Incubation Period of Rabies in Cats

The incubation period for cat rabies averages two to six weeks, but may extend to a year or longer. The incubation period is the time from when the cat contracts the virus to time it displays symptoms.

  1. Cause

    • Rabies is caused by a virus that is generally transmitted in the saliva of infected animals through a bite. The virus does not live long outside a host and rarely causes infections other than from saliva transmitted in bites. Airborne rabies infection is very rare. The virus attacks nerve cells and spreads to the spinal cord and brain.

    Symptoms After Incubation

    • Infected cats display three groups of symptoms following the incubation period. The groups may overlap. The first stage includes subtle changes in behavior. The ̶0;furious̶1; stage involves hyperactivity and possibly seizures. The paralytic phase is terminal, although animals may die in the second stage.

    Treatment

    • There is no cure once the virus is transmitted during the incubation period or after. Infected cats are generally euthanized. Asymptomatic cats may be kept in isolation and observed for symptoms.

    Vaccinated Cats

    • Healthy cats that may have been exposed to rabies should get a booster shot.

    Prevention

    • Rabies can be prevented by two doses of vaccine given to cats eight to 10 weeks old with annual booster shots.