loss of appetite and diarrhea in kitten

Question
Tina,

My wife and I recently adopted two three month old kittens from a local shelter; one boy and one girl, brother and sister.  This past Thursday they were given their first round of vaccinations, as follows:

Feline Panleukopenia
Feline Rhinotrachetitis
Feline Calicivirus
Feline Chlamydia
Dewormed

Since Thursday evening the girl, Cordelia, has shown temporary listlessness (but she is more active now), diarrhea (which has been persistent), and a loss of appetite.  I have read that vaccinations can produce many these symptoms as an immediate side effect, but it should clear up in 36 to 48 hours.  Today is the third day since their vaccinations, and Cordelia is still not eating as well as she should be; she will come over to the kitchen to be fed, but not cry for food like she did at first, then she will eat a minimal amount of food (if any at all) and walk away.  She does, however, drink a healthy amount of water all day.  In addition, she has extremely soft to liquid bowel movements; but not extremely frequently or uncontrollably like I how would think of "diarrhea".

The boy, Liam, has had no problems what-so-ever.

Could this still be a "normal" side effect of the vaccines?  Should we try to force feed Cordy?

We do have a wonderful vet that we have taken our other cats to; but as money is tight right now, I'd like to avoid an unnecessary trip for something that is not a real problem.

Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.  I eagerly await your response.

Regards,


Tim S


Answer
Hi Tim,
   It is a normal for them to be alittle lethargic,  mild fever, and to be sore for the next 3-5 days after receiving  a vaccination. What is considered abnormal is excessive vomiting, diarrhea, and hives. So is she isn't acting normal by the end of Monday then I would call you vet.
    As for the soft/liquid stools she may have intestinal worms, I don't know if you vet. dewormed her and her brother or not but if they didn't I would call you vet. up and ask if you can stop by to pick up a good dewormer for the 2 kittens, since your vet. just say them for shots the vet. shouldn't have a problem dispensing the medication without another exam. Some worms can cause them not to want to eat and to have intermittend diarrhea.
  If she is not eating I would go ahead and "baby" her alittle bit. You can offer her a bland diet like boiled rice mixed with boiled chicken breast (skinless). This will hopefully interest her and it is bland so I'm hoping it will help with her soft stools too. So I hope I have helped you in someway. Take care and good luck with you new kittens.