How to Know if a Cat Has Rabies

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Rabies is a highly infectious and potentially fatal viral disease that affects mammals, including cats. It is important for cat owners and those who frequently interact with cats to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of rabies in order to protect themselves and others from the spread of this dangerous virus. Rabies in cats is not only a serious health concern for the infected feline but also poses a significant risk to humans. This guide aims to provide insights on how to know if a cat has rabies by highlighting the key signs to look out for and the necessary steps to take if you suspect your cat may be infected. By understanding the signs and taking prompt action, you can play a vital role in preventing the transmission of rabies and protecting the wellbeing of both felines and humans.

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This article was co-written by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Elliott is a veterinarian with more than thirty years of experience in veterinary surgery and pet treatment. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary surgeon. She has worked at a veterinary clinic in her hometown for more than 20 years.

There are 9 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 76,937 times.

There are several cases of cat rabies in the United States each year. ^{[1] X Credible Sources Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source} Cats have rabies because they have not been vaccinated against the disease or their vaccines have lapsed and they come into contact with wild animals are carrying rabies. If you come into contact with a cat that is suspected of having rabies, there are certain signs of the disease that you can recognize in the animal. Always deal with extreme caution and do not try to catch cats that are at risk of infection. Immediately contact animal control, a local wildlife organization, or call the police on the non-emergency line.

Table of Contents

Steps

Detect the symptoms of rabies

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Watch for early symptoms of rabies. The incubation period can last from two to ten days. During this time, the cat will have a slight change in condition with unclear manifestations. Inconclusive early-stage disease symptoms include: ^{[2] X Kahn Research Source , C, (2010), <i>Merck Veterinary Manual</i>, ISBN 978-0911910933}

• muscle pain
• jitter
• easily irritable
• shivering
• fever
• malaise, this is a common condition that occurs when cats are sick and upset
• photophobia, extreme fear of bright lights
• anorexia, or disinterest in food
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• cough
• unable or unwilling to chew

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Check for bites or signs of fighting on the cat’s body. If you think your pet cat may have been exposed to an animal infected with rabies, check it for bites or signs of a fight. The rabies virus can live on a cat’s skin or fur for up to two hours, so it’s a good idea to wear gloves and long sleeves and pants before handling your cat. The saliva of an infected animal can be passed on to a healthy animal through a bite. When the pathogen enters the body, the rabies virus travels along nerves to the spinal cord and then to the brain. ^{[3] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source} Take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice any of these signs:

• bites
• scales
• scratches
• ruffled hair with dried saliva
• lots of pus

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Look for symptoms of “stupid” rabies or polio rabies. Rabies is the most common type of rabies in cats. A cat with rabies will show signs of lethargy, panic attacks, and moodiness. ^{[4] X Research Source Kahn, C, (2010), <i>Merck Veterinary Manual</i>, ISBN 978-0911910933} In this form of rabies, cats are usually non-aggressive and rarely bite. Symptoms of “stun” or polio rabies include: ^{[5] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to source}

• paralysis (inability to move) in the legs, jaw muscles, or part of the body
• jaw dropped, looks like “stiff”.
• drool drooling foam around the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing

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You should be extra cautious if your cat has rabid rabies. Cats with rabid rabies are often aggressive, exhibit unusual behaviors, and foam at the mouth. When it comes to rabies, most people think of these behaviors, but feline rabies is less common than rabies. You should call animal control for assistance if you think your cat is suffering from rabies. A cat with rabies will attack, so don’t try to catch the cat yourself. Signs of rabies include: ^{[6] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to source}

• tent drool like foam around the edge
• fear of water, seeming to be afraid of being near water, or of the sound of water
• ferocious, such as baring his teeth as if about to bite
• jitter
• Don’t care about food
• Bite or attack
• unusual behavior, like biting yourself

Treating cats with rabies

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Call animal control if you spot a cat showing signs of infection. Do not try to catch a rabid cat on your own. If you see symptoms of infection in a cat, the best option is to contact animal control. This way, the cat will be taken to the vet without endangering you.

• You should contact animal control when your cat behaves strangely or becomes aggressive. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Take your cat to the vet. If your cat is bitten by another cat or animal, put it in a cage and take it to the vet as soon as possible. ^{[8] X Research Source} Your veterinarian will ask you about possible exposure to rabies (persistent yard odor, possible exposure to raccoons, or any other bats in the area) and Keep an eye on your cat.

• Remember that there are not any live animal tests to determine which animals are infected with rabies. To diagnose rabies, the brain will be removed from the body, and small parts of the brain will be examined under a microscope for the presence of Negri bodies.

