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Is it absolutely necessary to finish out my kittens shots?
My 16 wk old kitten just got her 2nd set of shots today along w/ her 1st rabies & leukemia shot. Since she's gotten her shots all afternoon she has been lethargic, playing for a bit then just does nothing (completely unlike her normal fly around the house attitude) and has not eaten anything or drank anything. She just sniffs and walks away. In addition, it seems like occassionally part of her body with twitch like a leg, or a front paw, etc. In your opinion, is it really going to effect her if I do not finish out the rest of her shots? I do not like how they effect her and she is an indoor only cat.
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Member 766806
on Nov 11th 2008
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As long as she is fine tomorrow that sounds like a fairly normal reaction to the shots. You should at least complete the kitten vaccinations otherwise she won't be protected. Talk to your vet about ongoing annual vacinations. You can reduce the effect by spreading them out and just doing 1 at a time. Since she's inside only there is less risk of not being vacinated but you may be legally required to have rabies shots. You'd need a rabies certificate to prove she was rabies free if she bit anyone or had to stay at a kennel/be admitted to the vets. Talk to your vet about the minimum he'd recommend since she's indoor only.
Sassy
answered on 11/11/08.
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That's not a totally abnormal reaction. As long as she hasn't totally stopped eating (she might be doing it when you're not around), she should be ok within 24 hours.
My last set of shots, I came home and just sat there for over 16 hours. Mom was told to just put some food and water close by, and wait it out. I was back to my marauding self the next day.
Gracie
answered on 11/12/08.
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I agree with the above. It is important to finish the kitten series of FVCRP vaccinations just to build up that initial immunity so she can stay healthy. It is perfectly normal to be quiet and not interested in playing or food the day of the shots. With mine it seemed to be to be more noticable on the day they had the rabies shot and not so much the FVCRP alone. But I don't see why they would vaccinate for leukemia if she is an indoor only cat? She should be tested for that to be sure she is negative but I don't see why she would need that vaccination. That last round of the FVCRP series should not be as hard on her as this visit was. But if she seems feverish (hot ears or paw pads) and it continues to worry you for more than the first day, call the vet and ask them if there is anything you should do.
Bailey
answered on 11/12/08.
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I agree with everyone, also. My animals, including the dogs, are lethargic when we come home from the vet also. I believe that it's as much the car ride and the stress as it is a reaction to the shot. My vet warns me that my animals may be "off" for a day. Tempt her with some deli turkey or her favorite treats. If, after more than 24 hours, she still seems sluggish and not herself, do call your vet for advice.
Izadore (Izzie)
answered on 11/12/08.
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By the time you read this, I'm sure your kitten is fine. Ours were like that for the first 24 hours, especially Tsuki who is answering your question. Finish the vaccinations, why take the chance? Human babies have similar reactions and you'd still want them to have all their vaccinations. Ours are indoor only but it doesn't matter. What if she got outside or had to be in a kennel or cat-sat? The twitch I notice with our cats once in awhile... I think it happens if she just hit it on something she'll shake it to make it feel better. I wouldn't worry about it unless it's excessive.
Tsuki
answered on 11/12/08.
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