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Cat tired, not eating, and has bumps after vaccinations. Is it okay?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 8 years old | 12.2 lbs

I had my 8 yr old cat (short hair taby) had his distemper & rabies vaccinations on Thursday. Yesterday and today he is showing less energy. Decreased appitite for food, but drink some tuna water and will eat treats. Keeping an eye on water intake and outtake , seems fine so far. He still has bumps on inj. sites on front & back shoulders. Don't want to overlook anything I should notice. TY, Shawn

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 16th, 2017

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!

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    Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 1st, 2018

    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 Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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