My cat is lethargic and not eating after vet shots. Is this normal?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
I took my cat to the vet yesterday and she revived two shots, rabies and leukemia. Today she hasn't eaten or wanted to drink anything. She's been sitting in the same spot all day. Is this normal?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 30th, 2017
No, this isn't normal behavior. While you can see a decrease in appetite and some lethargy, it's an unusual reaction to have a cat refusing to eat and drink, as well as not want to move. I would try to tempt her to eat by offering her some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) or soaking her food in tuna juice. If she still refuses to eat, then I would have her seen by a vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 13th, 2017
If she is having trouble eating then she could have a problem with her teeth and have some pain when eating. Lethargy is a very non-specific sign and can be caused by many things, including infections, kidney disease, liver disease, endocrine diseases, etc. Your vet could run lab-work to determine the cause and treat. The signs are not typical of rabies and if she has been fully vaccinated then it is unlikely the cause but she should be examined by your vet if you have any concerns.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
My 7 y/o indoor cat received booster vaccines ( rabies, distemper FHIV+leukemia) 2 weeks ago today. 5 days ago she had a complete change of personality, extremely lethargic, apathetic and barely any appetite for her food, has completely stopped eatin
That seems like a long time for a vaccination reaction to take place. I strongly suggest getting her in to see your vet right away since she is reluctant to eat. Cats can only go a few days without eating before suffering liver damage. The illness may be coincidental to the vaccinations or she may need to have her vaccinations done in separate visits to keep from overwhelming her.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi My name is amber I have two cats Jerry and Midnight and they both got there vaccinations done yesterday. They got the FVRCP, FELV, Dewomer, and Rabies Rabvac3. So before the shots where taking when they was at home they was playful and after their
Hello, Mild lethargy and change in behavior can be normal up to two days after vaccinations. This is because the immune system is working to build protective immunity and the cats are stressed about the car ride and vet trip. Signs of a serious allergic reaction to vaccines include: facial swelling, hives, vomiting, and diarrhea. Those signs would be a reason to go to the vet ER. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Boop by Petco.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My cat has not eaten for 24 hours after her vaccinations
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.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi there, my cat Jasper just got his final round of conjunctivitis vaccine last night. Afterward he didn't eat really and wasn't playful like usual. Which I figured was fine because he was probably nervous about the vet. But this morning he's still n
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.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Training & Behavior
My cat had an FVRCP booster shot yesterday and has been very slow to walk, not eating, and sleeping since he received it. He seemed fine for about 5 hours after the shot.
Sometimes animals become more lethargic after a vaccination and this typically does not last for more than 24 hours. If you think Havoc is experiencing difficulty breathing, is vomiting or is experiencing hives on the skin, then take him in immediately as he may be experiencing a vaccine reaction. However, if he is just slower than usual and doesn't want to eat right now, I would give it 24 hours after the vaccine has been given and if the symptoms do not resolve, take him back to the veterinarian to be examined to ensure everything is ok. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Food & Nutrition
My cat is not eating his wet food since last 2 days, even his favorite (fancy feast salmon pate). He's eating a bit of his grain-free dry food from his timed feeder and drinking water. He got his annual shots from Vetco (fvrcp+felv+dewormer) 3 days a
What a sweet guy! I suspect he may just be feeling a bit punky from his vaccines. Since he's still eating some of his dry food, and he seemed to be acting normally last night (it sounds like you are describing that the lethargy is improving), I think it reasonable to give him a couple of more days. If he still isn't back to himself by the end of the week, take him to your vet. If he is declining at all (becoming less active, vomiting, having diarrhea, completely anorexic, any change in breathing) take him in ASAP. Thank you for asking Boop by Petco!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My 9-week-old kitten went for her first vet appointment with me yesterday. She got a deworming treatment, a vaccine, and her nails cut. Since that point, she has bee acting grumpy, and she has not been eating or drinking water. It's been a bit less t
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.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Training & Behavior
I took my 4 year-old cat to see the vet 5 days ago because she was overgrooming a certain spot where I could start to see through it. The vet gave her Convenia and Depomedrol injections. Starting 3 days ago, my cat started to show signs of lethargy
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.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Yesterday i gave my 3 months old cat lily shots for rabies and feline panleukopenia...today she is lethargic, has fever, isnt eating or drinking and neither pooping...what should i do? I at least want her to eat
Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! 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!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My kitten is 8 to 9 weeks old. Friday I took her to the vet to get dewormwd and her first shot. Today she is really tired and not wanting to do anything. Very fatigue. Concerned
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.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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