Could Your Cat Have Rabies?

Posted by By Mukesh Pathak 6 Min Read

Could Your Cat Have Rabies? Understanding Symptoms, Risks, and Actions

Rabies is a severe and often fatal viral disease that affects mammals, including cats. While rabies is relatively rare in domestic cats compared to other animals like bats or wildlife, understanding the symptoms, risks, and necessary actions is crucial for the health of your feline friend and your household. In this blog, we’ll explore how to determine if your cat could have rabies, what to do if you suspect it, and how to prevent the disease.

Understanding Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection caused by the rabies virus, which affects the central nervous system. It is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically via bites or scratches. The disease progresses from initial flu-like symptoms to severe neurological issues and, eventually, death.

Symptoms of Rabies in Cats

Recognizing the symptoms of rabies in cats is essential for prompt action. The disease can be divided into two stages:

  1. Prodromal Stage
    • Behavioral Changes: The cat may exhibit unusual behavior, such as becoming unusually affectionate or aggressive.
    • Fever: Like many infections, rabies can cause fever.
    • Lethargy: Your cat may seem tired or less active than usual.
  2. Excitative (Furious) Stage
    • Aggression: This stage is marked by increased aggression, including attacking people or other animals.
    • Hyperactivity: Your cat may become unusually restless or agitated.
    • Difficulty Swallowing: The virus affects the throat muscles, making it difficult for the cat to swallow, leading to excessive drooling or frothing at the mouth.
  3. Paralytic (Dumb) Stage
    • Muscle Paralysis: As the disease progresses, paralysis may start in the limbs and spread to other parts of the body.
    • Loss of Coordination: Your cat may have trouble walking or show signs of uncoordinated movements.
    • Respiratory Failure: In advanced stages, paralysis of the respiratory muscles can lead to difficulty breathing and eventual respiratory failure.

Risk Factors for Rabies in Cats

Certain factors can increase the risk of rabies in cats:

  1. Exposure to Wildlife
    • Cats that roam outdoors or live in areas where wildlife is prevalent (e.g., raccoons, bats, skunks) are at higher risk of encountering rabid animals.
  2. Unvaccinated Status
    • Cats that are not up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations are more vulnerable to contracting the disease.
  3. Bites or Scratches
    • Cats that have been bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal are at risk. Even minor wounds can be a transmission route.
  4. Living Environment
    • Cats living in rural areas or near wooded regions may be more exposed to rabies-carrying wildlife.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Cat Has Rabies

  1. Immediate Actions
    • Keep Your Cat Isolated: If you suspect your cat has rabies, isolate it from other pets and people to prevent the potential spread of the virus.
    • Avoid Contact: Do not handle the cat directly. Use protective gloves or tools if you must interact with it.
  2. Seek Veterinary Care
    • Contact Your Vet: Notify your veterinarian immediately if you suspect rabies. Describe the symptoms and any potential exposure to wildlife.
    • Follow Instructions: Your vet will guide you on the next steps, which may include bringing the cat in for evaluation or quarantine.
  3. Report the Incident
    • Inform Local Authorities: Rabies is a reportable disease. Inform local animal control or public health authorities about the suspected case.
  4. Consider Testing
    • Quarantine and Testing: In some cases, your vet might recommend quarantine and observation. Testing for rabies is usually done post-mortem as the virus can only be definitively diagnosed in deceased animals.

Preventing Rabies in Cats

  1. Vaccination
    • Routine Vaccination: Ensure your cat is up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. Most veterinarians recommend a rabies vaccine starting at 12-16 weeks of age, with booster shots as required.
    • Check Local Laws: Adhere to local regulations regarding rabies vaccination for cats.
  2. Avoid Wildlife Encounters
    • Keep Indoor: Limit your cat’s outdoor access to reduce the risk of encounters with wildlife.
    • Supervised Outdoor Time: If your cat does go outside, supervise it to minimize interactions with potentially rabid animals.
  3. Secure Your Home
    • Prevent Wildlife Entry: Make sure windows, doors, and vents are secured to prevent wildlife from entering your home.
  4. Education and Awareness
    • Learn About Rabies: Educate yourself about rabies, including its symptoms and prevention strategies.
    • Community Involvement: Participate in or support local vaccination and animal control programs.

What to Expect If Your Cat Is Diagnosed

  1. Medical Advice
    • Follow Vet Recommendations: Your vet will provide specific instructions based on your cat’s condition, which may include quarantine or euthanasia if rabies is confirmed.
  2. Health and Safety Measures
    • Protect Yourself and Others: If rabies is confirmed, ensure that all people and pets who may have been exposed are informed and receive appropriate medical advice.
  3. Dealing with the Loss
    • Grief and Support: If the diagnosis is terminal, dealing with the loss of a pet can be emotionally challenging. Seek support from friends, family, or pet loss counseling services.