Symptoms of Cat Rabies

The symptoms of cat rabies have three distinct phases. Once a cat has been bitten by a rabid animal, it may go through all of the phases, or it may only exhibit one or two. In fact, some animals may never experience the symptoms at all. Sometimes these cats will be lifelong rabies carriers.

Rabies is a virus that can be deadly. It affects the central nervous system of the animals and humans infected with it. Generally, the virus spreads throughout the nervous system finally reaching the brain.

Once it reaches the brain of the cat, usually within two to six weeks after exposure, the symptoms develop very quickly. The virus then moves to the salivary glands. Rabies is most often contracted through a bite from an infected animal.

Animals that most often are carriers of the rabies virus are:

• Skunks
• Bats
• Raccoons
• Fox

Each stage of rabies in cats has certain behaviors and symptoms associated with it. It is important to know and understand the various symptoms of cat rabies so that you can seek treatment for your cat as early as possible. The sad fact is that rabies is usually fatal, and the only treatment is to vaccinate the animal as quickly as possible after exposure and keep it quarantined and under observation for a period of no less than 45 days to see if the virus develops. As you can see, the earlier that your vet can make a diagnosis and begin treatment, the better chance your pet has for survival. Once the symptoms appear, the chances of recovery are slim.

Some cats will develop the Prodormal phase and not the Furious stage while others will go through all of the stages. Knowing the classic symptoms of each stage will help you to recognize the disease. If you even suspect that your pet may have rabies, take them to your vet immediately.

The first stage of rabies in cats is called the Prodormal phase and lasts for one to two days. Some of the symptoms that become apparent in this phase are:

• Fever spikes
• Erratic behavior
• Temperament changes
• Excessive drooling
• Pupil dilation
• Fly biting, a term used when an animal snaps at objects that are not there
• Seeking solitude
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Roaring
• Biting objects
• Itching at the site of the bite

Remember that temperament changes can be subtle. A cat that has been aloof and independent may suddenly jump into your lap and want to be petted. A cat that has previously been loving may growl and run away from the owner she has been so affectionate to in the past.

The second stage of rabies is called the Furious phase. This stage usually begins on the second or third day. It is during this stage that the cat will behave in an increasingly erratic way. For example it may begin to eat inedible objects like stones or sticks. Other behaviors that may be seen in this stage of rabies are:

• Wandering around aimlessly
• Changes in the way the voice sounds
• Aggressive or violent behavior
• Irritability
• Biting itself
• Disoriented
• Seizures
• No fear
• Growling
• Trembling
• Lack of muscle coordination

The third stage of rabies is the Paralytic stage. This phase is also sometimes called the Dumb phase. The cat will become depressed and unresponsive. Other symptoms include:

• Open mouth and protruding tongue
• "Foaming" at the mouth
• Increasing paralysis
• Weakness
• Labored breathing
• Choking
• Respiratory failure
• Coma
• Death

Rabies can be controlled. If your cat receives a rabies vaccine on a regular schedule, she won’t be susceptible to rabies. The vaccine is usually given when your cat is about three months old and then every year or so afterward. How often it is given depends on the type of vaccine used, so check with your vet.

If your pet or another animal seems to have any symptoms of cat rabies, it is important that you use caution in your interactions with it. A cat that is in the first phase of the disease can suddenly turn from docile to dangerous. A bite from an infected animal is all it takes to infect you.

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