Signs of Rabies in Cats: How to Know If Your Cat Is Infected

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Plus, learn how rabies spreads to cats and is diagnosed and treated
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For many cat owners, “rabies” is a very scary word. But what exactly is this virus, and how can you tell if your cat is infected? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more. Fortunately, rabies isn’t as prevalent in cats today thanks to vaccinations; however, that doesn’t mean your cat isn’t at risk. There are certain signs to look for and ways to prevent the spread. Read on to learn more.

How to Tell If a Cat Has Rabies

An early sign of rabies is a sudden change in behavior. This could include aggression, irritability, nervousness, or loss of appetite. As rabies progresses, seizures, drooling, foaming at the mouth, and paralysis can occur. Unfortunately, there are no treatments for rabies once symptoms start, so prevention is key.

Section 1 of 9:

Signs of Rabies in Cats

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  1. There are 3 phases of a rabies infection, and the first is the prodromal stage . During this stage, the cat will usually exhibit behavior that’s really unusual for them. [1] For example, cats who are usually shy and timid may become excitable, and cats who are normally extroverted may turn nervous or irritable. [2] You may also notice changes in your cat’s appetite. Here are some key things to look for:
    • Aggression: Even the tamest and shyest cats can become mean if they have rabies. If a normally sweet and gentle cat is suddenly aggressive toward you or other animals, this could be a sign of the infection. [3]
    • Nervousness: A cat that’s usually very calm and relaxed could become incredibly hyper, excitable, or anxious for no apparent reason.
    • Changes in how social they are: A cat that’s typically very shy might become unusually outgoing if it has rabies, and a cat that’s usually friendly could completely isolate itself.
    • Lack of appetite: An early sign of rabies is a sudden lack of appetite or abnormal disinterest in food. If a cat turns away a meal or treats or stops eating altogether, it may be a sign that there’s a bigger problem. [4]
  2. The second stage of a rabies infection is called the furious stage , also known as the “mad dog” stage. [5] During this period, the cat will become much more aggressive and even vicious toward you and other animals, and they may lash out with their teeth and claws. Since the virus is attacking the nervous system, a lack of coordination, trouble swallowing, drooling, and foaming at the mouth can also occur. [6]
    • This is the stage when a rabid cat is most dangerous to humans and other animals. [7]
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  3. Rabies damages a cat’s nervous system, making it difficult for them to control their muscles. Because of this, they can have a hard time walking or moving their legs and appear lethargic. [8] As the disease progresses, the paralysis becomes worse and the cat eventually goes into a coma. Unfortunately, cats usually pass away at this stage of infection, which is called the paralytic stage.
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Section 2 of 9:

Diagnosis & Treatment

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  1. If you believe your cat may have rabies, or if they’ve been bitten by an unknown animal, take them to the vet immediately. Rabies is a fast-acting virus, so it’s important to act quickly. [9] The vet will ask for your cat’s vaccination history, and they’ll also ask if your cat is displaying any symptoms yet, as both of these things will affect your treatment options.
    • For example, if your cat has already been vaccinated against rabies, the vet will administer a booster shot to help fight off the virus, and you’ll then be instructed to quarantine the cat at home for 45 days to make sure no symptoms develop.
    • Unfortunately, if your cat isn’t vaccinated against rabies or if they’re already displaying symptoms, veterinarians will usually recommend euthanasia.
    • This is because the vaccine can’t reliably prevent rabies if your cat has never been vaccinated before, and there is no treatment available for rabies once symptoms start. [10]
  2. Unfortunately, there’s no test a vet can perform on your cat to determine if they have rabies or not. Because of this, the vet will likely ask you questions about possible rabies exposure (recent smell of skunk in your yard, exposure to raccoons, any bats in the area), examine your cat, and make a diagnosis based on their symptoms. [11]
    • To make a completely accurate rabies diagnosis, the brain has to be removed postmortem. Small sections of the brain are then examined under a microscope to look for the presence of Negri bodies.
  3. If your cat has been previously vaccinated against rabies, they’ll have a booster shot of the vaccine as soon as possible after they’re bitten. This helps the immune system fight off the virus. Your cat will also likely have to be observed for signs of rabies for 10 to 45 days. This can often be done at home, as long as they’re confined and not in contact with any animals or humans outside of the household. [12]
  4. If your cat has not been vaccinated against rabies and is bitten by a confirmed rabid animal, euthanasia is often recommended. This is because rabies is a serious threat to human health, and there’s a high chance your cat will become rabid. [13]
    • Your cat can also be quarantined and observed for 6 months in a veterinary clinic; however, euthanasia may still be suggested or advised depending on the cat’s condition and estimated quality of life.
    • Of course, euthanasia is an incredibly difficult thing for a cat owner to consider, but rabies is a very dangerous disease for humans, and it’s also very painful for your cat.
    • If your vet determines that your cat does in fact have rabies, euthanasia is often the best option for your own safety, and it also prevents your cat from suffering as the disease progresses.
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Section 3 of 9:

