IDENTIFY SIGNS OF RABIES IN CATS

Rabies is a deadly virus that damages the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including our feline friends. This virus can affect any mammal, making cats vulnerable to infection. Rabies in cats typically spreads through bites from already infected animals, posing a threat to both other animals and humans.

After a cat has been exposed to rabies, it can take weeks to months for any signs of rabies to appear. Tragically, once the rabies symptoms become evident, the disease is almost always fatal. This highlights the absolute necessity of the rabies vaccination for all cats. Understanding the behavior of a cat with rabies and knowing how to tell if a cat has rabies can be crucial. 

WHAT IS RABIES IN CATS?

Rabies in cats is a viral infection that targets the feline nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. This dangerous virus is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. All mammals, including cats, are susceptible to contracting rabies. If left untreated before symptoms appear, rabies can be fatal. However, it is preventable with timely vaccination.

Rabies vaccination is especially critical for cats, as they are the most reported rabid domestic animals. In fact, reported cases of rabies in cats have outnumbered those in dogs every year since 1990.

HOW CAN A CAT GET RABIES?

Rabies in cats is most commonly transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal, including other cats and wild mammals like raccoons, dogs, and bats. Another way feline rabies can spread is through the saliva of an infected cat. The virus can survive in saliva for up to two hours outside the body and can infect other mammals if it encounters mucous membranes or open wounds. Outdoor cats are at a higher risk of contracting the virus due to increased exposure to potential carriers. So, keep your cat away from other stray cats especially if they show signs of rabies. After all, these feline creatures contract rabies from a cat scratch too.

SIGNS OF RABIES IN CATS

It can take up to a year for rabies symptoms in cats to materialize after the initial bite that transmits the virus. The speed at which these symptoms develop often depends on the site of infection and the severity of the bite. Typically, the incubation period — the time between infection and the appearance of clinical signs — is around 4-8 weeks.

Rabies symptoms in cats include:

1. Sudden and severe changes in behavior: Behavioral change can be a great sign of rabies in cats. A typically calm cat may become excitable or aggressive, while an outgoing cat may become withdrawn.
2. Aggression: Aggression is a common symptom, and affected cats may lash out unpredictably.
3. Drooling: Drooling or foaming at the mouth occurs because the virus affects the muscles in the cat’s mouth, making swallowing difficult.
4. Muscle loss: In the final stages, loss of muscle control leads to paralysis and eventually coma.

DIFFERENT STAGES OF RABIES IN CATS

Rabies in cats progresses through three distinct stages, each with unique rabies symptoms in cats. 

1. PRODROMAL STAGE:

   This initial phase lasts 2-3 days and is characterized by subtle changes in cat rabies behavior. A typically friendly cat may become withdrawn, while a shy cat might suddenly appear more confident. Other signs of rabies in cats during this stage include lethargy, loss of appetite, and mild fever. The larynx may begin to spasm, causing voice changes.

2. EXCITATIVE OR FURIOUS STAGE:

   Spanning 1-7 days, this stage is marked by extreme behavioral changes. Cats may become highly agitated, aggressive, and hypersensitive to stimuli. They might attack people, other animals, and even inanimate objects. This is when rabies symptoms in cats are most dangerous, as they can pose a significant threat to humans and other animals.

3. PARALYTIC STAGE:

   In the final 2-4 days, paralysis sets in, starting with the head, neck, and then progressing to the chest. The inability to swallow leads to drooling and foaming at the mouth. Eventually, the muscles controlling breathing become paralyzed, resulting in death.

TREATMENT FOR RABIES IN CATS

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for a cat that has been infected with rabies and is showing symptoms. If you suspect your cat has been exposed to the rabies virus, seek medical treatment immediately. Rabies vaccinations may be recommended as a preventive measure if your cat has been exposed to the virus but is not yet showing the signs of rabies. Once rabies symptoms in cats appear, there is nothing you or your vet can do. The disease is invariably fatal, and humane euthanasia is often recommended to prevent suffering.

The best protection against rabies is a regular rabies vaccine. Ensuring that your feline friend is up to date on its vaccinations is essential for its well-being. By taking proactive measures, you can safeguard your cat's health and protect your household from the dangers of feline rabies.