Today we are going to see How do you know if a cat has rabies. In the event that you think that your cat may have rabies, it is best to take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible for a diagnosis. While there are many symptoms of rabies in cats, not all of them will be present in each individual cat. If you see any of the following signs in your cat, please seek veterinary help right away:
How do you know if a cat has rabies
1. Aggression or abnormal behavior
Cats with rabies may become unusually aggressive or may exhibit out-of-character behaviors, such as hiding in unusual places or becoming hyperactive.
2. Dilated pupils
One of the most common symptoms of rabies is dilated pupils, which can be a sign that the virus is attacking the central nervous system.
3. Fever
A fever is another common sign of rabies and can be a sign that the virus is spreading throughout the body.
4. Excessive salivation or drooling
This symptom can be caused by the virus itself or by nerve damage to the mouth and throat.
5. Seizures
These violent body shaking episodes can be a sign of rabies, as well as the result of nerve cell damage throughout the body.
6. Paralysis
If your cat is drooling and experiencing spasms or seizures and then begins to experience paralysis in any part of its body (not including the face), this can be a strong sign that it has rabies.
7. Self-mutilation
Cats that have rabies may start to self-mutilate, or begin excessively licking or scratching at themselves. This is often the result of nerve damage and loss of feeling in the extremities.
8. Loss of appetite and/or weight loss
This can be a sign that the virus is attacking various organs in the body, including the liver and kidneys.
9. Excessive urination or dehydration
This symptom can be caused by the virus itself or by the cat's inability to drink or eat because of the illness.
10. Death
In some cases, cats that have contracted rabies will die within a few days of showing any symptoms. If you are worried that your cat may have rabies, please take it to the veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to preventing the spread of the virus and saving your cat's life.
If you are unsure about whether or not your cat has rabies, please contact your veterinarian before taking any further action.
How to prevent rabies in cats
There are several ways to prevent rabies in cats. Vaccination is the most important way to protect your cat from rabies. A booster vaccine should be given every one to three years, depending on your veterinarian's recommendation. In addition, a pet should be kept on a leash or inside when outdoors.
If you think your pet may have come in contact with a carrier of rabies (most often a wild animal), seek help immediately.
The following measures should be taken to protect your cat from catching rabies:
Vaccination:
Your cat should receive the vaccine every one to three years, depending on your veterinarian's recommendation. Once vaccinated, your pet will need to receive a booster vaccine.
Keep your cat indoors:
It is suggested that cats stay indoors to prevent contact with carriers of the rabies virus, such as wild animals.
Keep your pet on a leash when outdoors:
Cats should be kept on leashes or in carriers so they do not wander off and come in contact with wild animals.
Seek veterinary help immediately:
If you think your pet has been exposed to rabies, seek veterinary help immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to preventing the disease from developing.
How often rabies shot the cat
There is no one definitive answer to this question as it varies depending on the individual cat's lifestyle, risk factors, and other health concerns. However, most veterinarians generally recommend that cats receive a rabies vaccine shot every three years.
This is because the risk of contracting rabies is relatively low for most cats, and the vaccine lasts for a few years. However, if your cat is at a higher risk for exposure to rabies (for example, if it spends a lot of time outdoors), then your veterinarian may recommend more frequent shots. It's always best to check with your veterinarian to find out what's best for your specific cat.
