Furbabies
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Rabies in Cats

Rabies is a fatal disease, caused by a rhabdovirus, affecting nearly all warm-blooded animals. It is found worldwide except for the British Isles, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Japan and parts of Scandinavia. The main source of infection to humans is a bite from an infected animal.

90% of cats with Rabies are less than 3 years old, and most are male. Rural cats have the highest risk for Rabies because they are more likely to be exposed to wildlife (especially skunks, racoons, bats and foxes).

The virus is present in the saliva of infected animals and enters at the site of the bite. Saliva on an open wound or mucous membranes will also cause exposure, but this is rare. Incubation lasts 9 to 60 days. Clinical signs are usually seen within 15 to 25 days of exposure.

The virus replicates in muscle cells then travels along nerves towards the brain. The further the bite is from the brain, the longer the incubation period will be. The virus then travels back along the nerves to the mouth where it enters the saliva.

Signs of Rabies are due to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).

The early stage of the disease lasts 1 to 3 days.

Personality changes - affectionate sociable cats become irritable or aggressive and may bite repeatedly at the site where the virus entered the body
Shy less outgoing cats become overly affectionate
Affected animals become withdrawn and stare into space
Animals avoid light

There are two forms of encephalitis - furious form and paralytic form.

The furious form ("mad dog" type) is most common. It lasts 1 to 7 days. Signs include:

Aggression
Excitable
Muscle twitching
Tremors
Staggering
Hind leg incoordination
Violent convulsions or seizures
Followed by death

The paralytic form causes the swallowing muscles to be paralysed.

Cat drools, coughs, paws at mouth
Difficulty swallowing
As the encephalitis progresses the cat loses control of its rear legs, collapses and is unable to get up
Death from respiratory failure occurs in 1 to 2 days

No effective treatment exists in cats.

Prevention
Ensure your pet is properly vaccinated and receives all the required booster shots recommended by your vet.

Public Health

Don't pet, handle or give first aid to an animal suspected of having Rabies. If there is the slightest possibility that your cat has Rabies, contact your vet and physician immediately.

Always promptly clean animal bites and scratches - wash thoroughly with soap and water.

References

Carlson DG & Giffin JM, Cat Owners Home Veterinary Handbook, New York: Howell Book House, 1995

Tilley LP & Smith FWK, The Five Minute Veterinary Consult - Canine and Feline (2nd Edition), Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2000

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