How to determine if a cat has rabies

A record of vaccination is placed in the cat's passport. Cats may participate in all kinds of exhibitions, travel only if they have documents confirming the vaccination.

How to recognize rabies in a cat

Contributor(s): Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and treating companion animals. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked in the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Number of sources used in this article: 11. You will find a list of them at the bottom of the page.

About 55-60,000 people die from rabies each year in the world. [1] X Source of information This is most often due to bites from rabies-infected animals. Cats that have not been vaccinated or whose last vaccination has expired can become infected by contact with rabid wild animals. If you yourself have come into contact with a cat that you suspect has rabies, you should pay attention to a number of symptoms characteristic of the disease. Be sure to use extreme caution if you think a cat might have rabies and do not try to capture a rabid animal yourself. Contact a trapping service, your local animal control station, or even the police.

Identifying symptoms of rabies

• Muscle pain;
• restlessness;;
• irritability;
• chills;
• fever;
• general malaise (a painful condition and discomfort);
• photophobia (fear of bright light);
• anorexia (loss of interest in food);
• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• coughing;
• Inability or unwillingness to swallow anything.

• paralysis (loss of motor function) of the legs, muscles of the muzzle and other parts of the body;
• Sagging of the lower jaw (which gives the animal a "dorky" look, but it's not funny at all);
• Increased salivation, which leads to foaming around the mouth;
• difficulty swallowing.

• Increased salivation and foaming around the mouth;
• water phobia, expressed as the cat's fear of approaching water and even fear of the noise of water;
• aggression, including grinning, which indicates a willingness to bite;
• restlessness;
• loss of interest in food;
• attacks and biting;
• Inappropriate behavior, such as the urge to chew on itself.

How rabies is transmitted in cats

There is no innate immunity in cats to this disease, it can only be acquired as a result of vaccination.

From the moment of penetration of the virus into the body until the appearance of a clear clinical picture always passes a certain time, which is called the incubation (hidden) period. Its timing depends on the age of the cat. In adults it can be from three to six weeks, in small kittens it never exceeds 7 days. The duration of the incubation period also depends on the overall condition of the animal, the depth, size and area of the bite. For example, with bites to the head, the latent period is significantly shorter.

Rabies in domestic cats can have quite different symptoms. The clinical picture will depend on the form of pathology.

Forms of rabies

The violent form is fixed most often, the first signs of rabies in cats in this case are as follows:

• Changes in the behavior of the animal – sometimes the cat looks lethargic, avoids contact with people, its appetite is absent. And sometimes, on the contrary, the animal behaves too obsessively and affectionately, constantly resting its head against the owner's legs.
• Increasing feelings of anxiety, increased fearfulness. The cat constantly scratches and chews on the bite site.
• Perversion of appetite – the cat eats ordinary food poorly, but greedily swallows inedible objects (stones, straw, wood chips…).

As the pathology progresses, the main signs of rabies in cats appear:

• Difficulty swallowing, caused by spasms of the smooth muscles of the pharynx, accompanied by profuse secretion of saliva. Sometimes owners think that the animal has choked on something.
• Increased aggression, even to the point of rage – the cat lunges at people and animals. At the same time, these attacks are followed by a state of depression and exhaustion. And at the slightest shout, noise, bright lights, the attack of rampage resumes.
• Emaciation and loss of voice.
• Sagging of the lower jaw, loss of tongue from the mouth, accompanied by profuse secretion of saliva.
• Strabismus, dilated pupils, sometimes clouding of the cornea.

In the last stages of the disease paralysis of the limbs and torso occurs. On average, the active phase of rabies can last from 3 to 11 days. The death of the animal comes from paralysis of the respiratory and cardiac muscles.

The paralytic (silent) form of rabies lasts for a short time, and rabies in a cat in this form can be recognized by the following signs:

Paralysis of the lower jaw, paws, torso develops as early as 2-3 days after the onset of symptoms.
In the paralytic form of rabies, the cat does not behave aggressively and does not react in any way to its owner.

