Image Source: Pixabay.com/Introduction
Rabies is one of the oldest known diseases infecting both humans
and animals. Although the diseases are mostly identified with
dogs, it does not leave cats from its grip. Out of all viral
infections that afflict cats, rabies is perhaps the deadliest as
it affects the central nervous system of cats. The virus infects,
replicates and survives within the animal's body until it finally
reaches the brain, when symptoms start to show. The virus is
transmitted through salivary contact, entering through open
wounds, which means cats can get it by means of bite from another
infected cat.
What are the symptoms of rabies in cats?
To treat rabies in cats, you should understand the typical
symptoms of the disease. Symptoms of rabies in cats appear in
stages recognized by different behaviors. The worse part is the
contagiousness of the disease; it can spread easily from animal
to animal or animal to humans. The following symptoms will help
you identify the disease and take actions immediately:
-
Stage One: Prodromal
phase This phase lasts for one to two
days, and includes the following symptoms:• Erratic behavior•
Fever• Mood changes• Excessive salivating• Pupil dilation• Fly
biting• Solitary behavior• Appetite loss• Itching in wound
-
Stage two: Furious
Phase Beginning on the second or third
day, the second stage makes the cat more erratic than before.
It may start eating inedible objects like sticks or stones.
Other symptoms include the following:• Loitering around• Change
in the sound of the cat's voice• Violent or aggressive
behavior• Irritability• Disorientation and seizures• Loss of
muscle coordination
-
Stage 3: Paralytic
Stage Also called the dumb face, this
stage makes the cat unresponsive and depressed. Other symptoms
include the following:• Protruding tongue and open mouth•
Weakness• Foaming• Paralysis• Difficulty in breathing• Coma or
death
Diagnosis of Rabies in Cats
If your cat has been bitten by an other cat that is suspected to
carry the virus, but your cat does not show the typical symptoms
of rabies, then it is quarantined for a period of 10 days and
given anti-rabies injections. However, if your cat starts showing
symptoms, then veterinarian assistance is needed for a faster
treatment. The best way to tell if your cat is infected with the
virus is by examining its brain. In severe cases, the cat is
euthanized to prevent the disease from spreading to humans or
other animals.
Vaccination for rabies
Vaccination of cats with rabies vaccines can prevent it from
countering the disease. The vaccine is usually given when your
cat is nearing three months of age. However, a regular
vaccination schedule hereafter is needed to keep the disease at
bay.
3 Common Symptoms of Cat Rabies
3 Heart-Breaking Signs of Rabies in Cats (Prevention Tips)
Can cats have rabies and can the disease get transmitted to
humans? The answer to both those questions is a resounding yes.
Rabies is a terrible viral disease that attacks the central
nervous system and is close to 100 percent fatal once symptoms
appear. According to the CDC, rabies in cats is on the rise, and
cats are now more likely than dogs to be reported rabid in the
United States.
Cats and Rabies (All it Takes is a Small Scratch)
The rabies virus progresses quickly, and if your cat is ever
bitten or scratched by a wild animal or a dog or cat that you
don't think has been vaccinated against rabies, you should seek
veterinary attention immediately.
Stages of Cat Rabies Symptoms
The symptoms of rabies in cats can vary and they often take
months to be apparent. Rabies symptoms in cats can be categorized
into three stages, the prodromal, the furious, and the paralytic.
Each stage is associated with unique sets of symptoms. Cats with
rabies may go through one stage only or all three. In most cases,
there will be a combination of physical and behavioral symptoms.
#1 Prodromal Symptoms
Prodromal is the first stage of rabies in cats. At this stage,
the cat may exhibit changes in temperament. Active cats can
become nervous, withdrawn, and lethargic. Cats with mellow
demeanor may become agitated, aggressive, and vocal.
Symptoms: Change
in demeanor, increased aggression, sudden unnatural shyness, or
constant state of agitation.
#2 Furious Symptoms
Known as ‘furious stage’, this is the second stage of feline
rabies. If a cat enters this stage symptoms it becomes highly
irritable and dangerously aggressive. Cats in the furious stage
of rabies are easily provoked and they often do not hesitate to
attack. Some cats experience muscular spasms in throat and mouth
muscles. This results in excessive drooling induced by difficulty
in swallowing saliva. Some cats experience slack-jaw and face
severe difficulty in breathing. As this form of rabies
progresses, cats might experience disorientation and have
seizures that result in death.
Symptoms:Unnaturally
high aggressive state of mind and drooling.
#3 Paralytic Symptoms
Like its name suggests, paralytic stage of rabies is marked by a
typical comatose state in cats. Some cats can bypass the furious
stage and directly enter this stage. Most cats succumb to
respiratory failure.
Symptoms:Paralysis
culminating in death.
Rabies Prevention
Fortunately, this deadly disease is preventable. Cats should
receive their first rabies vaccination at around three months of
age and then regular boosters according to a schedule set by your
veterinarian. The rabies vaccine is more than just a good idea as
it’s mandated by most state laws. Take a look at
this chart of rabies laws by
state.
Two Rules of Rabies Prevention in Cats
- Never Miss a Vaccination Shot
- Keep Cats Indoors During Rabies Endemic
More on Cat Diseases
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Likely Cause
Managing Treatment for
Diabetic Cats
Cat Tumors and Cat Skin Disease - How to Detect Them and What You
Can Do
This information is for informational
purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the
professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your
veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been
verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
