At PoCo West Animal Hospital, we know that your cat is more than just a pet—they’re family. That’s why we believe in preventive care, including vaccinations, to help your feline friend live a long, healthy life.
While vaccines are essential for protecting cats from serious diseases like feline leukemia, calicivirus, and rabies, it’s natural for cat owners to wonder about possible side effects. The good news? Most reactions are mild and short-lived. And our veterinary team is always here to guide you through the process with expert care and compassion.
Why Do Cats Need Vaccines?
Vaccines help prepare your cat’s immune system to recognize and fight off viruses and bacteria before they cause illness. Some vaccines are considered core, meaning they’re recommended for all cats, while others are lifestyle-based, depending on whether your cat goes outdoors, boards, or lives with other animals.
Common feline vaccines include:
- Rabies – Required by law and vital for health
- FVRCP – Protects against three viruses: feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV) – Recommended for kittens and outdoor cats
At PoCo West, we’ll create a custom vaccine plan tailored to your cat’s age, health, and lifestyle.
Normal Vaccine Reactions in Cats
Most cats tolerate vaccines very well. After their shots, some cats may experience minor, temporary side effects—typically within 24–48 hours. These include:
- Mild lethargy or more sleeping than usual
- Slight decrease in appetite
- Tenderness or a small lump at the injection site
- Low-grade fever
These signs are normal and show that your cat’s immune system is working as it should.
Rare But Serious Vaccine Reactions
Serious vaccine reactions are extremely rare in cats, but it’s important to be aware of what they look like:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Facial swelling or hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden collapse or extreme lethargy
If you notice any of these signs shortly after your cat’s vaccine appointment, call PoCo West Animal Hospital right away. Our team is trained to handle emergency reactions quickly and safely.
What About Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas?
In rare cases, some cats may develop a tumor at the vaccine injection site, known as a vaccine-associated sarcoma. This condition is very rare, but we take it seriously. At PoCo West Animal Hospital, we follow strict vaccine protocols to reduce risk:
- We use the safest vaccines available
- We keep detailed records of injection sites
- We monitor any lumps or bumps that persist longer than 3 weeks or grow in size
Your cat’s long-term health is our top priority.
How PoCo West Protects Your Cat
We make every effort to ensure your cat’s vaccine visit is gentle and stress-free:
- Fear-Free Handling: Our staff is trained to reduce stress in cats during appointments
- Tailored Vaccine Plans: We never over-vaccinate—we only recommend what your cat truly needs
- Safety Monitoring: We’ll observe your cat after vaccination if needed, especially for first-time vaccines or sensitive cats
- Pre-Reaction Planning: If your cat has had a reaction before, we’ll adjust their vaccine plan with extra precautions
We treat your cat with the same care we’d give our own.
Aftercare Tips for Cat Parents
After your cat receives vaccines, here’s how you can support them at home:
- Offer a quiet space where they can rest
- Limit activity and avoid stressful situations
- Monitor their appetite, behavior, and the injection site
- Contact us if something seems unusual—we’re here to help!
Book Your Cat’s Vaccine Appointment with Confidence
Vaccines are one of the best ways to keep your cat protected from serious, contagious diseases. At PoCo West Animal Hospital, we combine medical expertise with genuine compassion to make sure every cat receives the best possible care.
Schedule your cat’s next vaccine visit today—and let us help them stay happy, healthy, and purring.
📍 PoCo West Animal Hospital
📞604-554-1255