Rabies is a disease that spreads by biting other animals and humans. Rabies can actually be a serious disease, which causes hydrophobia, which is the fear of water. Because of this an animal or human with rabies will not drink water or even want to be around water at all, which may result in the death of that animal or human if left untreated. Rabies is commonly spread by animals that are wild and feral. Some people wonder if domestic animals, such as cats, can catch rabies. We will answer that question and other questions you may have about that here. With that said let us take a look.
How Likely Are Cats to Get Rabies?
This can depend on where you live as well as other things. In the United States, rabies is very uncommon even amongst wild unvaccinated animals. This is likely due to laws that force the owner of domestic animals to get them their rabies shots. It should be noted, that the majority of states have these laws set in place in order to prevent the spread of rabies from animal to animal, from animal to human, etc. Also, it should be mentioned, that if your cat is an indoor cat, then it is pretty much unlikely for your cat to have rabies, or for it to come in contact with other animals that could have it. And in actuality, rabies is so rare and uncommon, that there were less than 300 reported rabies cases in the United States last year alone.
However, if a cat does get rabies, it is almost certainly from another animal that bit it. This is usually from animals that are wild, such as raccoons, skunks, and bats – these wild animals can all be carriers of the rabies virus. Basically, the more your cat comes in contact with wild animals, the more likely it is that it could catch rabies.
How Do I Know If My Pet Has Rabies?
Sometimes the signs of rabies can be clear to pet owners and cat owners, but other times rabies may not present itself as obviously as it should. This is because every animal is different, but we can go over some symptoms.
Symptoms:
The first and most obvious sign that your cat might have rabies is that it would have a bite mark left by another animal. This can also include other pet owners. If you suspect if it was another pet-owners pet that did it, it’s best to talk with them about it. Also, if you know your cat was attacked by a wild animal, get into contact with your vet as soon as possible.
They might also display changes in behavior. Cats that are usually calm may display agitation and become more excitable. Some cats may become less affectionate and want to be isolated.
They may also display aggression. They will act viciously towards humans and other animals.
The most obvious symptom is drooling. This can cause them to not be able to swallow. They may also foam at the mouth, which is a very obvious sign.
Loss of muscle control. This can cause paralysis and a coma.
Should I Be Worried If My Cat Bit Me?
The only way rabies can pass itself along from animal to animal, or from animal to human is by biting. This is because the virus spreads through the mucus membrane or through broken skin. You only need to worry if you come into direct contact with the saliva of the infected animal. It is very possible for humans to get rabies too. So, if your cat just licks you or drools on you, you don’t have to worry about catching rabies unless it comes into contact with broken skin or the mucus membrane. It is possible to get rabies if an infected animal scratches you, but it is very rare and uncommon.
If you think you have been bitten by a cat who has rabies, it is best to call your doctor immediately. Luckily, there is a vaccine for rabies in humans, which is a series of shots that will make you immune to it and help you fight it off.
See Also: Do Domestic Cats Hunt Snakes?
And: Are Domestic Cats Good Swimmers?
Can I Get My Cat a Rabies Shot?
The good news with this is, yes, you can get a rabies shot for your cat. It is actually very much mandated by many states, so it is actually illegal to not vaccinate your cat or pets for rabies. This is a good thing, as seen with other viruses, it stops it in its tracks and rabies is basically almost non-existent because of the vaccines.
There is also a booster shot for rabies to make sure your cat stays immune to the rabies virus. However, if you suspect your cat may have rabies it might be too late to stop it. Since vaccines won’t stop it from spreading (vaccines only guarantee you won’t catch it at all, not cure it), and since there is no cure – if your cat has rabies, your vet may suggest putting down your cat, or any other pet humanely because of this, for it will only get worse for them once they contract it.
But it should be obvious by now that the best protection against rabies is to just get your cat vaccinated so you don’t have to worry about them getting it and having to be euthanized.
Conclusion
We answered some of the best questions regarding rabies, from how domestic cats can get rabies, to the symptoms of rabies. We answered some of the most prevalent questions to do with rabies. We hope we cleared up any confusion with rabies and hope you understand the virus better so you can better protect your pet and yourself against it. But as said before, be sure to get your pet a rabies shot – as it is the best medicine available so they can’t contract it. And it is best to contact your vet immediately if you do think your cat or pet has rabies.
Featured image: Curious Cat in a Meadow
