Kitten Distemper Booster Side Effects

In the first few weeks of life, kittens receive important antibodies via their mother's milk. This provides the kitten with protection against infectious diseases such as feline distemper. When kittens are weaned around six to eight weeks of life, it should begin receiving its booster immunizations from a licensed veterinarian. While side effects from your kitten's boosters are minimal, you should watch it closely for any signs of allergic reaction or danger.

  1. Fever

    • Normal body temperature for a cat is between 100 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Taking your kitten's temperature is not an easy task. Instead, look for body clues that your kitten has developed a fever from its immunization.

      Shivering or aversion to being petted is one sign of fever. Cats with a fever may also pant or exhibit constant alert breathing. Offer your feverish kitten cool water to drink and lower the thermostat to make it more comfortable.

    Lethargy

    • Lethargy is a common distemper booster side effect. A lethargic kitten will be drowsy, slow and sleep for an extended period of time. Its movements may be sluggish and it may take longer to react to normal stimulus. Mild lethargy is not a cause for concern; however, if your cat is difficult to wake or seems unable to function, call your veterinarian immediately.

    Diminished Appetite

    • There are many aspects of the immunization visit that may cause your kitten to have a diminished appetite. Being placed in a carrier and driven in the car can be very stressful to your kitten. The vet's office is full of sounds and smells that are unfamiliar to your it. Usually by the time the doctor administers the booster, your kitten is already stressed.

      It is not unusual for your kitten to avoid its food bowl for a few hours after its distemper immunization. If a normal eating pattern does not return in a day or two, consult your veterinarian.

    Injection Site Swelling

    • You may notice a swelling or lump at the site where your kitten was vaccinated. The site may be sore and painful and it may lick the site for comfort and pain relief. Avoid stroking your kitten at the injection site if you notice any swelling or irritation. Hard or persistent lumps should be reported to the doctor.

    Life-Threatening Side Effects

    • On rare occasions, a kitten may suffer a serious or life-threatening side effect from its distemper booster. These include a severe allergic reaction causing swelling of the facial muscles and irregularities of heart functions. Immediate vet attention is required when an allergic reaction occurs.

      Small injection site lumps can develop into tumors. A malignant tumor will require chemotherapy.