Rabies is one of the diseases commonly attacking pets, such as dogs and cats. That’s why it is very important to keep your cats vaccinated in order to prevent them from getting this disease.

Read the article about are vaccinated dogs safe from rabies: here is the answer. Though it still can be cured, but it is better to keep your cats away from this disease.

Rabies is a viral disease that infects the brain and spinal cord of mammals, including cats. This virus can be transmitted through contact with the infected animals, especially through their saliva.

The saliva of the infected animals is rich in virus and entering the victim’s tissues and being attached to the local muscles. Then, it will infiltrate the local nerves and slowly climb to the brain.

The transmission of this virus is commonly found by the bite of the infected animal to the victim. This virus will take weeks or months before developing.

Let’s take a look deeper on the symptoms of rabies in cats that you need to be aware of.

Symptoms of Rabies in Cats

It is said before that it might need weeks, months or even a year for the symptoms to materialize after the bite that infects the cat. The speed of the symptoms of rabies to develop depends on two factors: the severity of the bite and the site of infection.

The closer the bite to the brain and spinal cord of your cat, then the faster the virus will reach the tissues and stimulate the symptoms. Otherwise, the further the location of the bite from the brain, then the longer time it will take the virus to have the incubation period.

Regarding to the severity of the bite, it will take around 4-8 weeks for the virus to develop some clinical signs. The symptoms of the rabies virus are:

Severe change in behavior
Loss of appetite
Unknown cause of paralysis that gets worsen as time passes by
Drooling, difficulty in swallowing and foaming at the mouth
Opposite behavior (unfriendly cat changes to friendly and vice versa)

You can also take a look at symptoms to tell that your cat has rabies if you’re not sure yet whether it is infected.

Moreover, it will take 3 stages for rabies virus to progress. They are:

Prodromal stage

This stage takes place in the first 2 to 3 days of the symptoms. The symptoms of this prodromal stage are:

Personality and temperament change
Licking and biting near the bite site that led to infection
Quiet cats turn into aggressive ones
Outgoing and friendly cat turns to shy and nervous ones
Larynx begins to spasms, there’s a change in the voice

Furious stage

This is the second stage of rabies, is also well known as the “mad dog” stage. This stage occurs on the second or third day and at this stage the cat will display more erratic behavior, such as eating inedible objects like stones. The other symptoms are:

Snapping at objects that aren’t there (presence of hallucination)
Aggressive or violent behavior
Irritability
Biting itself
Disorientation

Paralytic stage

This stage occurs on the final 2 to 4 days. Another name of this phase is “the dumb phase”. The cat will likely to become more depressed and unable to give response. The other symptoms you can observe through this stage are:

Paralysis that leads to death
Choking
Coma
Foaming at the mouth
Weakness
Labored breathing
Failure in respiratory system

As an owner, you don’t want your cat to go to paralysis stage, do you? To prevent your cat from getting rabies, there are several ways you can do. Let’s check them out.

Vaccination

This is one of the best prevention for your cat from being infected by rabies virus. There are some vaccinations your cat must get in order for her to stay healthy and safe from getting infected by deadly diseases. Make sure you read these essential vaccines for cat. Make sure you do it regularly.

Kittens can get the vaccination since they are between 12 to 20 weeks old. A booster shot will be given one year after the first vaccination. Then, additional boosters will be given every one to three years later.

It is better for you to keep your cats indoor.

By doing so, you can minimize the risk of your cat from getting infected by rabies. Outdoor cats have greater risk of getting rabies as they might be in contact with the infected ones. If you see that your cat starts to feel bored staying inside, then you can apply these popular tips to keep your cat happy playing indoors.

Never touch a bat.

Bat is commonly known as the carrier of this virus. If you see an injured or dead bat near your cat, then contact your vet immediately.

Spay or neuter your cat to prevent the unwanted number of cats in your environment. There are more reasons why you should spay your cat. It is for her own good!