What is rabies?

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  1. Caused by a virus in the Rhabdoviridae family, this disease is most common in wild and domestic animals (primarily skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, bats, dogs, and cats). The virus attacks the nervous system and can be 100% fatal in animals left untreated. [14]
    • The virus enters the body through a bite, cut, or scratch and is typically transmitted through mucus from the mouth or eyes.
Section 4 of 9:

How do cats get rabies?

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  1. Cats get rabies when they come in contact with an animal with rabies. Rabies is spread through direct contact with an infected animal, typically through a bite. When an infected animal bites another animal, the infected animal’s saliva may transmit rabies to the healthy animal. Once the disease enters the body, it travels via the nerves to the spinal cord and brain. [15]
    • The rabies virus can live on the cat’s skin or hair for up to 2 hours, so wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt and pants before handling a potentially infected cat.
    • If you think your cat might have come in contact with a rabid animal , check to see if he has any bite marks, open wounds, or signs of a fight, as exposed skin could put them at risk.
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Section 5 of 9:

When do the first symptoms of rabies appear?

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  1. Typically, the closer the original bite is to the brain or spinal cord, the faster the symptoms will develop. [16] Although 3-8 weeks is the typical incubation period, it can take anywhere from 10 days to a whole year for symptoms to appear. [17]
Section 6 of 9:

How to Prevent Rabies in Cats

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  1. Vaccinating your cat against rabies is the best, most effective way to prevent the disease. Set up a regular vaccination schedule with your veterinarian to keep your cat’s rabies vaccine up-to-date. Some vaccines need to be administered yearly, every 2 years, or every 3 years. [18]
  2. Another way to protect your cat from rabies is to keep them away from wild animals. Keeping your cat in the house is ideal because your cat won’t be exposed to neighborhood cats, raccoons, or other animals that might be carrying rabies. [19]
    • If your cat is accustomed to going outside, only allow them outside under your close watch, and do your best to prevent them from going near unfamiliar animals.
  3. Wild animals are common carriers of rabies. If your yard is not appealing to wild animals, then there’s less of a chance of your cat coming into contact with rabies. Some things that you can do to keep wild animals out of your yard include: [20]
    • Placing tight lids on all of your garbage cans.
    • Making sure there are no hiding spots for skunks or raccoons, such as under your deck or house.
    • Putting in a fence to keep wandering animals out of your yard.
    • Keeping trees and shrubs pruned and trimmed.
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Section 7 of 9:

Can cats give humans rabies?

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  1. If a rabid cat (or other animal) bites you, you could get rabies. Because of this, it’s extremely important to seek medical attention. Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water. Then, contact your doctor immediately. [21]
    • It’s important to seek medical attention right away after a bite from a suspected rabid animal because a rabies infection is very dangerous for humans, and once symptoms begin, there's no effective treatment. [22]
    • A healthcare professional will likely administer a series of rabies vaccinations and a dose of rabies immunoglobulin to protect you from the virus as soon as you think you’ve been exposed. [23]
    • Luckily, when they’re administered correctly, these preventative treatments are almost 100% effective in preventing the onset of rabies. [24]
  2. 2
    Rabies can be scary, but thankfully, it’s very rare. Fewer than 10 people in the U.S. die from rabies each year, and rabies infection specifically from a cat is even more uncommon. [25] In fact, the last documented case of human rabies from exposure to a rabid cat was in 1975. [26]
    • The bottom line? Seek out medical treatment right away if you’re bitten by an animal that could possibly have rabies. Rabies is serious, but it's also very uncommon, and prompt treatment is incredibly effective at preventing it.
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Section 8 of 9:

How common is rabies in cats?

