This is not a post about the pros or cons of vaccinations. What I’m sharing is a story of one cat to reveal a side effect or reaction to vaccines that is too often overlooked, discounted or dismissed.

In the book, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs, veterinarian and author Don Hamilton lists swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, weakness, seizures and paralysis as acute physical reactions—responses that typically occur within the first few days after receiving a vaccine. Dr. Hamilton also notes behavior changes, with fear and aggression as the most common reaction.

Noah was adopted mid January having been surrendered after being found wandering a neighborhood. His age was estimated at three years old and a veterinary exam pronounced him in very good health. Days after arriving at the shelter he was scooped up by an adopter who could not resist his charm. Staff members cried with joy for him and some sadness, as they were so smitten with this lovebug. His veterinarian shared it was a good thing he was taken as she too could not resist this “squishy marshmallow.”

Introductions to the established eight-year female cat could only be described as a honeymoon. Within a week they were “nose-kissing” and exploring their new relationship, including a few hissing reminders from the older cat for him to mind his manners.

Then just two weeks after the adoption, the owner woke to a different Noah. The first sign came when he began to harass the older cat on her trips to the litter box. The veterinarian felt he was feeling a little more secure and had begun to assert himself more. However, twenty-four hours later he was full on stalking the older cat, had tried to bite, and succeeded scratching the owner several times. He would no longer allow her to touch him any where along his body, except his head and ears. He now ran from neighbors he’d sat and snuggled with just days before, and any noise sent him into hiding, where a running vacuum hadn’t fazed him!

In a follow-up conference with his veterinarian, we agreed he was going through a behavior reaction to the vaccines he’d received prior to being adopted. While behavior reactions can happen within 24 hours, many holistic vets report there can be a reaction weeks following a vaccine. Based on his signs and symptoms, a dose of the homeopathic remedy Thuja 30c was administered. Thuja is just one of the remedies used for vaccine reactions, but it is important to understand it is not the ONLY one and should ONLY be given if it describes the animal and the signs and symptoms. Nor should any remedy be given as a preventative before or following the injection.

As for Noah, within 24 hours after the remedy, he woke the owner purring and snuggling, allowed her to pick him up, then met a visiting neighbor at the door. In the week since, there’s been NO aggression or stalking towards the older cat. He’s returned to exploring and joyful play, even with deafening noise of a household construction project. And while the older cat is still working through trust issues, the owner found them sleeping within a few inches of each other this morning. She’s expecting a “nose-kiss” any day now.

For more information on vaccine reactions, contact your homeopathic veterinarian and check out Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs by veterinarian and author Don Hamilton.


Previously published in PetSage blog, 2/9/2015.
© Terri Grow, 2020
Terri Grow writes and speaks on pet health and welfare, working with veterinarians, trainers, shelters and manufacturers to empower canine and feline health through diets, herbal therapies, supplements and environmental adjustments.