Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the nervous system in mammals, including humans and cats. While human cases of rabies are rare, due to widespread vaccination of domestic animals, it is possible for humans to contract the disease from cats. The illness is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
How Rabies Spreads
Rabies primarily spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, when saliva enters an open wound. This most commonly occurs through a bite, but a scratch can also transmit the virus if the infected animal’s saliva is present on its claws. Once the virus enters the body, it travels slowly along the nerves until it reaches the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, where it multiplies.
Recognizing Rabies Signs
Signs of rabies in cats can vary, often beginning with subtle behavioral changes. An infected cat might become unusually aggressive or fearful, or display uncharacteristic friendliness. As the disease progresses, other signs can include excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, disorientation, lack of coordination, and paralysis. Ultimately, the disease leads to coma and death in affected animals.
In humans, rabies symptoms develop weeks to months after exposure. Initial symptoms resemble the flu, with fever, headache, weakness, or discomfort at the bite site. As the virus progresses to the brain, neurological symptoms emerge, such as anxiety, confusion, agitation, and hallucinations. A distinct symptom, hydrophobia or fear of water, may also manifest due to painful throat spasms when attempting to drink. The illness eventually leads to paralysis, coma, and is nearly always fatal once these symptoms appear.
Protecting Against Rabies and Responding to Exposure
Protecting against rabies involves several strategies, with vaccination of domestic cats being a primary measure. Many regions mandate rabies vaccination for cats, typically starting with a kitten’s first shot around 12 weeks of age, followed by regular boosters. Avoiding contact with stray or wild animals, especially those exhibiting unusual behavior, is also important. Wild animals such as bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes are common carriers of rabies in many areas.
If bitten or scratched by a cat, especially one unknown or unvaccinated, immediate action is necessary. Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water for several minutes to help reduce the viral load. Seek immediate medical attention for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which involves a series of rabies vaccines and immune globulin. PEP is highly effective in preventing the disease from developing if administered promptly after exposure, before symptoms begin.