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Why is my cat throwing up after his rabies vaccine? Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 2 years and 2 months old

Good evening! My cat just had his rabies vaccine this morning, and a few hours after he came home he threw up a bit twice, he threw up his food. He did have an upset stomach because of the car ride and had diarrhea on the way to the vet, but other than that he's eating well. Could be ba having a reaction from the vaccine? And should I be worried?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 20th, 2018

Given that Felix had an upset stomach from the car ride, that could also be causing his vomiting. A side effect of vaccines can be vomiting, but that should pass in 24 hours. If his vomiting increases, take him back into the vet. Best of luck.

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4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 8th, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bella! Vomiting after vaccination can be a sign of a vaccine reaction. If she vomits more today or doesn't want to eat I would have her seen today. If the suspicion is that she is experiencing a reaction to the vaccines she should receive a steroid injection and possible steroids to go home. I would also alert your Vet when they open Monday that she vomited after the vaccines so they can document the reaction in her record and consider splitting her vaccinations next year and pre-treating her with steroids before her vaccines. I hope this helps and I wish Bella a speedy recovery!

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 8th, 2017

    Hello, sorry to hear about Cheddar. It sounds like he is having an allergic reaction to his vaccine. This should resolve within a day or two, however, sometimes patients may need medications to control his vomiting and nausea. If he continues to vomit then he should see his veterinarian to be evaluated and have medications for his vomiting. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 16th, 2018

    Poor Kitty! While you can see some vomiting after getting vaccines, persistent vomiting isn't normal. Because you report she isn't vomiting big amounts, I'm not too worried about her just yet but I would keep an eye on her. Should she continue vomiting, the amount of vomit increases, she starts vomiting water, she develops itchy skin or hives, you see swelling of her face, or she has severe coughing or difficulty breathing, then it becomes a medical emergency and she will have to see a vet right away. To try to settle her stomach, offer her some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) in small amounts for a couple of days, then add back in her normal diet. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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