Rabies is a highly contagious infectious disease that can infect most types of mammals, including domestic cats. Fortunately, it is easily preventable. In this post, our Snellville vets discuss the symptoms of rabies and how to prevent your cat from contracting it.
What Is Rabies
Rabies is a virus that affects the cat's central nervous system and, over time, the brain. This disease is transmitted to cats when the infected animal bites the cat. Their saliva travels from the site of the wound along the nerves until it reaches the spinal cord, and works its way to the brain. Once rabies reaches the brain, the infected cat will begin to show symptoms. Rabies in cats is fatal and will usually kill them after 7 days.
How Is Rabies Transmitted
In the U.S., rabies is most often transmitted to cats from wildlife such as raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks — but it can be found in any mammal. Rabies is most commonly found in areas with high populations of unvaccinated feral cats and dogs. Cats are the most common domesticated species found to have rabies.
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals and is most commonly transmitted from a bite from an animal that has been infected by the virus. Rabies can also be transmitted if the saliva of an infected animal comes in contact with an open wound or mucous membranes, such as gums. The more contact your cat has with wild animals, the higher the risk of their infection.
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Rabies In Cats
There are three recognizable stages of rabies in cats:
- Prodromal stage. In this stage, a rabid cat will usually exhibit changes in behavior that aren't typical for their personality, if your cat is normally shy, they might become more outgoing, and vice versa. If you notice any behavioral abnormalities following an unknown bite, remove your cat from any other pets and family members, and contact your vet immediately.
- Furious stage. The next stage is the most dangerous stage, causing your cat to become nervous and even vicious. They might cry out excessively and experience seizures and loss of appetite. The virus has gotten to the stage where it has begun attacking your cat's nervous system, and it prevents them from being able to swallow, leading to the classic symptom of rabies, 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, be unable to breathe, and unfortunately, most often pass away. This stage usually occurs about seven days after symptoms begin, with death following within usually 3 days.
How Long Does Rabies Take To Show Symptoms In Cats
If your cat is exposed to the rabies virus, they will not show signs immediately. The typical incubation period is roughly three to eight weeks, however, in reality, it can be anywhere from 10 days to as long as a year.
The speed at which symptoms appear depends entirely on the infection site. A bite that is closer to the spine or brain will develop much faster than others and it also depends on the severity of the bite.
Treatment For Rabies In Cats
If your cat starts to show the symptoms of rabies, unfortunately, there is nothing you or your vet can do for them. There is no known cure for rabies and once symptoms begin to appear, your cat's health will deteriorate within a few days.
If your cat has been vaccinated against rabies, provide proof of vaccination to your veterinarian. If anyone came into contact with the cat's saliva or were bitten by your cat (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 began.
If a diagnosis of rabies is confirmed you will need to report the case to your local health department. An unvaccinated cat that is bitten or exposed to a known rabid animal must be quarantined for up to six months, or according to local and state regulations. A vaccinated animal that has bitten or scratched a human, conversely, should be quarantined and monitored for 10 days.
The best protection against rabies in cats is to get them regular preventive vaccinations against the disease. Speak to your vet about making sure your cat is up to date on their rabies shots.
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.