How to understand that a cat has rabies symptoms

The persistence of the rabies virus in the wild is due to long-term virus carriage in infected animals. That is, animals can be infected and stay alive for a long time by biting other animals.

Do cats get rabies? Can a domestic cat have rabies? Does rabies occur in kittens?

The question of whether rabies in cats, you can answer unequivocally: rabies in cats happens, as well as in other warm-blooded animals. Moreover, in recent years, natural foci of the virus are massive – and cats and dogs have become infected more often. Most likely, this is due to the fact that in the former Soviet Union countries are more negligent about prevention than in Soviet times. Therefore, cats get rabies, albeit rarely if we are talking about domestic cats.

The disease is common among stray animals. Such cats and cats are not vaccinated. And pets are not vaccinated very often by their owners either, because, as a rule, they do not have access to the outdoors. For such animals, it is really possible not to receive annual preventive vaccinations, although it is desirable to give at least one.

There are risk factors and situations in which even a house-sitting cat should be vaccinated. For example, it is necessary to vaccinate cats living in the countryside, because their risk of infection is much higher. Wild animals, especially foxes, often enter backyards. A wild animal infected with rabies seeks contact with people and other animals, so it comes to private yards.

Can a domestic cat have rabies?

An out-of-town cat has several routes of infection: it can come across a dead animal and, with wounds in its mouth, become infected by eating (this is unlikely, but possible) or be bitten by an infected animal. If the bite marks are visible on the body, in the first case it is difficult to suspect infection. In addition, cats often fight in the street – and the owners simply may not pay attention to the injuries.

Rats and mice can theoretically act as carriers as well. Although, again, this has not yet been confirmed in practice. In villages and suburban areas, there are many more rodents than in high-rise areas.

Even if the cat doesn't go out, there is always the danger that a sick animal will get into the house by itself. Moreover, wild animals, being infected with the rabies virus, start reaching out to people and pets, visiting plots and houses. So, if you observe a similar picture, you know: most likely, the animal that came from the forest is infected.

Contact of a cat with a fox is possible. The fox in the video may or may not be rabid. But in any case, the owners should not have filmed the video, but should have stopped the contact.

In apartment buildings there is also the possibility of rabies infection, although it is much lower than in the private sector. The danger can come from rodents living in basements. If a cat cat catches a mouse or rat, it is better to take away its prey immediately. As we said, cases of rabies transmission from rodents is not confirmed in practice, but it is still better to reinsure.

The most common vectors of rabies are foxes and dogs. But the body of the dog has a medium degree of susceptibility to the virus, while the body of the cat – a high degree.

Rabies in cats and cats living at home can also occur through contact with any street or stray animals. It would seem, how can an apartment cat come into contact with such animals? There are different cases. For example, sometimes bats fly into apartments. If this seems unlikely to you, we answer: it depends on where. Even in large cities, there are entire neighborhoods where bats fly into apartments all the time. Of course, most often not directly into the room or kitchen, but they are noticed on balconies. Here are the stories of two eyewitnesses.

How rabies is transmitted in cats

Congenital immunity in cats to this disease does not happen, 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 duration depends on the age of the cat. In adults it can be from three to six weeks, in small kittens – never more than 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 the 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 is constantly scratching and gnawing at the bite site.
• Perversion of appetite – the cat eats common 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, such attacks are followed by a state of depression and exhaustion. And at the slightest shout, noise, bright lights, the attack of rage 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 latter stages of the disease, paralysis of the limbs and torso sets in. On average, the active phase of rabies can last from 3 to 11 days. Death of the animal comes from paralysis of the respiratory and cardiac muscles.

The paralytic (silent) form of rabies lasts for a short time, recognizing rabies in a cat with this form can be seen 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.

Paths of infection

The virus is transmitted with the saliva of an infected animal. Blood, urine, and other body fluids pose no danger. This is because once in the body, Rabies begins to multiply and move along the nerve fibers that are in the intestines, salivary glands, mucous membranes, bypassing the circulatory system. This is why it is extremely difficult to diagnose the disease.

Thus, a cat can become infected with rabies through contact with the saliva of an infected animal. For example, if you get a bite or a scratch. In the countryside, the danger increases: sometimes your pet's bowl is in the air, where infected hedgehogs, foxes, dogs and other cats can easily get to. One drop is enough for your pet to become infected with the Rabies virus. Transmission is also possible when cats eat infected rodents.

Incubation period

So, it matters how much of the virus has entered the body. For example, if a large area was affected by wounds or bites, it will take less time for the pathogens to multiply.

The area of the lesion is also important: in the case of the pathogen hitting areas located on the head, it almost immediately penetrates into the nerve endings.

Not unimportant is the age of the pet. In kittens, whose immunity has not yet fully formed, the first signs of rabies appear within 1 week. For adult pets, this period increases up to 3-6 weeks.

On average, Rabies virus makes itself felt in 3-4 weeks. However, cases of incubation periods lasting 6 months or even 1 year are known.

Transmission of the rabies virus

In a separate article, let's consider the signs of rabies in cats and what different forms of the course of the virus.

