Rabies, although rare, is a serious condition affecting animals and people. For your and your family's safety, vaccinate your cats against rabies, even if they are indoors. If you suspect a cat has rabies, call a veterinarian immediately and consult a doctor if you or others have been exposed. Rabies has a long incubation period---up to 12 months after initial infection. Once active, it spreads to the brain, eventually causing death. The symptoms described below typically appear in the first 1 to 2 days after the virus becomes active.
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Sudden Change in Behavior
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Friendly cats may become aggressive or withdrawn after contracting rabies, whereas aggressive cats may become affectionate.
Excessive Licking
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Most animals get rabies after an infected animal bites them. Cats may lick the site of the wound excessively.
Fever
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Cats are more likely than dogs to develop a fever---a temperature higher than 102.5 degrees F---in the early stage of rabies.
Anxiety
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Signs of anxiety in cats include excessive meowing, grooming, scratching, pacing or inappropriate urination or defecation.
Later Symptoms
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After the first two days, additional symptoms develop, including seizures, choking, vicious behavior, and an inability to swallow, causing drooling or "foaming at the mouth."
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