Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat's vaccine site is painful and swollen. Should I see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Turkish Angora | Male | neutered | 5 years and 7 months old | 11 lbs

I moved my cat from Mexico City to San Diego two days ago. On Tuesday a vet gave him a vaccine shot near his tail and he moved so the needle slipped out, she stuck it back in and finished the injection. Today I was petting him and when I touched near his tail he cried out, after exploring it a bit more, its definitely the injection site, it's hard to tell but I think I feel some swelling. Should I take him in tomorrow or wait a bit, if so how long? Overall, he's not a happy camper.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 15th, 2018

It sounds like Coco is having a local vaccine reaction. You should contact your vet and see if they want to examine him or if they would be able to prescribe medications, and if they agree it’s a vaccine reaction they might recommend medication prior to vaccines in the future. I doubt it’s related to the trouble giving the vaccine - it’s pretty common for the needle to slip out when giving injections to wiggly dogs and cats.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My cat has a bump and rash at injection site. Should I worry?

Hello, sorry to hear about Toe. Occasionally with injections, they may develop inflammation and pain in the area for up to 3-5 days. If the swelling does not resolve then he should be seen by his veterinarian to ensure Toe is not having a reaction to the vaccine that would warrant further medical intervention. You can place an ice pack at the area of the injection site 3-4 times daily for 5 minutes at a time to help decrease the swelling and pain. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is my cat's swollen face and hot ears after vaccines a reaction?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Vaccine reactions are rare and we usually see facial swelling and hives more often in dogs but I do think that Peanut may be having a vaccine reaction. You should take her to a emergency Vet. The mainstay of treatment for a vaccine reaction is outpatient. They give injections of steroids and possibly an antihistamine. Peanut will likely be sent home with steroids as well. I do not recommend giving her any human medications. Cats are very sensitive to medications. I hope this helps and good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my cat's skin hard at the vaccine injection site a week later?

Hi, sorry to hear Keanu is having problem. This very well could be a type of vaccine reaction. I would monitor the site to see if it gets better or if a lump appears. If a lump appears, he should be taken back to the vet as this is serious. It could be an infection also, which may resolve on it's own or may need antibiotics. I hope he gets better!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my 3-month-old cat discharging pus after vaccination?

Depending on where the vaccinations were placed, this could be a vaccine reaction or an abscess from a cat bite. Seeing the vet is a good idea. The vet will clean up the area and determine what is going on, and may prescribe anti-inflammatories and/or antibiotics.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Cat has lump after vaccine. Is it a reaction? When to see a vet?

It does need to be noted with your vet to verify if it is a vaccine reaction. Cats can have injection induced sarcomas which are cancer and require surgery. The general rule is if it is there longer than 3 months or gets larger, then surgery is warranted, otherwise they go away on their own I would have them document the vaccine site and the size for proper monitoring in the future.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why does my cat have a small lump with a black dot after a vaccine?

It does not look like post-injection reaction. I would rather suspect an insect bite, reaction to a tick, cat bite (if Ori goes out at all) or self-inflicted small wound from scratching the area. Please, keep an eye on it, small skin wounds often heal rapidly without treatment. If there is any discharge from the wound you can use 4% chlorhexidine skin solution to clean it. If it gets bigger or starts bothering Ori, take her to your local vets for a check.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

How do I know if my dog's vaccine injection site is infected?

At the site where the vaccine was given, you may see swelling, it may be red, the area would be quite warm to the touch, and there may be pus. In order to confirm if he has an infection there, Coco will need to see the vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share