Does a Cat Carry Rabies Virus? A Quick Guide
Section 1: The Stages of Rabies Virus Manifestation in Cats
Cats infected with the rabies virus typically exhibit three distinct stages. The first stage is the incubation period, which usually lasts between 3 days and 6 months. During this stage, the infected pet is not contagious. We often rely on the fact that if a cat hasn't shown any signs of illness within half a year after being bitten, it can be ruled out as having rabies. The second stage is the onset of symptoms, which typically spans 3 to 7 days. Initially, the symptoms may resemble a common cold, with fever, runny nose, and general weakness. The wound may also be painful. However, as the disease progresses, more severe symptoms appear, such as restlessness, aggression, seizures, aversion to wind and water, and physical disabilities. The third stage is the infectious period, which includes the three days before the onset of symptoms and the duration of the illness. During this time, anyone bitten by an infected cat is at risk of contracting the rabies virus.
The transmission of the rabies virus usually occurs through saliva, which is why being bitten by an infected animal is the primary route of infection. Cases of rabies transmission through scratches are rare, as the virus generally struggles to survive outside of the host's body, making the likelihood of infection through scratches quite low.
Section 2: What to Do If a Cat Bites You?
1. The WHO's TenDay Observation Method: We know that humans are most at risk of contracting rabies from pets during the first three days before symptoms appear and the first seven days of illness. Therefore, if a cat shows no signs of illness after ten days following a bite, it can be deemed noncontagious, and the person bitten can also be considered safe.
2. Vaccination Based on Rabies Risk Area: For many people in China, the tenday observation method may not entirely alleviate their concerns. Some might ask, "What if an outbreak occurs, and I don't get vaccinated during those ten days?" In such cases, we can consider the rabies risk in your area. For instance, in the three northeastern provinces and the western regions, the incidence of rabies is nearly zero. In the southern and middle regions, however, there is still a chance of exposure. If you're not comfortable, it's advisable to get vaccinated first. If the cat remains symptomfree after ten days, you can stop the vaccination.
Dr. Oxygen Pet suggests that it's important to vaccinate cats as soon as they reach the age when vaccinations are recommended. Vaccinating cats not only protects them from transmitting the rabies virus to humans but also safeguards them against infection. It's a winwin situation, so why not take advantage of it?
