Rabies is a fatal virus that is extremely contagious among pets, including cats. In this blog, our Madison veterinarians discuss the effects of the rabies virus on cats, including how common it is, the symptoms it causes, and how it can be avoided.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a highly contagious virus that, thankfully, can be avoided. This disease affects mammals' central nervous systems. The disease spreads through bites from infected animals and travels along the nerves from the bite site to the spinal cord and the brain. When the rabies virus enters the brain, the infected animal exhibits symptoms and usually dies within seven days.
How does rabies spread?
Raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks are the most common carriers of rabies in the United States, but the disease can affect any mammal. Rabies is typically found in areas with high populations of unvaccinated feral cats and dogs.
Rabies spreads through infected mammals' saliva and is most commonly transmitted through bites from infected animals. Rabies can also be transmitted when an infected animal's saliva comes into contact with an open wound or mucous membranes, such as the gums. The more your cat comes into contact with wild animals, the more likely it is to become infected.
If your cat has the rabies virus, it can infect you and other humans and animals in your home. When the saliva of an infected animal, such as your cat, comes into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes, people can become infected with rabies.
How common is rabies in cats?
Cats typically get rabies after being bitten by a wild animal; however, even if you have an indoor cat, it is still at risk because infected animals, such as mice, can enter your home and spread the disease to your cat. If you believe another animal has bitten your cat, contact your veterinarian to ensure your feline friend has not been exposed to the rabies virus, even if they are vaccinated.
What are the chances of getting rabies from a cat scratch?
Rabies is transmitted through saliva, so fortunately, the chances of contracting rabies from a cat scratch are low. The only chance it might spread through a scratch is when scratching is accompanied by hissing and biting, which can aerosolize and transmit the virus to another individual.
What are the signs & symptoms of rabies in cats?
Generally, there are three recognizable stages of the rabies virus in cats. We have listed the stages, including the signs and symptoms that accompany each stage:
Prodromal stage - At this stage, a rabid cat will typically exhibit changes in behavior that differ from its usual personality; for example, if your kitty is normally shy, it may become more outgoing, and vice versa. If you notice any behavioral changes in your cat after an unknown bite, keep it away from other pets and family members and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Furious stage - This is the most dangerous stage because it causes your pet to become nervous and even vicious. They may scream incessantly, have seizures, and stop eating. The virus has progressed to the point where it is attacking the nervous system, preventing your cat from swallowing, resulting in the classic symptom of excessive drooling known 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.
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 immediately. The typical incubation period is three to eight weeks, lasting from ten days to a year.
The time it takes for symptoms to appear depends entirely on the infection's location. A bite 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 symptoms, you or your veterinarian can do nothing to help it. There is no known cure for rabies; once symptoms appear, your cat's health will deteriorate in 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 immediately. Unfortunately, rabies is always fatal in unvaccinated animals, usually within sept to ten days of the onset of symptoms.
You must notify your local health department if your cat is diagnosed with rabies. 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 ten 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 ensure 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.