Can Cats Get Rabies?

Rabies, a viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, is a serious concern for both pet owners and public health officials. While often associated with wildlife such as raccoons, bats, and skunks, the question remains: can cats get rabies?

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a severe viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. Caused by the Lyssavirus, rabies is notorious for its nearly 100% fatality rate once symptoms appear. The virus is typically transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through bites.

How Do Cats Get Rabies?

Cats can contract rabies through the following primary pathways:

• Bites from Infected Animals:

The most common way cats get rabies is through bites from infected animals. Wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes are common carriers of the rabies virus. When a rabid animal bites a cat, the virus in the saliva enters the cat's body through the wound.

• Scratches from Infected Animals:

Although less common, cats can also get rabies through scratches if the claws of an infected animal have come into contact with its saliva.

• Contact with Saliva through Open Wounds:

Rabies can be transmitted if the saliva of an infected animal comes into contact with an open wound or mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth) of a cat.

• Ingestion of Infected Tissue:

While rare, cats may potentially contract rabies by ingesting the tissue of an infected animal.

What Are Signs of Rabies in Cats?

Rabies in cats manifests through a range of symptoms that typically progress in stages. Initially, infected cats may exhibit nonspecific signs such as fever, loss of appetite, and subtle behavioral changes like increased anxiety or restlessness. As the disease progresses to the acute neurological phase, more severe symptoms appear, including aggression, unusual shyness, and excessive salivation or foaming at the mouth due to paralysis of the throat muscles. Cats may also show signs of disorientation, seizures, and difficulty swallowing.

In advanced stages, rabies can present in two distinct forms: the furious form and the paralytic form. The furious form is characterized by extreme aggression, hyperexcitability, and erratic behavior, making the cat dangerous to humans and other animals. Conversely, the paralytic form leads to progressive paralysis, starting with the hind legs and moving towards the rest of the body, eventually resulting in coma and death. Recognizing these signs early and seeking immediate veterinary care is crucial, as rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Can Cats Transmit Rabies?

Yes, cats can transmit rabies to humans and other animals through their saliva, typically via bites, but also potentially through scratches or contact with open wounds. Rabies is a severe viral disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making immediate medical attention crucial if exposure is suspected. To prevent transmission, it is essential to ensure cats are vaccinated against rabies, limit their interaction with wild or stray animals, and seek veterinary care promptly if a cat is bitten or scratched by another animal.

Can Rabies in Cats Be Cured?

Rabies in cats cannot be cured once clinical symptoms appear. The disease, caused by the rabies virus, attacks the central nervous system, leading to severe neurological damage. By the time symptoms such as aggression, paralysis, or excessive salivation manifest, the virus has already caused irreparable harm. There are no effective antiviral treatments that can reverse the progression of rabies once it reaches the nervous system, making the disease almost always fatal.

What Happens If a Cat with Rabies Bites You?

If a cat with rabies bites you, it is considered a medical emergency due to the high fatality rate of rabies once symptoms appear. Here are the steps and what happens following such an incident:

• Immediate Actions:

1. Clean the Wound:

Wash the bite wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. This can help reduce the risk of the virus entering your body.

2. Seek Medical Attention:

Immediately go to a healthcare facility for evaluation and treatment. Inform the medical professionals that you were bitten by a cat that may have rabies.

• Medical Treatment:

1. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP):

If rabies exposure is suspected, you will receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP consists of a series of rabies vaccinations and possibly rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) if the bite is severe or the cat's rabies status is confirmed. PEP is highly effective at preventing rabies if administered before symptoms appear.

2. Assessment and Monitoring:

The healthcare provider will assess the severity of the bite and the likelihood of rabies exposure. They may also clean the wound more thoroughly and provide antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.

• Reporting and Follow-Up:

1. Reporting to Health Authorities:

The incident should be reported to local health authorities, as rabies is a notifiable disease. They may need to investigate and possibly quarantine or euthanize the biting cat to confirm its rabies status.

2. Follow-Up Vaccinations:

The rabies vaccination series typically includes doses given on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 after the exposure. Follow the healthcare provider's schedule for these vaccinations to ensure complete protection.

• Potential Consequences:

1. Risk of Rabies:

If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. Symptoms can take weeks to months to develop, initially presenting as flu-like signs before progressing to neurological symptoms such as confusion, paralysis, and hydrophobia.

2. Secondary Infections:

Bite wounds can also become infected with bacteria, leading to additional health complications if not properly treated.

While the risk of rabies in cats exists, responsible pet ownership and vaccination can significantly reduce the likelihood of infection. By staying informed about the symptoms, prevention methods, and treatment options for rabies in cats, pet owners can take proactive steps to protect their feline companions and the community at large.