Recognizing Rabies Symptoms in Cats: A Guide

Foaming at the mouth and uncontrolled biting - that's how we imagine a rabid cat. But rabies is a serious disease whose symptoms are often recognized too late.

The symptoms of rabies in cats can be divided into three stages: behavioral changes, aggression and paralysis.

In this article, you will learn all about the signs of rabies in cats, how to recognize them and what to do to protect your beloved furry friend.

What is rabies and how is it transmitted?

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals, including cats and humans. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, which is why it is so important to know about this disease and understand how it is transmitted.

Rabies is mainly transmitted through the saliva of infected animals , usually through bite wounds. Here are some ways the virus can be transmitted:

• Through the bite of an infected animal.
• Through scratches or open wounds that come into contact with the saliva of an infected animal.
• Rarely through inhalation of virus particles, for example in bat caves

The risk of infection is particularly high in areas where rabies is endemic. Outdoor cats that come into contact with wild or stray animals are at increased risk . This is why it is so important that cat owners have their animals vaccinated regularly and take precautions to avoid contact with potentially infected animals.

Recognizing the symptoms of rabies in cats

Rabies is a dangerous disease that progresses in cats in three stages. Each stage has different symptoms that need to be recognized. Early detection is crucial because the disease is almost always fatal once the first symptoms become visible.

The symptoms of rabies are not always immediately apparent. They can begin gradually and increase slowly. It is important to pay attention to behavioral changes that could indicate the prodromal stage.

In the second stage, the excitation stage, the cat often shows increased aggressiveness . Muscle twitches, cramps and increased salivation can occur. This phase is particularly dangerous for people and other animals.

The last stage is the paralytic stage, in which paralysis symptoms appear. These can spread throughout the body and ultimately lead to death due to respiratory paralysis.

It is important that cat owners are aware of the symptoms and act immediately if they suspect it. Early veterinary treatment can be life-saving, although the chances are slim once symptoms appear.

Prodromal stage: The first signs

The prodromal stage is the first sign of rabies. During this phase, general behavioral changes may occur, ranging from increased affection to security.

In the prodromal stage, cats may make increased vocalizations or develop atypical fearful behavior. Mild fever and itching at the bite site are also possible symptoms.

Excitation stage: aggressiveness and restlessness

During the excitation stage, the cat may be very aggressive and easily excitable . It is possible that the cat appears disoriented and has difficulty finding its way around.

Increased salivation and the occurrence of muscle twitches and cramps are also typical during this phase. The cat may be hypersensitive to light, noise and touch.

Paralytic stage: paralysis as a warning signal

In the paralytic stage of rabies, paralysis symptoms become prominent. These can initially spread to the jaw and face and eventually affect the entire body.

The cat can develop breathing problems because the respiratory muscles become paralyzed. Eventually the animal falls into a coma and usually dies as a result of the respiratory paralysis.

What to do if rabies is suspected?

If you suspect that your cat may have rabies , it is crucial to act immediately and avoid direct contact with the animal. It is important that you do not try to take the cat to the vet yourself, as this would increase the risk of transmitting the virus. Instead, you should contact the vet immediately by phone and explain the situation.

Once you have spoken to the vet, he or she will take the necessary steps, including informing the relevant authorities . You should keep your cat isolated to prevent the virus from spreading further. You should keep the following in mind:

• Make sure your cat has fresh water and food .
• Set up a clean litter box .
• Avoid any physical contact with the cat.

It is important to understand that if rabies is suspected, no treatment is available and the legal requirements are very strict. In some cases, the relevant authorities may order the cat to be euthanized to protect the animal, people and other animals. Your role as a responsible cat owner is to follow safety measures and cooperate with the authorities.

Prevention through vaccination: What you need to know

Vaccination against rabies is an effective way to protect cats from this deadly disease. It is not only important for your cat's health, but also for public safety. Vaccination is essential, especially if your cat is an outdoor cat or if you plan to travel abroad with it.

The cost of a rabies vaccination can vary, but it is an investment in your cat's health and can save lives in an emergency. The vaccination schedule is also important and should be determined by a veterinarian. Here are a few points to keep in mind:

• The first vaccination usually takes place at the age of 12 weeks.
• Booster vaccinations are usually necessary every one to three years.
• When travelling abroad, the specific entry regulations must be observed.

It is important to keep a vaccination record that documents all vaccinations. This serves as official proof that your cat is vaccinated against rabies. In some countries, proof of valid vaccination is required by law to minimize the risk of spreading the disease.

How Flappie can minimize the risk of rabies transmission

Flappie offers an innovative solution to minimise the risk of rabies transmission. Flappie 's smart cat flap prevents cats from bringing prey into the home. This is especially important as rabies is often transmitted through contact with infected wild animals. With Flappie, the risk of transmission is reduced by preventing the cat from bringing potentially infected prey into the home.

To further minimize the risk, cat owners can use the Flappie app . It offers the following advantages:

• Push notifications as soon as the cat tries to come home with prey.
• Remote control of the cat flap to control access as needed.
• Insight into your cat's behavior through videos and statistics. This way you can act proactively and protect your cat's health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if an animal has rabies?

Rabies in cats can be recognized by various symptoms, which can be divided into three stages: behavioral changes, aggressiveness and paralysis. In the prodromal stage, cats show general behavioral changes, increased vocalizations or a slight fever. In the excitation stage, cats become very aggressive and easily excitable, may appear disoriented and show increased salivation as well as muscle twitches and cramps. In the paralytic stage, paralysis occurs, which spreads to the entire body and can ultimately lead to death due to respiratory paralysis.

Can you get scratches or rabies from cats?

Yes, rabies can be transmitted when the saliva of an infected animal comes into contact with scratches or open wounds. It is important to disinfect such wounds and seek immediate medical advice if you suspect a possible infection.