Worried About Rabies In Cats? All You Should Know

The specific threat related to rabies in cats is a major concern for owners because this is a severe health risk. This viral infection becomes a critical concern, specifically to felines but also to human beings. It is thus of uttermost importance to get to know this disease, its cause, signs, and of course, preventative measures. A blog post must contain all the necessary information on rabies in cats: what every owner of the pet and every person would like to know to protect their feline and themselves.

What Is Rabies in Cats?

This is an infectious disease that originates from the rabies virus and forms part of the central nervous system diseases leading to death if not attended to, with neurological complications. Considering the fact that this is a zoonotic disease, transmission from animal to human makes if a very important disease to health.

The rabies virus is majorly induced into a cat’s system by the action of being bitten by an infected animal. After induction into a cat’s system, the pathogen moves upwards through the nervous system until it reaches the brain and spinal cord after which it causes debilitating symptoms and at terminal stages, death.

Causes and Transmission of Feline Rabies

Experimental exposure to vaccines, which contain attitudes to the rabies virus, is the major cause of the disease in cats. Mostly, this is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids such as saliva of the affected wildlife through biting or scratching. Subsequently, a virus is introduced into the cat’s body through open wounds or mucous membranes upon contact.

While the risk certainly is greater in outdoor cats, because they are much more likely to come into contact with wildlife, the risk of rabies in cats does not completely elude an indoor cat. There are extreme situations in which a rabid animal may gain entry into a house and bite or scratch an indoor cat; one such example would be that of a bat getting into a house. All cats then, either indoor or outdoor, must be protected against this disease.

Symptoms of Rabies in Cats

The symptoms of rabies in cats may differ depending on the stage of the illness and not always manifest themselves explicitly. First of all, only behavioral changes can indicate that an infection is present. A cat can become more aggressive or, on the contrary, very withdrawn and quiet. Other early symptoms that can appear in the course of this disease are the following ones:

• Appetite changes and water intake
• Dysphagia
• Hypersalivation

As the disease progresses, the neurological symptoms worsen, which includes:

• Inappropriate aggression or fearlessness
• Lethargy and weakness
• Paralysis and seizure

Lastly, difficulty breathing that reaches a very severe level might result in death. If you have witnessed such symptoms, then the immediate action is to be taken because Rabies are always almost always fatal once the clinical signs appear.

Diagnosing Rabies in Cats

Diagnosis of the rabies virus in cats combines assessment at a clinical level and laboratory testing. This would most probably start with the veterinarian examining your cat for its history of symptoms. Among other factors, the vet will rule out the possibility of exposure to any rabid animals over th e recent past.

If the rabies is suspected, definite diagnosis comes from laboratory tests done on the brain tissue. Since rabies cannot be positively diagnosed without these tests, euthanasia may need to be performed for purposes of collecting appropriate tissue. As is clear from this diagnostic method, there is great need for prevention and early treatment since once the clinical signs are evident, then treatment options become limited.

Preventing Rabies in Cats

The most common measure that would prevent rabies in cats is vaccination. The rabies vaccine belongs to such vaccines which are used routinely in cats and are obligatory in many regions. Maintaining your cat’s vaccinations are current will help protect your cat from this deadly disease.

Aside from vaccination, here are some preventive measures that will protect your feline companion:

Keep Your Cat Indoors:

If possible, reduce the time that your cat spends outdoors to reduce possibilities of contact with potentially infected wildlife. Indoor settings do not, typically, provide opportunities to contact infected animals.

Supervise Outdoor Activities:

If your cat does get outdoors, supervise the outdoor time to prevent contact with wildlife.

Monitor for Sickness:

Make sure to always look out for any suspicious behavior that would depict your cat is feeling sick or the changes in their behavior. It is always better to be safe than sorry and it is always wise that when you suspect something is wrong with your cat whether its behavior is or its health in general, you should immediately consult with your veterinarian.

What to Do If You Think Your Cat Has Rabies?

In case of suspicion that your cat has come in contact with the rabies virus or your cat is now exhibiting the initial signs of this despicable disease, it becomes very critical at this point that you act quickly a visit to the veterinarian is imperative. Indeed, early treatment assumes prime importance in dealing with exposure and defining quarantine against euthanasia.

Your veterinarian will assess the degree of it and will conclude by your cat’s condition and its past history. Quarantine may be recommended with observation in case of possible contact. If the condition is at a very high stage and if the prognosis is not very promising, then euthanasia is done.

Importance of Rabies Awareness

The awareness on the part of a pet owner in respect to feline rabies can prevent this deadly disease from spreading. By keeping your cat current on vaccinations, following preventive measures, you protect not only the health of your pet but also public health. Any slightest suspicion regarding any signs or symptoms brings all the difference into the management of the health and safety of your cat.

Conclusion

This remains a very important and avoidable disease, needing the attention of each cat owner. By keeping vaccinations up to date and applying some of the preventive measures to be enlisted, you shall do so much to ensure that your cat enjoys good health and hence contributes towards the general control of the disease. Awareness and good management remain very vital to ensure that your feline companion keeps off this deadly virus. To help your cat get rid of rabies, you may visit the website www.petplace.pk for amazing pet treatment products.

FAQs

What immunizations does my cat need for rabies?

It is recommended that you should ensure that your cat has received the rabies vaccine. Some of the steps that you can try include confining your cat to indoors most of the time or when you are taking your cat outside ensure that he or she is restrained in his or her activities.

What should one do if you feel that the cat might have been exposed to the rabies virus?

If you think that your cat is a victim of Rabies or affected in any way, your furry friend requires the best treatment from the veterinarian.