The atypical form of the pathology is rare and characterized by a long course (up to several months). It is accompanied by lethargy, lethargy and depression. The cat eats poorly, gastrointestinal disorders may occur (diarrhea, constipation, vomiting). Atypical rabies is accompanied by emaciation, convulsive trembling, muscular atrophy.

How cats contract rabies

The rabies virus is contained in the saliva of sick animals. When bitten, the virus enters the wound with the saliva. The virus "prefers" muscles, less often blood. In the muscles there is primary reproduction of the virus, then by peripheral nerves it travels to the brain, where it again undergoes reproduction and by motor nerves enters the salivary glands, less often – to the eyes.

It is impossible to control a cat on a free walk, because these animals love the most secluded places. Many of the felines are good hunters, so they attack rodents, moles and hedgehogs. All the more so because their biological cycles (nocturnal lifestyle) coincide. The cat enters the fray and can get deep bites with skin and muscle damage. This is how the virus enters the pet's body and infection occurs.

Cats are territorial animals and are often even better guardians than dogs. A cat will defend its home and land to the last moment, even from strange companions. There is no animal scarier than an angry cat. In fights, a pet can be injured by teeth and claws from stray sick cats. Wounds serve as a "gateway" for the virus to enter the body. Bite wounds from sick dogs can also lead to rabies infection.

A domestic cat can become infected with rabies when saliva containing the virus comes into contact with damaged mucous membranes and skin. Very rare but probable cases of transmission are airborne, when the concentration of the virus in the air is very high.

Symptoms of rabies in cats

Many people associate rabies with an aggressive and biting animal. But these clinical signs in an infected cat do not appear immediately. There are cats that become ill after being bitten, and there are animals that are immune to infection with the rabies virus. The incidence of rabies in cats varies:

A young cat with a bite in the neck and muzzle area will show clinical signs of rabies more quickly. The virus spreads throughout the body after a bite. This is the incubation period of the disease (also called latent), which in cats can last from 9 to 51 days, on average about 2.5 weeks. In the incubation period, there are no clinical symptoms.

1. Subclinical. The precursors of rabies appear. Short stage (lasts one day). A sick cat's body temperature rises, reflexes become disturbed, pupils dilate, and behavior changes: calm animals become agitated and aggressive ones become suspiciously affectionate and sociable. Already in this period, cats can bite all in a row.
2. Clinical, or agitation stage. In this stage, which can last up to 7 days, sick cats are the most dangerous. Signs of rabies in this stage are:
   • aggression, nervousness, excitability, the cat lunges at others;
   • trembling in the muscles, uncoordinated movements;
   • disturbance of coordination, the cat sits in strange poses;
   • drooling and foaming from the mouth;
   • impaired swallowing, ingestion of food and water.
3. Stage of paralysis and coma with fatal outcome. This stage can occur without the development of vivid clinical signs.

The danger of rabies in cats is that a number of symptoms are non-specific, that is, can be observed with many diseases. Failure to seek help in time can lead to rabies infection of others from a sick cat.

Does rabies occur in kittens?

Kittens are more susceptible to the rabies virus due to their immune system and small size. The risk of infection depends on the environment in which you live. If a kitten from birth lives in an apartment that excludes rodents, the risk of getting rabies is almost zero. It is another matter if a kitten is picked up from the street. In the street it could have been bitten by an animal infected with rabies. Also, the rabies virus can theoretically be transmitted to kittens through the placenta, but in practice, sick cats cannot give birth or do not survive to give birth.

Once in the new home, even before signs of the disease, a rabid kitten can bite the new owner and transmit the virus through saliva. Therefore, for your own safety, to determine if a kitten has rabies, you should take him to the vet for examination, and then, instead of immediately taking him home, it is better to put him under quarantine. After the quarantine period, when it is clear that the kitten is healthy, he can be taken home. Such an option is not bad, and at the same time in the quarantine the kitten will be flea-treated, will be given antihelminthics and can even get some basic vaccinations. This way, the new home will be clean and healthy for the pet.

