Feline Distemper Vaccination Reactions

Feline panleukopenia, or feline distemper, is a potentially deadly, highly contagious virus shed through infected cat feces. It enters a cat's body through the nose and mouth, attacking lymph nodes, white blood cells, bone marrow and intestines. Symptoms include listlessness, appetite loss, fever, vomiting and diarrhea, typically leading to dehydration. Highly resistant to disinfectants, the virus can survive extended periods of time even in extreme temperatures. Many cats, especially young kittens, die from the disease. Vaccinations are the best defense against the virus, but can sometimes cause adverse reactions.

  1. Feline Distemper Vaccinations

    • The AVMA recommends re-boostering adult cats every three years.

      One form of the panleukopenia/feline distemper vaccine is an inactivated, modified live vaccine. It uses a form of the virus that has no ability to regenerate and cause the disease, to stimulate the cat's immune system response against that organism. Other forms of the distemper vaccine are developed using a killed form of the virus. Vaccines are either injected or given as a nasal spray, and are highly effective for controlling infectious diseases. Kittens receive their first antibodies while nursing, but these antibodies interfere with vaccines when given too early. Kittens should receive the first booster at six to eight weeks old, followed by two more rounds given at three- to four-week intervals. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends adult cats be receive booster shots once every three years for continued protection.

    Common Vaccine Reactions

    • Most side effects of the vaccine are minor, and usually far less serious than the disease itself. Common reactions include joint lameness, appetite loss, sleepiness, slight fever or swelling at the injection site. Some forms of the vaccine are given as a nasal spray and can cause sneezing for the next few days. Occasionally there will a small, firm area of swelling at the vaccination site. Contact the veterinarian if these symptoms do not clear up in the first several days.

    Anaphylactic Shock Reactions

    • Anaphylactic shock is a rare and potentially dangerous reaction to the feline distemper vaccine. This occurs when the cat is allergic to one or more of the vaccine's ingredients. Symptoms include breathing difficulties such as extreme panting, collapse, diarrhea, severely itchy face and vomiting. Anaphylaxis can occur within the first 24 hours following the vaccine, but most often happens immediately. Seek veterinary care immediately if these symptoms arise as failure to do so can be fatal. If treated right away, it will not result in long-term health problems for the cat.

    Vaccination Associated Fibrosarcoma

    • Rarely, a sarcoma, or kind of tumor, can develop several weeks or months at the vaccination site. While there is a slight risk the tumor will become cancerous, this is extremely rare. Surgery to remove the tumor is an option, but often leads to a more aggressive return of the tumor. Treatment typically involves close monitoring for changes. Cats most at risk of developing cancer at the site are those that receive three vaccinations a year in the same location. Most cats are typically fine when following a re-boostering schedule of once every three years.

    Vaccination Safety Measures

    • Pregnant cats and kittens under four weeks old should not be vaccinated.

      In order to reduce the risk of negative side effects or reactions to the distemper vaccine, there are several recommendations to follow. Kittens should never be vaccinated younger than four weeks of age. Cats should not be vaccinated while pregnant. Only healthy cats should be vaccinated. Elderly, depressed, parasitic or malnourished cats may not be able to tolerate the vaccine well. Cats with a history of anaphylactic reactions to the vaccine may be given epinephrine prior to the inoculation as a preventative.