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My cat is acting sick and in pain after vaccines. Is this normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 5 months and 1 day old | 4 lbs

Shrimp & his sister, Grits, received their last FVRCP & Leukemia vacc yesterday for this year. They also received their 1st rabies shot. After returning home, Grits was acting fine & her behavior was normal. However, Shrimp was just the opposite. He was hiding, not wanting to play, eat, drink, etc. When I picked him up he screamed as if he was in pain so I left him alone. This morning his behavior has not changed & he will not interact w/ me or Grits. Is this normal & should I take him to a vet?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Linda G,  MS, DVM

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 22nd, 2017

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Yes, I would definitely contact your veterinarian about a possible vaccine reaction. It may not be anything serious, but with a holiday weekend coming up, I would not wait & hope for the best. Hope Shrimp is feeling better soon.
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