Reasons Cats Contract Rabies: Understanding the Risks

Section 1: What is Rabies?

1. Rabies, also known as hydrophobia, is a deadly disease caused by the rabies virus. Cats and dogs are highly susceptible to this illness, serving as primary vectors of transmission. While cats are indeed susceptible, cases of cats transmitting rabies are relatively rare. However, if a healthy cat is bitten or scratched by a rabid dog or cat, or if there is mating involved, infection is inevitable. If an owner discovers that their cat has rabies, it is crucial to isolate and treat the animal immediately to prevent further spread.

2. Rabies has a 100% fatality rate and is a terrifying disease with no known cure. The rabies virus primarily enters the body of a normal animal through wounds or mucous membranes. Although rabies in cats is not common, this is due to the fact that cats typically live indoors with their owners, reducing their exposure to infected animals. Moreover, cats in most households are regularly vaccinated against rabies, significantly lowering the risk of infection.

Section 2: When Can Cats Get Rabies?

Rabies primarily affects dogs, cats, and other mammals, with infected animals and carriers being the main sources of transmission. The virus is mainly transmitted through saliva, such as when a healthy cat is bitten or scratched by an infected animal, leading to a wound or mucous membrane damage. Additionally, the rabies virus can also be transmitted through the digestive and respiratory tracts. Research indicates that bats are the primary source of rabies infection. Dogs, cats, and other mammals are susceptible to the disease, including humans. Rabies transmission through bites is quite common.

Section 3: Symptoms of Cat Rabies

Cat rabies can be divided into three stages: the prodromal stage, the frenzied stage, and the paralytic stage. Symptoms worsen with each stage, leading the cat towards death.

1. The prodromal stage in cats: The cat may prefer to hide in secluded places, occasionally making strange noises, and exhibit abnormal behavior. It may become irritable and easily agitated, reluctant to play with its owner or other cats. The cat's demeanor may become aggressive, and it may appear confused, with this stage typically lasting 1 to 2 days.

2. The frenzied stage in cats: The cat becomes increasingly aggressive and may attack humans, livestock, or even other cats, or even bite itself in a state of madness. Its eyes may appear hollow, and it may ignore the owner's calls, often wandering aimlessly without returning home. The throat muscles begin to paralyze, causing a hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, and excessive drooling. This stage usually lasts 1 to 7 days.

3. The paralytic stage in cats: The cat becomes severely emaciated and listless, unable to walk properly, and may stagger. It may have a wandering gaze and a protruding third eyelid. The hind legs will soon become paralyzed, and the cat will lie down for extended periods. Eventually, it will succumb to systemic failure and respiratory paralysis. This stage typically lasts 2 to 4 days, and the cat usually does not survive more than 10 days after the onset of symptoms.

Understanding the severity of rabies in cats, it is clear that prevention is paramount. For the safety of both your cat and yourself, it is essential to ensure regular vaccination of your pet. This is the only way to achieve effective prevention.