As such this disease is also referred to as hydrophobia. Once symptoms appear rabies is present in three stages the first stage that can last a couple of days the cat may show some or all of these symptoms.
Fever Major changes in temperament and behaviour.
Signs of rabies in cats. The second stage of rabies is called the Furious phase. This stage usually begins on the second or third day. At this stage your cat will develop paralysis along the throat and mouth musclesleading to inability to move the jaws.
The incubation period may vary based on the location of the exposure site how far away it is from the brain the type of rabies virus and any existing immunity. On the other hand the aversion or fear of water is a common symptom of animals that have rabies. Like mentioned you wont be able to properly treat rabies after the symptoms start to show.
Behavioral signs of furious rabies in cats are easier to recognize. The first symptoms of rabies may be very similar to those of the flu including general weakness or discomfort fever or headache. That is why its very important to make sure that you take the proper action once you find out your cat has been bitten or scratched by an unknown animal.
There are various symptoms of rabies and all symptoms may not be present in every infected animal. If you suspect your cat has rabies inspect it for bite marks or signs of a fight since fighting with a rabid animal is often how cats contract the disease. Most rabid animals show signs of central nervous system disturbance.
To tell if a cat has rabies keep an eye out for common early signs like irritability fever vomiting diarrhea loss of appetite and inability to swallow. The last stage of the rabies virus in cats is the paralysis stage. These symptoms may last for days.
If your cat has elevated fever this may be a sign of an infection or it may as well be a sign of cat rabies. A calm friendly cat may suddenly exhibit signs of aggression irritability and anger. Paralytic rabies also referred to as dumb rabies is characterized by weakness and loss of coordination in the cat followed by paralysis.
Your pet may also lick the wound from the bite. While dogs have historically been associated with spreading rabies to people more cats than dogs are reported rabid in the US. They may become withdrawn anxious shy or fearful.
Change in demeanor increased aggression sudden unnatural shyness or constant state of agitation. The second is called the furious stage the most dangerous phase in a rabid cat. They may also excessively cry out and experience seizures and a loss of appetite.
Eye and muscle spasms Some cats dont vomit others dont excessively drool and some felines can display nervous symptoms and suddenly drop dead. Rabies is a viral disease that mainly affects carnivores but can affect all mammals including people. The virus affects the brain and nervous system with initial signs of change in behavior.
It is during this stage the cat will display increasingly erratic behavior. This mostly occurs on the seventh day depending on your cats size or the nature of the bite. Tips to Treat Rabies for Humans and Cats.
On the other hand signs of paralytic rabies are easier to spot when an otherwise normally active playful kitty shows signs of lethargy immobility and paralysis. They will also knock over objects they come across with. The most reliable indicators are sudden and severe behavioral changes and unexplained paralysis that worsens over time.
Behavioral changes can include sudden loss of appetite signs of apprehension or nervousness irritability and hyperexcitability. Some cats do not suffer from vomiting others do not drool excessively and others may suffer a nervous picture and suddenly die. Cats having rabies are vicious and will bite and scratch more than usual.
The first signs you may see could be changes in your cats behavior. Furious rabies is characterized by extreme behavioral changes including overt aggression and attack behavior. Classic signs of rabies in cats are changes in behavior including aggression restlessness and lethargy increased vocalization loss of appetite weakness disorientation paralysis seizures.
For example it may begin to eat inedible objects like stones or sticks. A cat that has previously been loving may growl and run away from her owner. Rabies is a fatal incurable disease that can infect humans.
This is a fast-moving virus. Cats are often in close contact with both people and wild animals including those that primarily spread ra. On the other hand the version or fear of water is a symptom of animals that suffer from rabies that is why the disease is also known as hydrophobia.
Your cat is fighting imaginary objects or eating stones. 2 Furious Symptoms Known as furious stage this is the second stage of feline rabies. Cats with mellow demeanor may become agitated aggressive and vocal.
In this stage a rabid cat may become nervous and vicious.
