Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system of cats. According to the Northern Animal Clinic, rabies is fatal once symptoms begin to show.
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Behavioral Changes
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The initial phase of rabies involves a reverse of a cat's normal social behavior. Outgoing cats become withdrawn, and introverted cats become aggressive and violent.
Vocal Changes
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Cats affected by rabies will begin to howl constantly. As the condition starts to progress, the cat's howling voice will change noticeably and quickly.
Progressive Paralysis
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Parts of the cat's body will begin to shut down as paralysis begins to set in. The most common symptoms of paralysis are labored breathing due to paralyzed abdominal muscles, and a loss of appetite due to paralyzed facial muscles that prevent the cat from being able to eat.
Dementia
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Dementia will begin to set in as the disease continues to attack the cat's nervous system. The cat may begin to battle invisible opponents, or start to chew on things such as stones and glass.
Eye Pupils
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A common symptom of rabies that occurs from the very onset of the condition are the perpetually widened pupils of the cat's eyes.
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