Symptoms of Rabies in Cats: What to Watch Out For

Section 1: Symptoms of Rabies in Cats

At the onset of rabies, cats may retreat to dark places, ignoring their owner's calls and even biting when approached. Within two days, they may start to roam aimlessly, become extremely irritable, drool excessively with their tails tucked between their legs, and may even attack humans. In the later stages, the cat may become completely paralyzed, unable to eat or drink, and will continuously drool, eventually leading to death.

1. If rabies is present, symptoms can typically be observed within a span of two days.

2. The symptoms of rabies are quite apparent, even to those without medical knowledge. Signs include a fear of humans, a preference for hiding in darkness for extended periods, loud crying, and symptoms like hydrophobia, photophobia, and acrophobia. These are indicative of rabies. Animals with rabies will almost certainly die within ten days. It is recommended that cats be vaccinated against rabies at three months of age by a veterinarian. It's also important to keep cats confined and avoid exposing them to the outside world, as well as regularly disinfecting your home to minimize the risk of illness.

Section 2: How to Determine If a Cat Has Rabies

One of the simplest ways to determine if a cat has rabies is to inspect the color of its eyes. A pink or white eye is usually normal, but if the eyes are bloodshot and overly red, and the cat is constantly drooling, there's a high likelihood of rabies. Domestic pets rarely contract rabies, so it's crucial to avoid contact with stray dogs and cats, even if they appear healthy, as they may carry numerous pathogens.

Like most dogs, cats may run around frantically, play with each other, and make sounds resembling those of wild animals, which is perfectly normal. The eyes and saliva are key areas to observe for signs of rabies in cats. While early symptoms can be difficult to detect, with a focused and targeted approach, they can be observed.

Tip from Oxygen Pet Doctor: Click on 'Symptoms of Cat Rabies' to learn more about the signs of rabies in cats.