Cat Rabies Symptoms: What to Do When Your Cat Contracts

Cat Rabies Symptoms:

It's important to note that rabies in cats often doesn't manifest immediately. The virus can spread and symptoms may appear between 2 to 5 weeks after infection. Cats can be infected by humans, other animals, even deceased animals, making them particularly susceptible. Infected cats tend to become extremely irritable, displaying signs of restlessness and an intense urge to bite and scratch at anything that moves. They may also run or pace until they are too exhausted to stand. If an infected cat survives for about 5 days, the symptoms typically shift to paralysis, with the aggressive behavior subsiding. The cat may then experience paralysis in its lower body, loss of coordination, and eventually lapse into a coma or die. The symptoms of rabies in cats can be categorized into four stages:

Initial Stage: Cats may exhibit unusual behaviors, such as sudden exhaustion or hyperactivity, sudden mood swings, or a complete change in lifestyle.

Intermediate Stage: The cat may wander aimlessly, perform involuntary movements, become indifferent to its owner, have a faint breathing sound (often due to excessive saliva production), and may bite and howl at nothing in particular.

Advanced Stage: Cats may fear water, sounds, light, and strange odors. Their muscles may spasm, they may drool excessively, and many become more aggressive.

Terminal Stage: Cats may show confusion, rigid limbs, difficulty breathing, frothing at the mouth, and multiorgan failure leading to death. Some may die due to respiratory failure.

While rabies in cats is not common, it is a deadly disease. It can also lead to other health issues in cats, such as respiratory infections and kidney failure. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it's crucial to take immediate action.

Tip from the Pet Doctor: For more information about cat rabies, click on "What Are the Symptoms of Cat Rabies" to read more.