What if a cat gets rabies? - briefly
If a cat contracts rabies, it poses a significant health risk to both humans and other animals in close contact with it. Immediate veterinary care is essential to prevent transmission and protect public health.
What if a cat gets rabies? - in detail
Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal for cats, as well as for other mammals and humans. If a cat contracts rabies, it typically follows a predictable course of infection, with distinct stages: incubation, prodromal, excitation, paralysis, and death.
The incubation period is the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms. In cats, this can vary from a few days to several months, depending on the location and severity of the bite or scratch that transmitted the virus. During this stage, the cat may not exhibit any visible signs of illness.
The prodromal stage is characterized by subtle changes in the cat's behavior and appearance. The cat might become more withdrawn or aggressive than usual, showing signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and slight changes in vocalization. These symptoms are often nonspecific and can be attributed to other illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose rabies at this stage without laboratory confirmation.
As the disease progresses into the excitation phase, the cat's behavior becomes more erratic and unpredictable. This stage is marked by increased irritability, restlessness, and hyperactivity. The cat may exhibit unusual aggression, attacking objects or other animals without provocation. It might also display excessive salivation, which can lead to drooling or foaming at the mouth. This phase is particularly dangerous because it increases the risk of transmitting the virus through bites or scratches.
In the paralysis stage, the cat's nervous system begins to deteriorate rapidly. Muscle weakness and paralysis set in, often starting with the back legs and progressing to the front legs and other parts of the body. The cat may have difficulty swallowing, leading to excessive drooling or choking on food or water. Respiratory distress can also occur as the muscles involved in breathing weaken. This stage is typically followed by death within a few days.
Once symptoms of rabies appear in a cat, there is no known cure or effective treatment. The disease is almost always fatal once clinical signs develop. Euthanasia is often recommended to prevent further suffering and to contain the spread of the virus. It's crucial for pet owners to be aware of the signs of rabies and to ensure their cats are vaccinated against the disease, as prevention is the most effective strategy against this deadly infection.
In summary, if a cat gets rabies, it progresses through several stages: incubation, prodromal, excitation, paralysis, and death. Early symptoms can be subtle and nonspecific, making diagnosis challenging without laboratory confirmation. The disease is almost always fatal once clinical signs appear, and euthanasia is often recommended to prevent further suffering and contain the virus's spread. Vaccination remains the best method of protecting cats from this deadly infection.