Rabies in cats

   If you're a pet parent, then you probably want to keep your cat away from dangerous diseases. Well, then you must know that rabies has a mortality chance of one hundred percent. Surprised? This article is your best chance to learn about that horrible disease.

  For more serious folks, I must say that most of the information and the photo is taken from this link:  https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/rabies-in-cats.

  What is rabies?

  Rabies is a viral, contagious infection that affects the guest-animal's nervous system. There are many preventive vaccines (in most states and countries, mandatory), however, after the symptomes appear, it is fatal.

  Signs & symptoms for rabies in cats

  Usually, rabies is transmitted through the bite/saliva of an infected animal. The guest-animal is very mad in the final stage of the disease, so vets recommend euthanasia in hopeless cases.

  After your pet is infected, it may take up to an year before the symptoms show up (and the disease becomes untreatable). This depends on the site of infection (how close to the brain it is) and the severity of the bite. This time is called the incubation period.

  Symptoms include:

 - sudden and severe change in behavior

 - loss of appetite, nervousness, irritability

 - unexplained paralysis (without too much sleep)

 - drooling, foaming at the mouth

  Scientist have discovered three major stages in the disease after the incubation period:

1. Prodromal stage (first 2-3 days)

2. Furious stage (next 1-7 days)

3. Paralitic stage (the final 2-4 days)

 Tip: In the Prodromal stage, the symptoms are not so clear. They can be easily confused with other diseases or just pure aggression, so the only accurate way to see if your pet is rabid is to run a test on its brain/nervous system. Also, the Paralitic stage doesn't ever appear before any other symptoms, so don't worry if your cat seems to do nothing but lay on the floor.

  If your cat shows any of these signs, call your vet immediately without any later delay. Even if it is the middle of the night, call an emergency clinic. It will surely agree, considering the risks.

What should I do to prevent this?

  As I said (or written), there are several free/under cost mandatory vaccines for cats and dogs. It must be done yearly, so don't forget to schedule vet appointments early so that you don't take any risk.

  Also, it is recommended to keep your cat indoor and, if it can't be done, away from any dangerous wild animals. If that cat can't be done either, buy a force field to protect your cat, heck with it! Rabies can be transmitted to humans too, so it is for your well-being too.

    Thank you for reading this week's article. 

Note: Do not panic too much when your kitty cat sleeps too much. It isn't necessarily rabies.