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  1. Rabies isn’t very common in cats. Thanks to the rabies vaccine, rabies isn’t a common issue amongst cats; however, while the vaccine helps prevent the spread of infection, it doesn’t stop it entirely. Most cats get infected with rabies from being bitten by a wild animal. [27]
    • Believe it or not, rabies is more common in cats than dogs.
Section 9 of 9:

What should you do if you see an infected cat?

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  1. Do not attempt to capture a rabid cat on your own. If you see signs that a cat might be infected, it’s best to call animal control. This way, the cat can be taken to a veterinarian without putting yourself at risk. [28]
    • If your cat is being extremely aggressive, consider calling animal control for help transporting them to the vet safely.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you get rabies from a cat scratch?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    The rabies virus is transmitted in the cat's saliva. A scratch therefore carries a much lower risk of transferring infection than a bite. If, however, the cat scratched and broke the skin, and then dribbled saliva onto the wound, this would then increase the risk of infection.
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  • Question
    How long does it take to show symptoms of rabies in a cat?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    How long the symptoms take to develop depends on how far from the brain the cat is bitten. This is because the virus has to migrate along the nerves and reach the brain. Hence, the incubation period can be as short as 10 days, or as long as one year.
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  • Question
    Can a cat bite give you rabies?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    If the cat that does the biting has rabies, then yes, a bite carries a high risk of transferring the rabies virus. The virus is transmitted from the cat's saliva into the victim's blood stream, so a bite wound is a common source of infection.
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      Warnings

      • Leave wild animals alone. This includes baby animals. Always call animal control or a wildlife center for help. [29]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cedaranimalmedicalcenter.com/site/blog/2023/04/15/rabies-cats-signs-symptoms
      2. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19965838
      3. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19965838
      4. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19965838
      5. ↑ https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/rabies-in-cats
      6. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18365035
      7. ↑ https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/rabies-in-cats
      8. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18365035
      9. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/animal-bites-and-rabies
      1. ↑ https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/rabies-facts-prevention-tips/
      2. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/animal-bites-and-rabies
      3. ↑ http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/caring-for-your-pet/rabies-facts-tips.html
      4. ↑ http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/caring-for-your-pet/rabies-facts-tips.html
      5. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/animal-bites-and-rabies
      6. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15962654
      7. ↑ https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/healthcare/rabies-in-cats?lightboxfired=true
      8. ↑ https://www.cedaranimalmedicalcenter.com/site/blog/2023/04/15/rabies-cats-signs-symptoms
      9. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/rabies
      10. ↑ http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/caring-for-your-pet/rabies-facts-tips.html
      11. ↑ http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/caring-for-your-pet/rabies-facts-tips.html
      12. ↑ https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/
      13. ↑ https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies
      14. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/animal-bites-and-rabies
      15. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3272373/ .
      16. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/php/protecting-public-health/index.html
      17. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5651a1.html
      18. ↑ https://www.harboranimalhospital.com/site/blog/2023/03/23/rabies-in-cats
      19. ↑ http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/caring-for-your-pet/rabies-facts-tips.html
      20. ↑ http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/caring-for-your-pet/rabies-facts-tips.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To tell if a cat has rabies, keep an eye out for common early signs, like irritability, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and inability to swallow. If you suspect your cat has rabies, inspect it for bite marks or signs of a fight since fighting with a rabid animal is often how cats contract the disease. However, be extra cautious if your cat is foaming at the mouth and acting aggressive, as these are signs that it has furious form of rabies. If you think your cat has furious form of rabies, contact animal control for assistance. To learn how to treat a rabid cat with the help of animal control and a vet, scroll down!

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