Rabies is a viral disease that affects mainly carnivores and bats; however, all mammals are vulnerable to it. This medical issue can cause severe damage to an animal’s nervous system, the brain, and the spinal cord. Once an animal starts showing signs of rabies, its health starts deteriorating. It starts as neurological symptoms, such as lack of coordination, irritability, and nervousness, but these early signs of rabies in cats can quickly turn into paralysis and death. Since rabies is a zoonotic disease, it can also be transferred from animals to humans. The good news is that rabies is not common in domestic cats because of regular vaccinations. Let’s learn more about this disease, its early signs and symptoms, and how you can make sure your cat stays protected from it.
Signs and symptoms of rabies in cats
If you suspect that your cat has caught the rabies infection, look out for these signs:
- Nervousness
- Lack of coordination
- Irritability
- Drooling
- Sudden aggression
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excitability
- Loss of appetite
- Seizures and fits
- Dilated pupils
- Paralysis
- Sudden death
In many cases, the mild early signs of rabies in cats get worse in almost no time. A cat with rabies may have a reduced appetite at first and can suddenly become aggressive and uncoordinated. Unfortunately, with this infection’s progression, paralysis and death are inevitable.
Note: It is important to note that if your feline friend is rabid, even you can get rabies from cat scratch or bite. Hence, it is imperative to take your cat to a vet as soon as it starts showing the early signs of rabies.
Causes of rabies in cats
Cats usually get this virus after coming in direct contact with other infected animals. It can be through licks, bites, and infected surfaces. Once the virus enters your cat’s body, it starts multiplying at the site of the bite and travels along its nerves to the spinal cord and brain. Causing significant damage, the virus makes its way to the cat's salivary glands. This is when a cat becomes a carrier of the virus. If it bites another animal or human, they will also get infected in no time.
What is the treatment for cat rabies?
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for rabies. And since there is no treatment, death is inevitable. In some cases, if a cat is exposed to the virus, but is also up to date with the rabies vaccine, another dose can be administered to try and prevent the spread of the infection.
How do veterinarians diagnose rabies in cats?
The first step is to always learn whether or not the pet is up to date with the rabies vaccine. The veterinarian will then start to learn about the history of the infected cat. From the onset of early symptoms to potential exposure to other animals, the doctor needs to know everything. A thorough physical examination is necessary to identify a case of rabies. However, the only way to be sure of this disease is by conducting a post-mortem of the cat's brain. Here are the two tests that are used to diagnose rabies:
Immunofluorescence microscopy
A small sample of the cat's brain tissue is placed under a microscope slide and incubated with special antibodies. If the rabies virus is present, the sample viewed under the microscope will turn into a glowing bright green color. This is the most commonly used rabies test.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
In this test, a sample of the brain tissue is studied by analyzing the DNA in a specialized machine.
How to prevent rabies in cats?
If your cat is allowed to explore the outdoors, it is more likely to be exposed to this virus. Any encounter with other infected animals or wildlife can result in the contraction of the rabies virus. The best way to keep your cat safe from this virus is to keep it indoors and take it out for a walk under your supervision. Vaccinating your cat for this virus is non-negotiable.
Side effects of the rabies vaccine for cats
The side effects of the anti-rabies vaccine for cats may show up in a day or so. Your pet may seem lethargic and experience a loss of appetite. If you notice that your cat is showing symptoms, such as panting or difficulty breathing, this could be an indication of an allergic reaction to the vaccine. Seek medical assistance immediately and take your cat to the vet for a thorough examination.
Vaccinating your cat against the rabies virus should be the top priority for you. Once you bring a cat home, take it to the vet for a thorough examination and set up a vaccine cycle for it. Anti-rabies vaccines for cats are completely safe and will not cause a rabies infection. If you have any other concerns regarding the vaccine, address them with the veterinarian and educate yourself.