Regardless of the form of the disease in an animal, even if it does not show aggression, close and touch it is not necessary. Despite the fact that most cats suffer exactly the aggressive form, some of them catch 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 in a metal cage. When attempting to lock up an aggressor, you should wear mittens, which are difficult to bite, and protect your body with outer clothing. It is also better to protect your face with a mask – that's where the animal will be aiming. If the animal is so aggressive that you are afraid of not being able to cope, it makes sense to call the rescue.

Infected cats, even peaceful ones, should not be provoked by loud noises 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 vaccine is first given to kittens at the earliest three months of age or just after the change of teeth. If the vaccine was not given in childhood, it can be given at any time during adulthood. To strengthen the immunity it is necessary to vaccinate adult animals every year, because the 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 earlier. The pet is given a veterinary passport where all vaccinations with dates and brands of preparations are recorded.

Vaccinations are given only to clinically healthy cats that have been previously treated for parasites. To free the cat from helminths, it is necessary to give it at least 14 days, but no later than 1 month before the supposed vaccination.

Also, in order to prevent rabies, owners should try to prevent pets from associating 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 the CIS countries is real. Episodic outbreaks of rabies are registered even in large settlements, so you cannot categorically 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 pay for the vaccine can take advantage of such a service.

Forms of rabies

The main symptoms of rabies in cats are associated with behavioral changes, nervous disorders and impaired intake of food and water. Behavioral changes may proceed in two directions: with a predominance of excitement or, on the contrary, with oppression of the animal. Depending on this there are rabid and silent forms of rabies.

The exuberant form

More often found in this type of pets. A sick cat behaves restlessly and agitated. Shows aggression towards the owners, surrounding people and other animals. It has an increased reaction to external stimuli, in particular to light, so the cat hides in dark places. The state of lethargy alternates with restlessness at the beginning of the disease and then turns into rage and viciousness. A cat with rabies develops muscle tremors, uncoordinated movements, and impaired coordination. At the same time, as a result of laryngeal paralysis, salivation appears, the sick animal cannot eat or drink water. Gradually, due to the lesion of the nervous system by the virus, the signs of rabies are added: muscle twitching and paralysis develop. When rabies occurs, the cat goes into a coma and dies.

Cat rabies in the prodromal stage is dangerous because uncharacteristic signs of the disease appear. In this case, the owners and people around them continue to contact the animal and risk contracting the virus. Signs of rabies such as aggressiveness in the clinical stage cause the cat to become unmanageable and may injure owners and veterinarians during examinations. Therefore, if rabies is suspected, the animal is quarantined for 14 days.

Silent form

The silent form of rabies in cats proceeds without symptoms of agitation. The precursors of rabies in the subclinical period (hyperthermia, restlessness, irritability) without signs of aggression immediately turn into oppression, paralysis and coma. In this case, the duration of rabies disease in cats is shortened.

Atypical form

Sometimes cats can get rabies in an atypical form, when uncharacteristic changes in the animal's condition appear. This form can last for several months and is called recurrent chronic rabies. In this case, the cat has antibodies to the rabies virus in small amounts. They partially neutralize the activity of the virus with the appearance of nonspecific symptoms: mild fever, attacks of restlessness or lethargy, partial paralysis, intestinal disorders. The attacks are repeated, and the changes progress and lead to the death of the sick animal.

Forms of the disease and their symptoms

There are several variations in the development of rabies in pets, the causative agent of which is a virus. And in kittens, the stages of the disease in question are the same as in adults, but they proceed somewhat faster.

Paralytic (silent) form

The period of this form is 3-4 days. And The dog does not exhibit any behavioral disordersThe pet's behavior is unchanged, except for the fact that it is systematically attacked fits of affection. However, one should not be loyal to the cat's affection, since its saliva is poisoned with the virus.

The greatest risk is run by childrenChildren are most at risk if they notice the cat's playful behavior and begin petting it and taking it in their arms. During the silent form of rabies, you may observe the pet's lower jaw drooping and increased salivation..

Soon, paralysis of the larynx sets in and the cat begins to choke. Family members naively believe that the pet has a bone lodged in its throat and begin to try to remove it themselves. Only after several unsuccessful attempts do they decide to take the cat to the veterinarian, who will later inform them of the terrible diagnosis.

The violent form

The duration of this variation in the development of rabies varies 3 to 11 days. It is characterized by even more pronounced symptoms. The first sign that rabies has taken the shape of a violent form is a significant change in the cat's behavior, which is already inexplicable. Three stages are distinguished here.

1. Normal .

Symptoms indicating this stage are rather difficult to determine. In fact, we are talking about the incubation period, the specifics of which have been described above. The rabid cat loses its appetite.she shuns the light and makes all sorts of attempts attempts at seclusion.. She develops an unusual hobby: Tasting inedible things. – paper, curtains, tree bark, etc. As already stressed, in the initial stage of infection, the pet may show excessive playfulness and friendliness.Therefore, such behavior should be alarming in the first place.

What to do if rabies is suspected?