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Ask for a booster shot of your cat’s rabies vaccine. If your cat has been previously vaccinated against rabies, he will receive a booster dose of rabies vaccine immediately after being bitten. This will support the cat’s immune system against the virus. Cats should be monitored for signs of rabies within 45 days. You can do this at home as long as your cat will be confined and not exposed to any animals or people outside. ^{[9] X Trusted Source Washington State University Cplege of Veterinary Medicine Go to source}

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Be aware that euthanasia may be necessary. If the cat is not vaccinated against rabies and is bitten by other rabies infected animals, euthanasia is recommended. ^{[10] X Research Source} Rabies is a serious threat to human health and there is a high chance that the cat will also get rabies.

• If the owner refuses to use euthanasia, the cat will then need to be isolated and monitored for 6 months. This quarantine must be conducted at a veterinary clinic at the owner’s expense.
• If the cat does not die of rabies within this time, the cat will be allowed to return home. One month before being released, the cat will need to be vaccinated against rabies.

Protect cats from rabies

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Make sure your cat has the latest rabies vaccinations. Rabies vaccination for cats is the best, most valuable method to prevent rabies. In many countries, rabies vaccination is regulated by law.

• Schedule regular vaccinations with your veterinarian to maintain the effectiveness of your cat’s rabies vaccine. Some vaccines need to be given every year, every two years, or every three years. ^{[11] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

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Keep cats indoors. Another way to protect your pet cat from rabies is to isolate them from wild animals. Keeping cats indoors is a good practice because the cat will not have to come into contact with nearby animals that may be carrying rabies such as cats, raccoons or other animals.

• If your cat has a habit of going outside, you should only allow them to go out under your close supervision. Don’t let your cat get close to any strange animals. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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Do not allow wild animals to enter your yard. Wild animals often carry rabies germs. If your yard doesn’t attract wildlife, your cat will have less chance of coming into contact with infected animals. There are a few ways you can prevent wildlife from entering your yard: ^{[13] X Research Source}

• Tightly cover all trash cans.
• Make sure there are no hiding places for skunks or raccoons, like under the deck of a ship or your house.
• Build a fence to keep stray animals from sneaking into your yard.
• Planting trees and pruning shrubs

Advice

• Remember that age is not a factor in determining whether a cat is infected. Even kittens are susceptible to rabies.

Warning

• Treat the bite by washing it with soap and water and contact your doctor right away even if you don’t think the animal is sick. The bite can become seriously infected if not treated immediately. ^{[14] X Research Source}
• You should be extra cautious with bats, raccoons, skunks and even foxes. In the United States, they are the most common carriers of rabies. ^{[15] X Research Source}
• Leave wild animals alone! This includes newborn animals. Even newborn animals can carry rabies. If you find several newborns abandoned by their mothers, you should call animal control or wildlife support and ask them to take care of the animal. ^{[16] X Research Source}

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This article was co-written by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Elliott is a veterinarian with more than thirty years of experience in veterinary surgery and pet treatment. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary surgeon. She has worked at a veterinary clinic in her hometown for more than 20 years.

There are 9 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 76,937 times.

There are several cases of cat rabies in the United States each year. ^{[1] X Credible Sources Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source} Cats have rabies because they have not been vaccinated against the disease or their vaccines have lapsed and they come into contact with wild animals are carrying rabies. If you come into contact with a cat that is suspected of having rabies, there are certain signs of the disease that you can recognize in the animal. Always deal with extreme caution and do not try to catch cats that are at risk of infection. Immediately contact animal control, a local wildlife organization, or call the police on the non-emergency line.

In conclusion, knowing if a cat has rabies is of utmost importance for the safety and well-being of both humans and animals. Recognizing the signs and symptoms, such as sudden aggression, excessive drooling, and paralysis, can help in the early detection and prevention of this dangerous disease. By observing any abnormal behavior or symptoms in our cats, consulting a veterinarian, and taking necessary precautions, we can ensure the protection of our beloved pets and ourselves. Furthermore, responsible pet ownership, which includes keeping our cats vaccinated, reducing their exposure to potential carriers of rabies, and practicing caution while dealing with stray animals, is key in preventing the spread of this fatal illness. Remember, early detection and immediate medical intervention are crucial in treating rabies, and any concerns about a cat potentially having rabies should be addressed promptly by a professional. By staying informed, vigilant, and proactive, we can minimize the risks associated with rabies and ensure the well-being of our feline companions.

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