The rabies virus is a highly contagious lethal pathogen that infects the brains of mammals, including cats. Today, our Rabun County vets explain how rabies can impact cats, including how common it is, symptoms, and prevention methods.
What is rabies?
Rabies is an extremely contagious but preventable virus. This illness attacks the mammals' central nervous systems, including those of cats.
The disease spreads through bites from infected animals and travels from the site of the bite along the nerves until it reaches the spinal cord. It then works its way to the brain. As soon as the rabies virus reaches the brain, the affected animal will begin to display signs of infection and often die within seven days.
How does rabies spread?
In the United States, wildlife, like foxes, bats, skunks, and raccoons, are most responsible for spreading rabies. However, any mammal can contract this disease. Rabies is typically found in areas with high populations of unvaccinated feral cats and dogs.
Rabies is spread through infected mammals' saliva and is most often transmitted via bites from infected animals. Rabies can also spread if the saliva of an infected animal comes into contact with mucous membranes (such as the gums) or an open wound. The more contact your cat has with wild animals, the higher its risk of becoming infected.
If your cat does happen to contract the rabies virus, they can spread it to you and other humans and animals living in your home. People can contract rabies when the saliva of the infected animal (like your cat) comes into contact with a mucous membrane or broken skin.
While it's possible to become infected with rabies by being scratched by a cat, it is very rare and unlikely. If you suspect that you have been in contact with the rabies virus, it's critical to call your doctor right away so they can administer a rabies vaccine to keep the disease from advancing within your body.
How common is rabies in cats?
Fortunately, rabies isn't common among cats today, largely in part due to the rabies vaccine. Most states have made this vaccine mandatory for household pets to help prevent this deadly virus from spreading.
However, the virus is now more common in cats than it is in dogs. Cats contract rabies most often after being bit by a wild animal. Even if you have an indoor cat, they are still at risk for rabies because infected animals, like mice, can enter your home and spread the virus to your cat.
If you believe your feline friend has been bitten by another animal, contact your vet, even if your cat has been vaccinated.
What are the signs and symptoms of rabies in cats?
Generally, there are three recognizable stages of the rabies virus in cats. Here are the stages, including the signs and symptoms that accompany each stage:
Prodormal stage – During this stage, you'll typically notice changes in behavior that differs from a cat's usual personality. If your cat is usually shy, they may become more outgoing if they are rabid, and vice versa. If you notice any behavioral abnormalities in your cat after they've been bitten by an unknown animal, separate them from other pets and family members, and call your vet immediately.
Furious stage - This stage is the most dangerous because it makes your pet nervous and even vicious. They might cry out excessively and experience seizures and stop eating. The virus has gotten to the stage where it has begun attacking the nervous system, and it prevents your cat from being able to swallow, leading to the classic symptom of 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, and won't be able to breathe. Unfortunately, this is the stage where pets usually pass away. This often takes place about seven days after symptoms first appear, with death usually happening after about 3 days.
How long will it take for my cat to show signs of rabies?
If your cat has been exposed to the rabies virus, it won't show any immediate signs or symptoms. The usual incubation period is approximately three to eight weeks, but, 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.
How is rabies treated in cats?
If your cat starts displaying symptoms of rabies, there is unfortunately nothing you or your vet can do to help them. There is no known cure for rabies and after symptoms start appearing, their health will deteriorate within a few days.
If your pet has had the kitten shots that protect them from rabies, including all required boosters, provide proof of vaccination to your veterinarian. If anyone came into contact with their saliva or was bitten by your pet (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 start.
If your cat is diagnosed with rabies you will have to report the case to your local health department. An unvaccinated pet 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.
Your pet should be humanely euthanized to ease their suffering and to protect the other people and pets in your home. If your cat dies suddenly of what you suspect to be rabies, your vet may recommend having a sample from the cat’s brain examined. Direct testing of the brain is the only way to diagnose rabies for sure.
The best protection against rabies in cats is to provide them with the appropriate vaccinations that help prevent the disease. Talk to your vet about scheduling an appointment to make sure your pet is up to date with their rabies shots and other vaccinations.
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.