Rabies is a deadly virus that can affect people, pets, and other animals. In this post, our Dallas vets list the causes and symptoms of rabies in cats, and explain how the rabies vaccination protects your kitty.
How Rabies Threatens Your Cat's Health
The extremely contagious rabies virus is, fortunately, preventable. This deadly illness affects the central nervous system of mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans, and spreads through bites from infected animals.
It travels from the site of the bite along the nerves, reaching the spinal cord before working its way to the victim's brain. As soon as the rabies virus reaches the brain, the infected animal will start to display symptoms and will likely die within 7-10 days.
The Spread of Rabies
While any mammal can contract and spread this virus, in most cases, rabies is spread by wildlife like bats, foxes, raccoons, and skunks. Neighborhoods with large populations of unvaccinated stray cats and dogs are likely to have a higher number of cases of rabies.
Rabies spreads through the saliva of infected mammals and is most often transmitted through bites. Rabies can also spread if an infected animal's saliva comes into contact with an open wound or mucous membranes, like the gums. the more often your cat is in close contact with wild animals, the higher the risk they have of contracting this disease.
If your cat does happen to contract the rabies virus, it is transmissible to humans and other pets in your house, as well as animals in the community. People can get rabies when an infected animal's saliva (like your cat's) comes into contact with mucous membranes or broken skin. It is possible to contract a rabies infection by being scratched, however, this is highly unlikely.
If you suspect that you have been in contact with the rabies virus, it's critical to call your doctor immediately so they can provide you with a rabies vaccine to prevent the disease from progressing.
Rabies Symptoms in Cats
Many people wonder about the symptoms of rabies in cats. Though most people associate rabies with a mouth full of foam and drool, this isn't necessarily the case and a cat may display other symptoms. Cats with rabies will experience symptoms in three distinct phases as the disease progresses. Symptoms will typically progress as follows:
Prodromal stage - In this stage, a rabid cat will typically exhibit behaviors that are unusual compared to their usual personality. For example, if your kitty is usually shy, they could become more outgoing, and vice versa. If you see any behavioral abnormalities in your cat after they have obtained an unknown bite, keep them away from any other pets and family members, and call your vet immediately.
Furious stage - This stage is the most dangerous because it makes your pet nervous and even vicious. Cat rabies symptoms at this stage include crying out excessively, seizures, and loss of appetite. The virus has gotten to the stage where it has begun attacking the nervous system, and it prevents your cat from being able to swallow, leading to the classic symptom of excessive drooling, known as "foaming at the mouth."
Paralytic stage - This is the final stage in which a rabid cat will go into a coma, and won't be able to breathe. Unfortunately, this is the stage where pets usually pass away. This often takes place about seven days after symptoms first appear, with death usually happening after about 3 days.
How long does rabies take to show symptoms in cats?
If your cat has been exposed to the rabies virus, it probably won't show any signs or symptoms for a few weeks. The typical incubation period is approximately three to eight weeks, but, it can be anywhere from 10 days all the way up to a year.
The rate at which symptoms first appear is solely dependent on the infection site and how severe the bite is. A bite that is closer to the spine or brain will develop much faster than others.
Treatment for Rabies In Cats
If your cat contracts the rabies virus, there is nothing you or your vet can do to help them at that point. There is no known cure for rabies and after symptoms start showing, their health will significantly deteriorate within a few days.
If your pet has had vaccinations that protect them from rabies, including all required boosters, provide proof of vaccination to your veterinarian as there may be a way for them to help. If anyone came into contact with their saliva or was bitten by your pet (yourself included), advise them to contact a physician immediately for treatment.
Unfortunately, rabies is always fatal for unvaccinated animals, usually occurring within 7 to 10 days from when the initial symptoms start. If your cat is diagnosed with rabies, you will have to report the case to your local health department.
An unvaccinated pet that is bitten or exposed to a known rabid animal must be quarantined for up to six months, or according to your local and state regulations. A vaccinated animal that has bitten or scratched a human, should be quarantined and monitored for 10 days.
Your pet should be humanely euthanized to minimize their suffering and to protect humans and pets that are in their environment. If your cat dies suddenly of what you suspect to be rabies, the only way to confirm that rabies was the cause is to examine a sample of the cat's brain
The best protection against rabies in cats and dogs is to provide them with the appropriate vaccinations and booster shots that help prevent the disease. Talk to your vet about scheduling an appointment at our clinic to make sure your pet is up to date with their rabies shots and other vaccinations.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
