Signs of Rabies in Cats: What to Do 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.

What are the symptoms of rabies in cats?

  • Aggression
  • Drooling or foaming at the mouth
  • Lack of coordination, including trouble walking
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Changes in typical behavior or temperament
Section 1 of 9:

Signs of Rabies in Cats

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    Even the tamest and shyest cats can become mean if they have rabies. If a cat is unusually and suddenly aggressive or vicious toward you or other animals, it may be because they have rabies. [1]
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    Rabies can make it difficult for a cat to control their mouth muscles. Because of this, they may have trouble swallowing, causing them to drool. Similarly, they may also foam at the mouth. [2]
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    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. [3]
    • As rabies progresses, this can quickly turn into paralysis.
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    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, it may be a sign that there’s a bigger problem. [4]
    • Similarly, some cats may vomit or choke when eating or drinking.
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    A cat with rabies will act differently than usual. Cats who are usually shy and timid may become excitable, and cats who are normally extroverted may turn nervous or irritable. [5]
    • You know your cat best! If they start to behave oddly, pay close attention to see if they show other symptoms.
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Section 2 of 9:

What is rabies?

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    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. [6]
    • The virus enters the body through a bite, cut, or scratch and is typically transmitted through mucus from the mouth or eyes.
Section 3 of 9:

How do cats get rabies?

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    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. [7]
    • 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 4 of 9:

When do the first symptoms of rabies appear?

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    When and which symptoms of rabies appear depends on the infection site and severity. Cats usually won’t show immediate signs of symptoms until 3 to 8 weeks after exposure. In severe cases, it can take up to 10 days. In others, up to a year. [8]
Section 5 of 9:

Diagnosis & Treatment

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    If you believe your cat may have rabies, don’t hesitate to take them to the vet. Rabies is a fast-acting virus, and symptoms can drastically worsen in a short period of time. Because of this, it’s important to act fast. [9]
    • This is especially important if you believe another animal has bitten your cat.
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    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. [10]
    • 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.
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    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. [11]
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    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. [12]
    • 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.
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Section 6 of 9:

How to Prevent Rabies in Cats

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    Vaccinating your cat against rabies is the best, most cost-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. [13]
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    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. [14]
    • 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.
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    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: [15]
    • 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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    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. [16]
    • Know that there hasn’t been a known human case of rabies in over 40 years. Plus, you can rest assured knowing that the human treatment for the virus is extremely effective. [17]
    • If an unknown animal bites you, try to get a good look at it or see where it goes. This can help officials locate the animal later so no further harm is caused.
Section 8 of 9:

How common is rabies in cats?

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    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. [18]
    • Believe it or not, rabies is more common in cats than dogs.
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Section 9 of 9:

What should you do if you see an infected cat?

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    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. [19]
    • If your cat is being extremely aggressive, consider calling animal control for help transporting them to the vet safely.

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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Warnings

      • Leave wild animals alone. This includes baby animals. Always call animal control or a wildlife center for help. [20]
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19965838
      2. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18365035
      3. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18365035
      4. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19965838
      5. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19965838
      6. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/animal-bites-and-rabies
      7. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15962654
      8. ↑ https://www.cedaranimalmedicalcenter.com/site/blog/2023/04/15/rabies-cats-signs-symptoms
      9. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/animal-bites-and-rabies
      1. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/animal-bites-and-rabies
      2. ↑ http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/caring-for-your-pet/rabies-facts-tips.html
      3. ↑ http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/caring-for-your-pet/rabies-facts-tips.html
      4. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/rabies
      5. ↑ http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/caring-for-your-pet/rabies-facts-tips.html
      6. ↑ http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/caring-for-your-pet/rabies-facts-tips.html
      7. ↑ https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/
      8. ↑ https://forgottencats.org/myth-versus-fact/
      9. ↑ https://www.harboranimalhospital.com/site/blog/2023/03/23/rabies-in-cats
      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

      About This Article

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      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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