Feline Rabies

Rabies is found on every continent except Antarctica. It is one of a number of ailments that can pass from cats to people. Rabies in cats is incurable, according to the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Because rabies can be transmitted to people through bites of infected cats, many countries require that pet cats have rabies inoculations.

  1. First Symptoms

    • The first symptoms of rabies in cats are sudden behavioral changes in the cat, according to "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook." A cat may suddenly become aggressive or a normally shy cat may suddenly become affectionate. Other early signs include staring at nothing, hiding from all contact with humans or other animals and preferring to stay in dark places rather than ones with light.

    Later Symptoms

    • Cats with rabies will then develop symptoms of either furious rabies or dumb or paralytic rabies. Furious rabies is the stereotypical image of a rabid animal, with cats becoming extremely aggressive and prone to wandering about. Dumb rabies can happen in the place of or after furious rabies, where the cat will drool uncontrollably, become very still and have problems breathing. Eventually, rabid cats go into seizures and die.

    Risks

    • Cats that live outdoors have a much higher risk of contracting rabies than indoor cats because outdoor cats may come in contact with animals that are already infected with rabies. These can include small animals they hunt. Because many countries require all pet dogs to have a rabies inoculation, rabies is not found in stray dogs nearly as much as in stray cats, according to the ASPCA.

    Significance

    • Anyone bit by a feral or stray cat should assume the cat has rabies. The bite wound should immediately be washed with hot water and soap. If the cat's owner is known, he should be contacted to see if the cat has been inoculated against rabies. But if the cat's owner is not known, as is usually the case with stray cats, go to the hospital. Contact the police so they can catch and euthanize the cat. They will then check the cat's brain to see if it had rabies.

    Prevention

    • Feline rabies is easily preventable through vaccinations. Kittens should get their first rabies shots when they are three or four months old, according to PetEducation.com. Adult cats need boosters every one to three years, depending if they are indoor or outdoor cats.