Symptoms of Rabies in Cats: What to Look Out For

Section 1: What is Feline Rabies?

Feline rabies progresses through three distinct stages: the prodromal phase, the excitative phase, and the paralytic phase.

This virus is transmitted through the bite of an animal infected with rabies. It's important to note that if a cat is bitten by another rabid animal, symptoms of infection may not appear immediately. The virus can spread within the cat's body and manifest symptoms after 2 to 5 weeks.

Section 2: Clinical Symptoms of Feline Rabies

1. Coordination Issues: Poor coordination and a lack of balance are early signs of rabies. If your pet is撞东西 with its head, it's a red flag you should not ignore.

2. Howling: Howling early in the disease indicates an abnormal state of health. The sound of a rabid cat's howl can change significantly.

3. Conjunctivitis: Swelling and redness in the eyes can be a sign of feline conjunctivitis.

4. Excessive Saliva: Rabies causes cats to produce an excessive amount of saliva, often leading to drooling.

5. Unusually Agitated: Cats with rabies can become extremely irritable, a hallmark of the excitative phase. They may be more inclined to bite and scratch objects, and they may knock over anything they come across.

6. Abnormal Behavior: Cats may fight with imaginary objects or eat stones.

7. Fever: Cats with rabies may exhibit a fever, which can be a sign of the disease. It's always crucial to consult a veterinarian regardless of the illness.

8. Vomiting: Vomiting is a common abnormality that can occur from a variety of causes, from parasites to pregnant cats. Thus, cats with rabies may also vomit.

10. Loss of Appetite: If a cat shows no interest in food, this can be a warning sign. This lack of appetite can be due to paralysis, indicating that the disease has reached its final stage.

11. Weight Loss: A sudden and significant drop in weight can be a sign of rabies.

12. Difficulty Breathing: This is due to paralysis and can lead to respiratory failure.

13. Depressed Mood: This is a symptom of paralysis, indicating that the cat's life may be at risk.

It's crucial to understand that feline rabies is fatal. The disease can also lead to other complications, such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and kidney failure. Therefore, it's essential to get the rabies vaccine as early as possible and seek veterinary help immediately upon noticing early symptoms.

Tip: Click on "How Long is the Incubation Period for Feline Rabies and What are the Symptoms?" for more information on feline rabies.