What is rabies?
The rabies virus is highly contagious and can affect the central nervous system of any mammal. However, the disease is preventable. Spread through bites from infected animals, the virus travels along the nerves from the site of the bite to the spinal cord before moving to the brain. At this point, the infected animal will start to display symptoms and typically die within seven days.
How does rabies spread?
Bats, foxes, raccoons, and skunks are the most common carriers of rabies in the United States. However, any mammal can become infected with the disease. Areas with high populations of feral, unvaccinated cats and dogs typically have a high incidence of rabies.
Rabies spreads through infected mammals' saliva and is most often transmitted via bites from infected animals. Rabies can also be transmitted when an animal's mucous membranes, like the gums or an open wound, come into contact with an infected animal's saliva. The more often your cat interacts with wild animals, the more likely they are to become infected.
If your cat has the rabies virus, it can also transmit the virus to you, along with other people or animals in your home. When an infected animal's saliva (cats may be included in this group) comes into contact with mucous membranes or broken skin, people can become infected with rabies.
Though it is also possible to contract rabies from being scratched, this is extremely rare and unlikely. If you suspect you have come into contact with the rabies virus, contact your doctor right away so you can be vaccinated against rabies and prevent the disease from spreading.
How common is rabies in cats?
Fortunately, rabies is no longer common in cats since most states require household pets to be vaccinated against the virus to help prevent it from spreading.
However, this virus is not completely eradicated and is now more common in cats than in dogs. Hundreds of cats are still diagnosed with rabies across the United States annually, nearly all after interacting with a wild animal.
Even indoor cats are still at risk for rabies because infected animals, including mice and bats, can enter your home and spread this disease to your cat. If you believe your cat has been bitten by another animal, contact your veterinarian to confirm your four-legged friend has not been exposed to the rabies virus, even if they are vaccinated.
What are the signs and symptoms of rabies in cats?
Generally, the rabies virus as three recognizable stages in cats. The specific stages, including signs and symptoms that accompany each stage, are listed below.
Prodromal Stage – A rabid cat's behavior will typically change at this stage. For example, if your kitty is typically outgoing, they may become more shy, and vice versa. If you notice your cat's behavior change after it's been bitten by an unknown animal, keep them away from other pets and family members, then contact your vet right away.
Furious Stage – This stage is the most dangerous since it causes your pet to become nervous and even vicious. They may have seizures, scream incessantly, and quit eating. This is because the virus has progressed to a point where it is attacking the nervous system, preventing your cat from swallowing. During this phase, cats often drool excessively, a classic symptom often described as "foaming at the mouth".
Paralytic stage - This is the stage at which a rabid cat will go into a coma and cease breathing. Unfortunately, this is the stage at which most pets die. This usually happens about seven days after the symptoms first appear, with death occurring after about three days of a cat being in this stage.
How long will it take for my cat to show symptoms of rabies?
If your cat has been exposed to the rabies virus, it will not show any symptoms right away. The typical incubation period is three to eight weeks, but it can last anywhere from 10 days to a year.
The time it takes for symptoms to appear is entirely dependent on the location of the infection. A bite that is closer to the spine or brain will develop much faster than others, and the severity of the bite will also play a role.
How is rabies treated in cats?
Unfortunately, if your cat develops rabies and symptoms begin to appear, there is nothing you or your veterinarian can do to help it. There is no known cure for rabies, and once cats start to display symptoms, their health will deteriorate in a matter of days.
Provide proof of vaccination to your veterinarian if your pet has received the kitten shots that protect them from rabies, including all required boosters. If anyone comes into contact with their saliva or is bitten by your pet (including yourself), tell them to see a doctor right away. Unfortunately, rabies is always fatal in unvaccinated animals, usually within 7 to 10 days of the onset of symptoms.
If your cat is diagnosed with rabies, you must notify your local health department. Unvaccinated pets that are bitten or exposed to a known rabid animal must be quarantined for up to six months, or for the length of time specified by local and state regulations. In contrast, a vaccinated animal that has bitten or scratched a human should be quarantined and monitored for 10 days.
To alleviate their suffering and to protect the other people and pets in your home, your pet should be humanely euthanized. If your cat dies suddenly from what you suspect is rabies, your veterinarian may advise you to have a sample of the cat's brain examined. The only sure way to diagnose rabies is through direct brain testing.
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.