The quarantine will not last long, because signs of rabies appear much faster in a kitten than in an adult cat: most often within a week of contact with the source of the virus. Such a short incubation period of rabies in kittens is due to the fact that the movement of the virus on stem cells is 3 mm per hour, so the small, not yet robust body is affected within a few days. By quarantining a kitten, you give him the opportunity to take preventive measures in privacy, and you will protect yourself and your family from terrible diseases.

Symptoms of rabies in kittens are most often manifested by restlessness, lethargy, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, loud meowing, which quickly turns into loss of voice due to throat spasm, seizures, paw paralysis, progressive damage to the central nervous system, which soon leads to death.

Transmission of the rabies virus

In a separate article, we will discuss the signs of rabies in cats and what the different forms of the course of the virus are.

Regardless of the form of the disease in an animal, even if it does not show aggression, it is not necessary to come close and touch it. Although most cats suffer precisely from the aggressive form, some of them are caught up in the paralytic form of rabies. Then it seems to the owner that the animal can be taken in his hands and locked up. In practice, even cats with the paralytic form of rabies attack humans if they are touched.

Therefore the first tip: before making a plan to catch the animal it is better to leave the room where it is. And the cat itself – to lock up in that room. Then you can put the cat into the metal cage. If you try to confine the aggressor it is worth to put on mittens on hands that are difficult to bite, and to protect the body with outer clothing. It's also better to protect your face with a mask – that's where the animal will aim. If the animal is so aggressive that you are afraid of not being able to handle it, it makes sense to call the rescuers.

Infected cats, even peaceful ones, should not be provoked by loud sounds or bright lights. It is better to retreat away from the animal without unnecessary stimuli. Touching it is not necessary, as it can be seen as an excuse to attack.

Rabies prevention in cats

Since rabies in domestic cats is not curable and the causes of rabies in cats vary, it can only be prevented. Fortunately, effective prevention exists. It is she is the key to ensure that the pet will be healthy.

The only effective prevention of rabies in cats is vaccination. The first vaccine is given to kittens no earlier than three months of age or immediately after the change of teeth. If the vaccine was not given in childhood, it can be given at any time in adulthood. To consolidate immunity it is necessary to vaccinate adult animals every year as intense immunity to the virus persists for one year after vaccination. It is best to revaccinate (re-vaccinate) the day before or even a little before. The cat has a veterinary passport where all vaccinations with dates and brands of preparations are noted.

Vaccinations are given only to clinically healthy cats that have been previously treated for parasites. To rid the cat of worms, you need at least 14 days, but no later than 1 month before the supposed vaccination, to give her a cure for parasites.

Also to prevent rabies, owners should try to prevent pets from communicating with stray animals, that is, not to let them out of the house alone. Walks with cats are allowed only in the presence of the owner. At the same time, the owner must walk the animal on a leash.

The threat of infection in CIS countries is real. Episodic outbreaks of rabies are registered even in large populated areas, so it is absolutely impossible to ignore preventive measures, explaining such a refusal by the insignificant risk of infection. As we have already said, the risk exists even in the city.

By the way, in localities where there is a threat of rabies, specialists of the state veterinary service conduct free preventive vaccinations of cats and dogs. Owners of cats who cannot afford to pay for the vaccine can take advantage of this service.

Who can catch rabies from a cat [ ].

Rabies is known to be transmitted from a sick animal to a healthy one and even to humans. Infection is possible from animals such as foxes, wolves, raccoons, foxes, bats, jackals. The list goes on, naming more and more mammal species. Infection is also quite possible from pets: mostly dogs and cats.

It is very easy for a person to be infected by a cat. Rabies is transmitted by a bite or by the saliva of a sick animal on scratches, abrasions, or simply on irritated skin. But the virus is not necessarily transmitted to a scratched or bitten owner. It is quite possible that the cat will be a carrier of the "dormant" stage of rabies. The incubation period in cats with rabies varies from 14 to 60 days (sometimes 6-12 months). Nevertheless, if you have the slightest suspicion you should contact a specialist.

