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What normal reactions should I expect after my cat's rabies shot?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 3 years and 2 months old | 14 lbs

My cat received her 3rd year Rabies shot yesterday. What symptoms should k expect? She is drinking more than usual.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 24th, 2019

Typically, vaccinations will cause drowsiness, soreness in the area where injected, swelling where the vaccine was administered and decreased energy. If there is anything such as facial swelling, hive formation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, inappetance then I would recommend having Everest examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 26th, 2019

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Sometimes after vaccinations, animals can become lethargic / have lack of energy. In more serious cases, animals can have an adverse reaction leading to profound lethargy / pain, swelling, anaphylaxis, etc. Though these reactions are not so common, they do still occur. If Autumn appears to be extremely lethargic and not doing well, I would be on the safe side and take her in to be seen by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps and hope she gets better soon! Please let me know if you have any further questions and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on November 15th, 2016

    Yes, it is common for them to experience some lethargy. There may also be some pain and swelling at the site of vaccination. This typically does not last more than 24-36 hours. See your vet if you notice any facial swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting or extreme lethargy.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 7th, 2018

    Yes it could, these vaccinations and especially the rabies one are known to cause lethargy up to 24 hours after the injection. by tomorrow he should be better, if he is not- take him back to the vet in order to get him checked.

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