Kitten not right following 1st vaccination...

[recall]

I had a litter of 9 week old kittens vaccinated today. They all seemed fine apart from just now I noticed that one is cowering from me and flattens her ears when i go to stroke her

I'm trying not to worry, and presuming that it is due to pain at the site of the jab. It is really difficult watching her like this because she is usually extremely affectionate and cuddly.

Has anyone else had a similar experience ?

[cozietoesie]

How is she this morning?

[Lonecatwithkitten]

It is not uncommon to have 24hours of flu like symptoms post vaccination and some even have a temperature.
There is a relatively new vaccine that had no adjuvant that very rarely has this side effect, but with the older vaccines (one in particular) it is fairly common.

[recall]

She is a bit better this morning, but acting slightly feral . She is eating, drinking and playing, but if I try and stroke her she ducks and tries to get away . I have worked really hard socialising these kittens, and this one in particular was a star. Her owner is coming to collect her soon, and I'm upset that the kitten has changed so much. I'm hoping to get her back my gentle interaction, and a bit of bribery

[cozietoesie]

She's likely got a really good memory and is very bright. Think 'on it. She's what - 9 weeks old or so? And what does life so far tell her ? Mum is cuddles and milk. Humans (or rather you, sorry) grab you, put you in a box and take you to a smelly place where someone jabs you and you don't feel well for a bit.

I'd try some bribery myself (small morsels of roast chicken are usually good) but maybe the best thing is to leave the real deep bonding to her new owner - as long as she recovers her equanimity sufficiently to be going on with. A new environment on her own might be what she needs.

Best of luck.

[gobbin]

I agree with cozie. My 10 month old torbie takes about 3 weeks to forgive me for fleaing or worming her and that's only the liquid on the back of the neck, not even a box/car/vet/jab combo!

[MumnGran]

It may be nothing to do with the jab, but a reaction to the stress of vet visit. If they were a very nervous litter and she was the star, it could be because she was the brightest of the bunch and worked out what was happening.
That cleverness could have extended to blaming you for the fact that she hated (and was jabbed at) the vets, and you took her there, so its you she is now very wary of.

Lots of TLC ....treats from the hand such as chicken or tuna, and she should revert fairly quickly.
Worth warning the new owners, though, that the friendly kitten they see at your home may go through a very withdrawn period when they first have her at home.

[MumnGran]

sorry ...only spotted Cozies post after responding straight to the OP.
Seems we agree on a lot!