What is Rabies in Cats? Symptoms and Treatment

Rabies in cats can be fatal. Learn how to spot symptoms, the stages of the disease, and how to treat and prevent rabies exposure in your cat.

What is Rabies in Cats?

Rabies is a viral disease that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including cats and humans, though some species have natural resistance. The virus spreads through saliva or bodily fluids of infected animals, usually via bites or scratches. Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear.

The highest risk of rabies in cats occurs in male cats under three years old. The disease has been recognized and described since around 2300 BCE.

Symptoms of Rabies in Cats

After infection, the rabies virus first develops in muscle tissue, where it may remain undetected for days or even months. Typically within 1 to 3 months, the virus begins to invade the nerves, spinal cord, and brain, leading to rapid disease progression and clear symptoms.

Early Stage Symptoms (Non-Specific):

  • Muscle pain
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Shivering
  • Fever
  • Anxiety
  • Photophobia (fear of bright light)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Coughing
  • Difficulty swallowing

Paralytic (Dumb) Rabies Symptoms

This is the most common form of rabies in cats. Cats with paralytic rabies may appear lethargic, frightened, or depressed, showing no aggressive behavior and rarely biting. Symptoms include:

  • Paralysis of legs, jaw, or specific body parts
  • Drooping jaw, giving a "frozen" appearance
  • Excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing

How to Treat Rabies in Cats

  1. Do not attempt to catch or handle a rabid cat yourself.
    • If you notice rabies symptoms in a cat, contact animal control authorities for safe handling.
  2. Take the cat to a veterinarian immediately.
    • If your cat has been bitten by another animal, place it in a secure carrier and visit a vet as soon as possible.
    • The vet will evaluate possible rabies exposure and may ask about any encounters with raccoons, bats, or other potential carriers in your area.
  3. Request a rabies vaccine booster.
    • If your cat was previously vaccinated, it should receive a booster shot after exposure to strengthen its immune response.
    • Monitor your cat for rabies symptoms for 45 days while keeping it isolated from other animals and people.

 

What to Do If Bitten by a Cat

If you are bitten, follow these steps:

  1. Clean the wound immediately.
    • Wash the bite with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic to prevent infection.
    • If the wound is swollen or discolored, consult a doctor for antibiotics.
  2. Monitor the animal.
    • Confine the cat for a 2-week observation period. If the cat becomes ill or dies, seek immediate rabies vaccination.

Rabies virus in an infected cat’s saliva can enter your bloodstream through a bite, leading to severe neurological complications. Once rabies symptoms develop in humans, no effective treatment exists, making the disease fatal.

If bitten by a sick or aggressive cat, seek rabies vaccination immediately. This precaution is essential to avoid potentially fatal outcomes.

 

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