickly. I hope she starts feeling better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lily! Lily is likely having a reaction to the vaccines. If she has a fever she needs to see a veterinarian. When animals have fevers they do not want to eat. Your Vet, after their exam, will likely give her subcutaneous fluids and steroids. Once the fever and the reaction has subsided Lily will likely eat. There is nothing to do at home besides wait out the fever and that may take to long. Cats can not go more than 3 days with out eating or they get sicker. I hope this helps and I wish you and Lily the best!

I am concerned as well. While a kitten can have some lethargy after receiving vaccines and deworming treatments, it's not normal for that to last more than a day or two. If she is eating and drinking normally, then you can wait until the morning to have her seen by a vet by a health check. Should she not be eating or drinking normally, then I would have her seen by an ER vet tonight.

Hi Shawn! You can see some lethargy up to 48 hours after a cat gets it's vaccines, and this is normal. It is concerning that Bugsy Malone (love his name!) is eating less, but hopefully he is eating something. Try to tempt him to eat with some boiled white meat chicken (no bones), or by soaking his dry food in tuna juice. The bumps will be localized reactions to the vaccines, and should disappear in a few weeks. If he is still lethargic and eating less tomorrow, then I would take him back into the vet for an exam. I hope this helps!