Rabies is a virus that almost always kills animals that get it, including cats. The good news is that you can keep your cat from getting rabies with a simple shot. Always make sure that your cats are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Rabies attacks the central nervous system (CNS), moving through the nervous system until it gets to the brain. Rabies can happen to any mammal, even to people.
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Symptoms of Cat Rabies
Rabies can start slowly and be hard to spot in its early stages. During the first two to four days of an infection, your cat may get a fever, have less energy than usual, and eat less.
Symptoms tend to get worse quickly, leading to weakness in the legs or paralysis, seizures, trouble breathing, too much saliva because it’s hard to swallow, and strange behaviour. Changes in behaviour can range from being very angry to being very sad or even going into a coma.
Causes of Rabies in Cats
The most common way a cat gets sick is when an infected animal bites it and spreads the virus through its saliva. Can saliva or nerve tissue from an infected animal enter an open wound or the mucous membranes of a cat’s eyes, nose, or mouth? This can cause the virus to spread without a bite.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Rabies in Cats
Rabies can’t be diagnosed in a living animal, so paying attention to the signs and understanding what they mean is essential. If a vet thinks a cat has rabies based on how it is acting, they can test the cat’s brain tissue after the cat has died. Direct fluorescent antibody testing is used to look at the brain tissue.
Treatment for Rabies in Cats
Rabies in cats can’t be treated, so if the disease is strongly suspected, it’s best to put the cat to sleep humanely. Because of this, it is essential to keep your cat’s rabies shot up to date to protect their health and safety if they are exposed to the disease.
Treatment and Care for Cats with Rabies
Rabies is almost always fatal, and once a cat has been infected and is showing symptoms, there is no chance of recovery or long-term care. If you notice signs or think the cat might have rabies, you must immediately take it to an emergency vet.
Read More: Rabies in Dogs
