Montana’s Nyx the Kitten: Vaccinated

Nyx's Notes, Volume I, Chapter 5: the Vaccine

The second trip to the Skyview Veterinary Hospital focused on two procedures: trimming back the claws, and a vaccination.

The Weigh-in

Three weeks earlier, this little lady was 1 pound and 14 ounces.  With meals and lots of exercise, Nyx the little panther is 2.96 pounds, gaining well over a pound.  I swear I can stare and watch her grow.

Next the vet tech carried Nyx into the back for a blood draw for leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.  Test results came back negative, she's clean as a whistle.

After that came the claw trimming, or the "Kiticure" as I call it.  I braced in the exam room for the faint yowling and hissing.  Didn't hear a thing.  Soon they returned and Nyx took it well up to a point; apparently she lost her patience with the indulgence.  On the floor she shook her paws like they were wet.  Did the tech apply a clearcoat polish?

Soon Dr. Jill Paul entered with one syringe for distemper and leukemia.  Moment of truth time.  Our last cat was so violent in the clinic she had to be restrained in a special cage to inoculate.  I held my breath for a cat fight.

Nyx handled the shot with the really short needle incredibly well.  No reaction whatsoever.  There are grown men who can't stand getting a shot.

"Side Effects are generally mild and may include..."'

Dr. Paul did advise to watch for adverse reactions such as fever, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, and a swelling of the face.

Once home, Nyx was her usual playful self for another couple hours...

...then she ran out of steam.

The lethargy took hold.  She didn't have the strength to leap into the easy chair.  Once lifted into it she just curled up and closed her eyes.  Seems the short visit to the vet tuckered her out.

Later that night just before we went to bed, she threw up.  I thought it was going to be a long overnight.

The next day, Saturday, Nyx made it a Biblical day of rest.

This peaceful, easy feeling kitty lasted through Sunday morning, then the speed picked back up.  By that evening, she had lost ground to make up in a powerful hurry.

Right now, this kitten is the most athletic member of my immediate family.

Get our free mobile app