Rabies is a viral infection that affects humans and animals, including cats. The virus attacks the nervous system, which may cause death in infected humans.
Vaccinated cats may have lower risks of getting infected by rabies. However, there’s still a chance that they can get infected or possibly be carriers of the virus. The risks are higher for outdoor and unvaccinated cats.
As a cat owner, it’s vital to know the causes, symptoms, preventive methods, and what you must do in case your cat gets exposed to the virus. You must be an informed pet owner, especially when living in a city like Dubai, where rabies vaccination is mandated by the local government.
What is Rabies in Cats?
Rabies in cats is caused by the rabies virus. It affects the nervous system of mammals, such as cats, dogs, and even humans. It’s usually fatal when the symptoms begin to appear.
The virus spreads through an infected animal’s saliva, often through bites. When a rabid animal bites a cat or other animals, the virus gets into the bloodstream and goes into the brain. This causes inflammation and brain damage.
Indoor, domestic cats have the least risk of getting rabies. Still, incidences of roaming can expose an indoor cat to rabies.
The risks are higher in regions where there are many unvaccinated stray cats, such as Dubai. If your pet gets in contact with rabid, unvaccinated cats in your community, there’s a chance it will acquire rabies.
How Do Cats Get Rabies?
Rabies is mainly transmitted through bites from rabid animals, which can be stray animals or wildlife. A cat that gets bitten by a larger rabid predator or another cat can get infected with rabies.
It’s important to remember that rabies can’t be transmitted through cat scratches. If a cat scratch breaks the skin and hisses or licks at the wound, then there’s a risk of getting infected.
The virus symptoms may not show up for weeks or months after exposure to the rabies virus. This is why some pet owners might not easily notice that their cats are already infected.
Rabies Symptoms in Cats
Rabies in cats appear in three stages, which have different symptoms. Here are the three stages of a rabies infection.
Stage 1: The Prodromal Stage
The prodromal or initial stage is when cats exhibit minor behavioral changes. These signs include:
- Loss of appetite
- Increased nervousness or anxiety
- Hyperexcitability or irritability
- Excessive drooling
Stage 2: The Excitative or Furious Stage
The excitative or furious stage is when the virus progresses, and the cat becomes aggressive and more agitated. The symptoms of this stage include:
- Sudden aggression
- Unusual behavior during the day
- Dilated pupils
- Hypersensitivity to noise or light
- Unprovoked biting or attacking
- Difficulty swallowing
Stage 3: The Paralytics or Dumb Stage
The final stage of the rabies virus is when the cat becomes paralyzed. In this stage, the cat’s muscles for controlling the jaw and swallowing are affected. The signs include:
- Inability to swallow
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Loss of muscle coordination
- Paralysis of the entire body
What to Do if Your Cat Is Exposed to Rabies
Rabies symptoms in cats may appear to be other health problems. This is why detecting this infection early can be difficult.
If you suspect your cat to be exposed to a rabid animal, it’s important to take it to a pet hospital immediately. Your cat must be given prompt veterinary care before any symptoms appear.Veterinarians will guide you on the next steps of how your cat will be treated. If your cat isn’t vaccinated against rabies, it might be strictly isolated and observed for up to six months. This may depend on your local regulations.
The vet may administer a booster shot if your cat’s rabies vaccines are updated. It will still be monitored and can be isolated, but only for about one and a half months.
Preventing Rabies in Cats
One of the sure ways to prevent rabies in cats is through vaccination. In Dubai, all pet cats are required to be vaccinated against rabies and should have annual booster shots.
If you’re unable to do this, you might face a fine. And if your cat is still unvaccinated after the warning, the local government might confiscate your pet.
It’s important that kittens at around 12 or 16 weeks old be given their first rabies shots. Doing this not only protects your pet from the fatal virus. It also protects you, your family, and the community.
Apart from vaccinating your cat, you must also limit your pet’s exposure to risks like wild animals and strays, which can be potentially rabid.
Conclusion
Remember to be a responsible pet owner by getting your cat vaccinated and by keeping it safe from the risks of getting infected. Consult your veterinarian regarding the vaccination schedule for your cat, which may depend on risk factors and local regulations in your region.
If you or your cat becomes exposed to a rabid animal, get emergency medical help. Survival of rabies infections will depend on early medical intervention. This is because when symptoms begin to appear, the rabies virus is almost always fatal.
FAQs
Do cats have rabies?
Rabies in vaccinated, indoor cats are rare, but they can still be at risk to outdoor or stray cats and to rabid wild animals.
Does a cat scratch transmit rabies?
No, a cat scratch doesn’t transmit rabies unless the skin gets broken and the saliva of a rabid cat gets into the bloodstream through the wound.
Can a cat bite give you rabies?
Yes, a cat bite can transmit rabies if infected or rabid. If you get bitten by a cat, it’s important to seek emergency medical care and report the incident immediately to the right authorities.
How long does it take for rabies to show in cats?
Rabies may appear in cats after weeks or months after getting exposed to the rabies virus. The symptoms of rabies don’t show immediately, so it’s best to ask for guidance from your vet if you suspect your cat has been exposed to the virus.
What are the first signs of rabies in cats?
The first signs of rabies in cats include behavioral changes, increased anxiety, and loss of appetite. As the viral infection progresses, the symptoms become more severe until the infected cat becomes completely paralyzed.
References
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/rabies-cats-what-it-and-what-causes-it
https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/rabies-in-cats
https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/brain-spinal-cord-and-nerve-disorders-of-cats/rabies-in-cat
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