But how do you know if a person is infected? To help, here are the signs of rabies in humans:

• excessive activity;
• irritability;
• verbal confusion;
• unreasonable aggression;
• hallucinations;
• muscle spasms;
• incoherent and inadequate thoughts;
• unnatural body postures during sleep;
• special sensitiveness to sun, fire, floodlights, lamps, sudden sounds and unexpected touches;
• weakness, paralysis;
• feeling of fear;
• tears;
• increased production of saliva;
• spasms, tingling at the site of the lesion or bite;
• slurred speech;
• water phobia.

It is important to remember that cats are rarely affected by rabies if all preventive measures are followed – the probability of infection is reduced to 1%. Thanks to annual vaccinations we can protect our pets from this terrible disease. Relevant for many cat owners is the question, how much is the vaccination and what drug is more effective? In different regions of our country, prices naturally vary.

Stage two

The second stage has a chaotic nature. A rabid cat behaves like an enraged animal: nervousness, attacks of aggression, fearfulness appear. The cat may suddenly attack the person, inflicting severe bites. Convulsions and paralysis of the chewing muscles and laryngeal muscles develop, pupils constrict, and fever reaches its maximum. The stage lasts from 2 hours to several days.

In this stage, the signs of rabies in a cat or cat progress. The sick animal meows a lot because of laryngeal spasm. The cry of the rabid cat is altered, that is, the owner notices that the animal's voice is different. The cat is no longer able to swallow saliva, food, or water. Due to the paralysis of the lower jaw in cats, the mouth becomes ajar.

This is the condition that causes rabies to be called water phobia. If a person in this condition is given a glass of water, he will not be able to swallow and will make chaotic movements, which from the side looks like a fear of water.

Fear of water in rabies in cats is a common symptom, but it is by no means the first symptom that, along with foaming at the mouth and aggression, many people try to judge the presence of rabies. In addition, it does not appear in everyone.

Final Stage

The final stage of the disease lasts up to 5 days. Paralysis of the entire body, starting with the jaw and tail, sets in. The cat no longer eats, drinks, meows and becomes very thin. Then death comes.

The danger of animals with rabies is that they become contagious several days or even weeks before the first symptoms appear. From the moment the virus enters the body until the first symptoms appear, there is always a period of time called the incubation (latent) period. And when the symptoms of rabies in a cat after a bite are already showing, it means that death will soon occur.

Preventive measures

The most effective way to minimize the risk of infection in a cat is through vaccination. The cost of vaccination against the virus is 700-900 rubles.

The market of veterinary preparations offers several effective means, which reduce the risk of rabies infection. In particular, we are talking about "Nobivac Rabies", "Quadricet", "Rabican", "Leukorifelin". All of them have practically no side effects, but the most popular is the first of the listed drugs.

At what age is it recommended to start vaccinating? As soon as the kitten is 3 months old. And it is necessary to vaccinate the pet every year. You can read about how to vaccinate a cat yourself in our article.

Rabies vaccination is a free service, which is provided by all budget vet clinics without exception.

Important! In all civilized countries of the world it is mandatory to vaccinate cats against rabies. And if the owners of the pet ignore this rule, they won't be able to leave the country with it. Also a pet will not be allowed to exhibit, if there is no corresponding vaccination mark in the veterinary passport.

Useful video:

Veterinarian's opinion on rabies in cats: the course of the disease and its symptoms.

Today, the rabies virus poses almost the greatest threat to animals and humans. Episodic outbreaks of rabies are particularly prone to metropolitan areas, and it would be naive to expect that living remotely from them would guarantee one's own safety for life and health.

Every day about 100 people die of hydrophobia. In a year the figure exceeds the mark of 50,000, and the number of dead animals is estimated in the millions. Such terrifying statistics are due to the fact that in 99% of cases, pets infected with rabies do not survive.

This is the reason why you should systematically vaccinate your pet to minimize the risk of getting hydrophobia.