Rabies is generally associated with dogs, however, cats can also be affected and can even transmit it to humans. Despite being less common, rabies in cats is equally worrying, since once contracted the animal cannot recover and dies in a short period of time.
Rabies in cats
The term " rabia" comes from the Latin Rabidus, which means crazy, probably because of the aggressive appearance that animals that suffer from it tend to show. this viral infectious pathologyBut do cats transmit rabies? The truth is that yes, because it is also a zoonotic disease, that is, it can affect humans.
How is rabies transmitted from cats to humans?
This disease is caused by viruses of the Rhabdoviridae family, which affect the central nervous system and spread and accumulate in large quantities in the salivary glands, causing the production of infected saliva. It is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected animal, usually after a fight. On the other hand, being less common, rabies can also be spread by licking an open wound or scratching on the mucous membranes, such as in the mouth and eyes.
How do cats get rabies?
The number of infected animals has been controlled thanks to active vaccination campaigns in countries around the world, however, the current figures are still cause for concern, since the presence of rabies persists, especially among wild animals, such as bats or foxes. However, the epidemiological risk is much higher in terrestrial mammals that live in urban centers, such as dogs and cats, than in wild animals, since that contact with them is highly infrequent and usually accidental.
So can rabies in cats be cured?
Rabies There is no cure and in most cases it causes the death of the infected cat. Therefore, the best tool to combat it is prevention. Strictly following the vaccination schedule for cats is essential to prevent this and other pathologies. Also, be careful if your cat leaves the house unattended and gets into fights (a major source of infection) or if your cat brings dead animals home.
But then, How long does a cat live with rabies? To answer this question we are going to explain a little how it works and disease develops.
Stages of rabies in cats
While the bite occurs, the rabies virus present in the saliva penetrates directly into the muscles and tissues, then starts to multiplyon that site. The virus spreads through surrounding structures and those closest to the nervous tissue, as it has a certain affinity for nerve fibers (it is neurotropic) and does not use blood as a means of diffusion.
Rage phases:
- Incubation: begins when the cat receives the bite and ends with the appearance of the first symptoms. In fact, the animal appears completely he althy and does not show any symptoms of disease. It can last from a week to several months until the disease manifests itself.
- Prodómica: in this phase we can begin to observe some behavioral changes. The cat may be more nervous, scared, anxious, tired and introverted. This phase can last 2 to 10 days.
- Aggressiveness: this is the phase that characterizes the disease. The cat becomes aggressive, irritable and may bite and scratch. Special care must be taken.
- Paralysis: is the final phase of the disease, in which we observe paralysis, spasms, coma and, finally, the death of the animal.
Symptoms of rabies in cats
Below we will show you the most common symptoms of rabies in cats, but you should know that they do not always manifest themselves all:
- Fever
- Aggressiveness
- Apathy
- Excessive salivation
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Aversion to light (photophobia)
- Aversion to water (hydrophobia)
- Seizures
- Paralysis
These signs are easily confused with other neurological diseases, for this reason, whenever we need to detect rabies in a cat, we should consult a veterinarian, especially if we have observed any of the symptoms mentioned and if it also roams the streets and/or brings dead animals.
How long does a cat live with rabies?
As we have already explained, this disease has no cure and, therefore, euthanasia in cats is the most worthy option when diagnosed, since the progression of the disease isfast, irreversible and deadly In addition, it also causes severe suffering in the animal.
The life expectancy of a cat with rabies is relatively short. The period of the phrases described above may vary from one individual to another, but once it reaches the central nervous system and the manifestation of clinical symptoms begins, the disease progresses rapidly and death occurs in 7 or 10 days
Usually, when a cat is suspected of having rabies, it is placed in quarantine, to be observed for 10 days minimum. At the end of this period, it is evaluated if the cat is well or, on the contrary, if it suffers from rabies.
If you suspect that your cat may have this disease, Go to your veterinarian immediately so that they can isolate it and thus avoid contagion towards other animals and people, in addition to minimizing pain. In addition, if you have been able to identify the carrier of the rabies that has infected your cat, you should inform the specialist, so that other animals do not continue to be infected.
