How long do rabid cats live? - briefly
Rabies in cats is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The lifespan of a rabid cat after showing signs is typically measured in days rather than weeks or months.
How long do rabid cats live? - in detail
Rabies in cats, as in other animals, is a severe and fatal disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Once symptoms appear, the prognosis for affected cats is grim. The duration of life after the onset of clinical signs of rabies can vary, but it is typically short, ranging from a few days to several weeks.
The incubation period of rabies in cats—the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms—can be highly variable, often ranging from 10 days to several months, depending on various factors such as the site of the bite, the amount of virus introduced, and the cat's overall health. During this incubation period, the cat may appear normal, but it is already infected and capable of transmitting the disease to other animals or humans through its saliva.
Once clinical signs manifest, they progress rapidly. Initial symptoms may include changes in behavior, such as aggression, lethargy, or excessive excitability. As the disease advances, more pronounced neurological signs appear, including difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), muscle weakness, paralysis, seizures, and eventually coma. At this stage, the cat's survival time is extremely limited, often measured in days rather than weeks or months.
Euthanasia is commonly recommended for cats exhibiting symptoms of rabies due to the rapid progression of the disease and the high risk of transmission to other animals and humans. The decision to euthanize a cat suspected of having rabies is not taken lightly but is considered necessary to prevent further spread of the virus.
In summary, while the incubation period for rabies in cats can vary significantly, the survival time after the onset of clinical signs is typically very short. The disease progresses rapidly and fatally, making prompt intervention crucial to contain its spread.