If there is serious reason to believe that a cat may be infected, Immediately Take the following measures:

• Complete avoidance of contact with the animal Isolate the cat completely and keep it completely isolated (separate premises);
• If the cat has bitten or scratched your skin, wash the wound immediately with mild soap and water;
• Go to a veterinarian and consult with a specialist about the pet's symptoms.

Important! Neglecting the above recommendations is fraught with rabies virus infection.

Atypical form of rabies in an adult cat

The most difficult to diagnose and dangerous for humans, because the incubation period of rabies in cats is hidden. At first, the animal shows signs of digestive distress, which makes it necessary to go to the veterinarian and undergo examination. Symptoms:

Can a cat infect its owner? When this form of rabies occurs in a pet, the owner is at great risk of contracting rabies because he is unaware of the danger. The duration of the pathology in this form is up to 3 months.

Analysis and diagnosis

When identifying whether or not an animal has rabies, it is important not to confuse the symptoms with other abnormalities in health, because an incorrect diagnosis can cost a person his life (if the cat attacks him).

The difficulty in diagnosis is that it is impossible to say for sure whether or not there has been an infection until the individual has died. Saliva and cerebrospinal fluid rabies tests in cats do not always allow a 100% certainty that the virus has not penetrated the cells.

If infection is suspected, the pet should first be isolated from humans and other animals for a period of 10 to 30 days. After death or putting to sleep, the corpse of a four-legged animal is opened and the brain tissue is examined to determine the presence of the pathogen.

If the result is positive, Babes-Negri bodies in the form of bubbles with fluid will be found. In Russia, most often tests are not organized for pets, and only signs and symptoms are evaluated.

When an animal is admitted to the veterinary clinic, it is evaluated according to several parameters:

1. Whether there are bite marks on the body, whether the cat tries to lick certain areas of the coat;
2. Whether any changes in behavior are noticeable;
3. What is the reaction to stimuli, is there any aggression;
4. whether or not there is a fear of water or light;
5. the amount of saliva secreted;
6. presence or absence of appetite;
7. preferred body position;
8. coordination of movements.

Typical and atypical form

For safety reasons, it is worthwhile for humans to know how to determine rabies in a cat. How feline rabies manifests itself depends on the form of the disease.

1. The classic (rabid) form. This is the form of the disease that gave rabies its name from the word "demon". The infected animal is as if the devil moves in. The violent form also became the basis for the appearance of horror stories about zombies.
2. The paralytic (silent) form. Many people do not suspect that rabies can run quietly, and therefore it is difficult for the average person to understand that the animal is sick.
3. Atypical form. The atypical form of rabies sometimes can not recognize even veterinarians.

It is impossible to describe exactly how long it takes and how rabies manifests itself in cats and cats on the day, because it occurs differently in everyone. But we will give a rough guide below.

The classic form

This form is more common and includes three stages: prodromal, manic and depressive. In this form, rabies in a cat is most pronounced and easy to diagnose.

In the prodromal stage, which lasts 2-4 days, the symptoms are only slightly visible. You can only pay attention to changes in the cat's behavior. Cats with a harsh temperament usually become affectionate, unreasonably lively, trying to lick the owner. And usually kind and affectionate cats, on the contrary, become angry, irritable, do not respond to the owner's call, hide in dark corners.

Their eating habits also change. Rabies-infected cats lose their appetite, have difficulty swallowing, and drool. At this stage, the cat is already infectious. In addition, a rabid cat may taste various inedible objects: chewing the floor, licking the wallpaper, wooden or metal objects. Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract appear. Often at this stage the cat is bothered by the bite site, the wound becomes red, inflamed, begins to itch (even if almost healed). Gradually, the agitation stage begins to prevail, in which aggression becomes pronounced.

How to determine rabies in a cat: diagnosis

The general public believes that rabies can be diagnosed if an animal behaves aggressively and if it is foaming at the mouth. In fact, it is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis based on these and other symptoms. The fact is that almost all signs of rabies are similar to those of other diseases.

Some owners assume that a lab blood test for rabies shows the presence of the virus in the blood, but this is not true. The rabies virus is not present in the animal's bloodstream (remember, it spreads through the nerve tract), which means it is not possible to make a diagnosis based on a blood test either.

If a cat shows symptoms of rabies, the first thing to do is to go to the veterinary clinic. Many people are afraid to do this, even if the animal has already bitten them, because they mistakenly believe that their pet will be put to sleep. In fact, an animal with a suspected case of rabies is only placed in a 10-day quarantine, which can then be extended to 30 days. At the end of the quarantine, the animal either dies (which means it was sick) or survives (in which case it is given back to the owner).

Adoption will only follow immediately if the pet shows clear signs of rabies and has bitten many people in the process. Then he is put to sleep to analyze the brain and find out if the affected people should be prevented.

Of course, the owners do not want to give the animal to the veterinary clinic, so as not to expose it to stress and the threat of infection by other infections. But if there are good reasons to suspect rabies, it is better to do so than to endanger yourself and those around you.

How to test a cat and cat for rabies? If blood tests are not indicative of rabies, then what should you do? How do you recognize rabies in a cat? Is a diagnosis made while the animal is still alive? Is it necessary to take tests from someone who has bitten a cat?