Recognizing Cats with Rabies Behavior: Key Signs and Symptoms
Early detection of rabies is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus. Here are the key signs and symptoms that might indicate rabies behavior in cats:
1. Changes in Behavior:
- Unusual Aggression: Even the friendliest cats can become aggressive. Look for unprovoked biting, scratching, or hissing.
- Extreme Irritability: A normally calm cat may become overly sensitive to touch or loud noises.
- Unexplained Fearfulness: Rabid cats may display fear of water (hydrophobia), bright lights, or other stimuli they were previously comfortable with.
2. Physical Symptoms for Cats with Rabies Behavior:
- Drooling or Foaming at the Mouth: As the virus progresses, infected cats may drool excessively or foam at the mouth.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Cats with rabies often struggle to swallow due to muscle paralysis in the throat.
- Paralysis and Loss of Motor Control: In the later stages, cats may suffer from partial paralysis, affecting their ability to walk or hold themselves upright.
3. Other Symptoms in Cats with Rabies Behavior:
- Lethargy or Weakness: Affected cats may appear unusually tired or weak.
- Seizures or Muscle Tremors: These signs indicate severe neurological involvement.
- Self-Mutilation: Some cats may bite or scratch themselves excessively.
What to Do If You Suspect Cats with Rabies Behavior
If you suspect your cat might have rabies, it’s critical to act swiftly and carefully to protect yourself, your pet, and others:
- Avoid Contact: Do not try to handle your cat directly. Use protective gloves if contact is necessary and keep the cat in a secure area away from people and other pets.
- Call a Veterinarian Immediately: Describe your cat’s symptoms and behavior to your vet and follow their advice. They may recommend bringing your cat in for examination or contacting animal control.
- Inform Local Authorities: Rabies is a reportable disease. You are required to notify local animal control or public health officials.
- Quarantine or Euthanasia: Unfortunately, if a cat is showing signs of rabies, euthanasia is often recommended to prevent suffering and avoid transmission. If your cat is not yet symptomatic but exposed, they may be quarantined for observation.
